Director of programmes and fundraising jobs

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

We need a Programme Director to lead a tri-borough initiative tackling serious youth violence across Kilburn, Queen's Park and surrounding communities.

This is a challenging and a rewarding role where you will be exercising your considerable judgement, diplomacy and practical project management skills.

Shared Ground is an innovative, co-funded project, seeking to work for the benefit of young people at risk of serious youth violence, with buy-in from stakeholders including Local Authority senior leads and Central government.

If you have a passion for the value and importance of community-based work in supporting positive futures for young people, why not help ensure that this ambitious programme thrives?

See the job description for more details.

The West Yorkshire Programme Manager will be responsible for the strategic and effective organisation of tutoring programmes delivered in primary, secondary and post-16 settings within West Yorkshire. You will be responsible for ensuring that our tuition programmes operate effectively and efficiently on a day-to-day basis. The West Yorkshire Programme Manager will lead a team and will share with schools, local authorities and multi-academic trusts the full range of Tutor Trust services, to further promote our work.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior leaders in schools, MATs, and the wider education sector across West Yorkshire.
• Secure and deliver presentations to school and college leaders to expand Tutor Trust’s network of partner institutions.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Operations Manager to develop and implement regional strategies for partnership growth.
• Promote Tutor Trust’s tuition services across the region and represent the organisation at stakeholder events.

 Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Lead tuition delivery across primary, secondary, and post-16 settings in West Yorkshire.
• Line manage the West Yorkshire Programme Coordinator and Programme Administrator to ensure effective project execution.
• Support the Strategic Operations Manager in guiding and developing the Programme Coordinator team.
• Deputise for the Strategic Operations Manager when required.

 Operational Oversight & Data Management

• Ensure accurate collection and reporting of impact data from tutors and partner institutions to support quality assurance, financial processes, and performance monitoring.
• Contribute to the development and tracking of tutoring targets and KPIs for internal and external reporting.
• Maintain accurate records on tuition progress using internal and external databases.
• Support internal communication systems to ensure timely and appropriate information sharing across teams and stakeholders.
• Manage the upload of Tuition Request Forms for West Yorkshire tuition assignments.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Lead on monitoring and reporting all safeguarding concern processes, within your teams, ensuring all concerns are reported promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputies, and helping to promote and foster a culture of vigilance and accountability across The Tutor Trust. 
• Take lead responsibility for monitoring safeguarding processes within your teams.

Tutor Recruitment & Development

• Support the recruitment and onboarding of tutors in collaboration with the recruitment team.
• Contribute to the training and development of new tutors, ensuring alignment with organisational standards.

 General Duties

• Assist with the planning and delivery of events for a range of stakeholders.
• Attend regular Partnership Operations team meetings led by the Programme Director.
• Undertake any other responsibilities commensurate with the role and grade.

 Person Specification

Strong candidates for this role will demonstrate a solid track record of performance, possess excellent IT and English skills, exhibit strong interpersonal and diplomatic abilities, and show initiative in their approach.

Skills

Leadership & Management

• The ability to lead, build and maintain successful teams and develop professional relationships.
• Demonstrated success in achieving targets and managing responsibilities effectively. 
• Strong business development skills to promote The Tutor Trust professionally. 

 Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders across all levels and sectors.
• Be able to write fluently, to think clearly and to grasp new concepts quickly.

Organisational & Time Management

• Proven experience in programme and project management.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work under pressure to cope with multiple demands and deadlines, to work fast and to a consistently high standard.

Technical Proficiency

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 and general IT systems. 

• Experience with CRM (Salesforce preferable) and other software platforms (preferred). 

Sector Knowledge

• Knowledge of the education landscape in West Yorkshire (advantageous).

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience. 

Attributes

• Committed to safeguarding children and young people, and willing to undergo DBS clearance.
• Alignment with the goals, ethos, and mission of the Tutor Trust.
• Empathy for disadvantaged and vulnerable learners. 
• Enthusiastic and proactive in contributing to organisational growth and success.
• Demonstrates leadership through sound decision-making and effective prioritisation.
• Excellent time-management and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours when required

Post Title: West Yorkshire Programme Manager

Responsible to: Strategic Operations Manager

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Holiday entitlement/Pension: Holiday entitlement will be 33 days per annum (inclusive of Bank Holidays), Employee Assistance Programme and access to an employee perk-based platform. The Tutor Trust also provides a contributory Government-backed NEST pensions scheme, which is offered to our employees after the qualifying period.

How to Apply

To apply, download an application form, an equality and diversity monitoring form and send your completed documents to the email provided on the website.

As Individual Giving Senior Executive, you'll play a key role in developing and delivering multi-channel campaigns that inspire supporters to continue and deepen their relationship with the Charity. 

You'll manage a varied portfolio of appeals, supporter retention, development, upgrade, cross-sell and reactivation activity, working across channels including direct mail, email and telephone. From campaign planning and creative development through to analysis and reporting, you'll take ownership of projects that help grow supporter loyalty and maximise long-term income.

Working closely with colleagues across the Charity and external agencies, you'll lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns and supporter journeys that place supporters at the heart of everything we do.

This role also includes line management responsibility for an Individual Giving Assistant, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build their leadership experience.

About us

At The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, we raise money to save the lives of people affected by cancer. The funds we raise support world-leading research, state-of-the-art equipment and exceptional patient care at The Royal Marsden, helping deliver breakthroughs that benefit people with cancer across the UK and around the world. 

We're entering an exciting period of growth, with ambitious plans to increase income, grow our supporter base and deliver exceptional supporter experiences. That's why we're looking for a talented Individual Giving fundraiser to join our Supporter Retention & Development team.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines strong direct marketing experience with excellent project management skills and a genuine passion for creating outstanding supporter experiences. 

You will have:

• Experience delivering successful Individual Giving or direct marketing campaigns, ideally focused on supporter retention and development. 
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple campaigns, budgets and deadlines. 
• Confidence analysing campaign performance and using insight to inform future activity and testing. 
• Experience working with databases, data selections and campaign reporting. 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working with agencies and suppliers. 
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. 

Experience of digital fundraising, mid-value giving or telephone fundraising campaigns would be an advantage, but is not essential. 

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your fundraising career at one of the UK's leading cancer charities and help The Royal Marsden to revolutionise cancer treatment through groundbreaking research, and deliver world-leading care.

We offer:

• 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
• Hybrid and flexible working (60% home working)
• Generous pension contributions
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Subsidised canteens
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative and values-led culture 

Our values

We're proud to be Respectful, Kind, Ambitious, Purposeful and Versatile. If you share our values and want to use your fundraising skills to make a meaningful difference to people affected by cancer, we'd love to hear from you. 

Apply today and help us make life-saving breakthroughs happen for people with cancer, now and in the future.

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 FTE (£48,000 - £64,000 Pro rata for part-time), commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent | Part-Time (0.8 FTE) | Year-round (Flexible working patterns considered)

Reporting to: The Head

St Catherine’s is seeking a visionary Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal executive role, you will lead the strategy for our fundraising, external relations, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives—shaping the future financial resilience and educational ambition of the School.

You will be responsible for securing philanthropic support, cultivating major donors, developing strategic partnerships and generating sustainable income opportunities. Whether your background is in corporate partnerships, high-value fundraising, commercial growth, hospitality, or professional services, this is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your relationship-building expertise to make a lasting impact. Prior experience in the education sector is not required.

The Opportunity

As a senior ambassador for St Catherine’s, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to diversify income, engage key stakeholders, and maximize the value of the School’s brand and physical assets.

Reporting directly to the Head, you will oversee our Development and Alumnae Relations functions while collaborating closely with Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.

Key Priorities:

• Philanthropy & Major Gifts: Build and steward a pipeline of prospective donors, leading capital campaigns, grant applications, and major gift initiatives across alumnae, parents, and benefactors.
• Strategic Partnerships & Commercial Growth: Identify and secure mutually beneficial collaborations across business, technology, arts, sport, and the wider community.
• Alumnae & Community Engagement: Deliver an exceptional engagement strategy that turns network affinity into meaningful advocacy, mentorship, and support.
• Asset Optimization: Partner with executive colleagues to identify commercial opportunities within the School’s Site Masterplan and facilities.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Champion CRM systems and performance insights to track growth, evaluate potential initiatives, and guide executive decision-making.

About you:

• Senior Commercial Leadership: Proven success in a brand-led, growth-focused, or customer-centric organization.
• Relationship Mastery: Outstanding networking, negotiation, and influence skills with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, or executive stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: The ability to translate big-picture strategy into clear, measurable execution frameworks.
• Data Literacy: Comfortable utilizing data insights, CRM systems, and performance dashboards to track pipeline conversion and guide choices.
• Ethos & Integrity: Alignment with St Catherine’s values, a commitment to holistic education, and an uncompromising dedication to child safeguarding.

Why Join Us?

At St Catherine’s, we offer a collaborative environment and a competitive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Working: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with flexible working patterns considered.
• Pension Scheme: Generous employer pension contributions (up to 12% employer).
• Holiday Allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata), available to book year-round.
• Fee Remission: Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Health Cash Plan, complimentary lunches during term time, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Convenience: Free ample on-site parking.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online via My New Term by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scottish charity working in partnership with migrant workers at risk of exploitation across Scotland to secure their rights, challenge labour exploitation, build collective power, and drive lasting law and policy change. We are an evidence-led, worker-driven organisation with strong governance and a growing track record of policy impact. We're building a movement of people who welcome all workers, working towards a world where we are all safe, valued and respected at work — no matter our job or nationality.

WSC operates a worker-driven structure that places migrant workers at the centre of our governance and decision-making. We deliver casework alongside worker-led organising and policy advocacy, supporting migrant workers in seasonal agriculture and social care to meet basic needs and to understand and exercise their rights, including through our Worker Power programme, which builds solidarity between workers and within communities.

This is a new, senior role bringing together fundraising and communications leadership at WSC. The Fundraising and Communications Manager will lead the strategic direction for both functions, with a particular emphasis on hands-on delivery of fundraising activity — building relationships with trusts, corporate partners and individual donors, and securing the income that underpins WSC's growth.

On the communications side, the postholder will set strategy, editorial direction and quality standards, working closely with and line managing the Communications and Movement Building Officer, who leads day-to-day content and campaign delivery. This is a role for someone who can operate strategically with the Executive Director and Board while remaining close to the detail of funding applications, donor relationships and income targets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

● Lead the development and delivery of an integrated Fundraising and Communications strategy that grows WSC's income and public profile in support of organisational goals.

● Advise the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on income generation, funding risk, and public positioning.

● Own annual fundraising and communications targets, budgets and KPIs, reporting regularly on progress.

● Work collaboratively with the team on both fundraising and communications work.

Fundraising (primary delivery focus)

● Lead on identifying, cultivating and securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and grant-making bodies, with hands-on responsibility for research, applications and relationship management.

● Develop diversified income streams, including individual giving, community fundraising and philanthropic support.

● Write and submit compelling funding proposals and grant applications, working closely with the Executive Director and programme colleagues to develop a strong case for support and evidence impact.

● Build and maintain funder relationships, including stewardship, reporting deadlines and site visits.

● Maintain the funder pipeline, income tracking and forecasting, and provide regular financial reporting to the Executive Director.

● Ensure fundraising activity complies with charity governance, fundraising regulation and data protection requirements.

Communications (strategic oversight and delegated delivery)

● Set the strategic direction for WSC's communications, ensuring it amplifies the voices of migrant workers and supports movement-building, policy influence and fundraising goals.

● Develop streams of work specifically targeting Scottish Government pledges on areas including fair work, human trafficking, migrant integration, housing and poverty, working with policy colleagues to shape public messaging.

● Provide direction, editorial oversight and quality assurance for content produced by the Strategic Communications Officer, including the website, social media, press, newsletters and campaign materials.

● Act as WSC's senior media contact, and through the Strategic Communications Officer ensure appropriate relationships are built with journalists to secure profile-raising opportunities on migrant worker rights, fair work and labour exploitation.

● Ensure consistent brand, tone of voice and values-led, worker-centred storytelling across all communications channels.

● Oversee communications that support fundraising campaigns, donor communications and public engagement.

Line Management

● Line manage the Communications and Movement Building Officer, including regular supervision, goal-setting and professional development.

● Support the Strategic Communications Officer to deliver day-to-day content, campaigns and movement-building communications activity in line with agreed strategy.

● Manage freelancers, agencies or consultants (for example design, digital or PR support) as required.

Governance & Reporting

● Ensure compliance with fundraising, charity, data protection (GDPR) and safeguarding legislation across fundraising and communications activity.

● Maintain accurate fundraising and communications databases (CRM, Mailchimp and similar), and provide regular reporting and analysis to the Executive Director and Board.

● Support the Executive Director and Board in reporting income and impact to funders, trustees and other stakeholders.

● Participate in the WSC Senior Management Team, helping review alignment of WSC’s work with strategic vision. 

Participation & Values

● Champion WSC's worker-driven governance model, ensuring workers' voices lead our fundraising and communications narratives.

● Collaborate with policy, casework and operations colleagues to align fundraising, communications and organisational priorities.

● Co-produce fundraising and communications outputs with workers, prioritising their voices, interests and concerns.

● Actively contribute to a values-led, inclusive and collaborative working culture.

Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

Significant experience in fundraising, with a demonstrable track record of securing income from trusts, corporate partners and/or individual donors (Essential)

Experience developing and delivering fundraising and communications strategies (Essential)

Experience writing successful funding proposals, grant applications and funder reports (Essential)

Strong track record in communications, with experience overseeing brand, messaging and multi-channel content (Essential)

Experience managing staff (Essential)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences (Essential)

Experience of budget setting, monitoring and income forecasting (Essential)

Understanding of charity governance, fundraising regulation and data protection (GDPR) (Essential)

Experience using a CRM or donor database and digital communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp) (Essential)

Knowledge of, or strong interest in, labour rights, migrant rights and/or human rights issues (Essential)

Knowledge of accessible and inclusive communications, and values-led, ethical storytelling (Essential)

Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities (Essential)

Experience of media relations and press office activity (Essential)

Desirable experience:

Direct experience of migrant worker rights, labour exploitation or related sectors 

Experience managing external agencies, freelancers or consultants 

Media trained

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Lived experience of precarious work and/or the immigration system

Intermediate level or above of languages spoken by workers WSC partners with, e.g. Russian, Filipino.

Qualifications

● Advanced level degree or equivalent professional experience in Fundraising, Communications, Marketing, or a related field (Essential).

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

Individual Giving and Legacies Manager

Fundraising & Engagement | Remote (UK-based)

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Hours: Full time (35 hours per week to be worked over 5 days)

Location: Home-based in the UK with occasional paid travel to London

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 30 June 2029 (with potential for extension)

Join Population Matters

We are a UK charity with a global remit. Our vision is of a world in which our human population lives fairly and sustainably with nature and each other.  As we enter an exciting new phase of growth and influence, we’re looking for an experienced, proactive Individual Giving and Legacies Manager to launch and lead our public fundraising portfolio, deepen supporter relationships and help grow sustainable income.

About the Role

We’re looking for a strategic, hands-on fundraising leader who can develop and deliver our Individual Giving and Legacies programme, spanning legacies, membership, regular giving, lottery, appeals, publications, merchandise, Gift Aid, in-memory giving and supporter care. You will be able to balance planning with delivery, using data-driven insight to acquire, retain, upgrade and reactivate supporters while building a positive team culture where your team members feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.

Important Information

· This is a UK-based role

· Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK

· We are unable to offer sponsorship

Apply Now

If you’re ready to play a vital role in a purpose-driven organisation and help shape a more sustainable future, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit a CV (not more than 3 pages) and answer the application questions explaining your interest in this role and how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. A cover letter is not required. 

Closing date: Monday 24 August 2026 at 09:00 (BST)

Population Matters is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age and all other categories protected by law. Please refer to our full EDI statement attached with this advert.

If you require any adjustments to make the process more accessible, or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please see contact details within our EDI statement attached below this advert. 

Thank you for your interest in Population Matters.

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ChildAid to Eastern Europe is a long-established Christian charity working with local partners across Eastern Europe to improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families.

We are seeking an exceptional Director to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and income generation to ensure the charity’s long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on role, combining high-level strategy with day-to-day delivery. You will act as the public face of the charity, strengthen partner and donor relationships, and lead across fundraising, communications, operations and team development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic vision.
• Develop and grow sustainable income streams.
• Oversee financial management, governance and compliance.
• Strengthen marketing, communications and organisational profile.
• Support programme delivery and partner relationships in Eastern Europe.
• Lead and develop a small team of staff and volunteers.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the charity sector.
• A strong track record in fundraising or income generation.
• Proven financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability.
• Strategic thinking, combined with a practical, hands-on approach.
• A genuine commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

Additional information

This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Christian, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Why join us?
Lead a respected charity with over 50 years of impact, shape future strategy and help transform the lives of vulnerable children and families.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

Start your fundraising career with a leading national anti-prejudice charity and help build the relationships that make our work possible.

Gain hands-on experience across trusts, donors, events and fundraising operations while developing valuable skills in a supportive, mission-driven team.

The Anne Frank Trust UK empowers young people to challenge all forms of prejudice through education and dialogue. We are looking for a motivated, organised and enthusiastic Fundraising Assistant to join our Development Team and play a key role in supporting the fundraising activity that enables our work to reach thousands of young people each year.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into fundraising or the charity sector. You do not need extensive fundraising experience. We are looking for someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and a genuine commitment to our mission. In return, you will receive hands-on training, mentoring from experienced colleagues and opportunities to develop your skills and take on increasing responsibility.

As Fundraising Assistant, you will support all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement. From processing donations and managing supporter records to helping deliver events, steward donors and support trust and foundation fundraising, you will gain broad experience across multiple fundraising disciplines. As your confidence develops, you will have the opportunity to contribute to funding applications and manage smaller grant requests independently.

You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, supporting donor visits, fundraising events and school engagement opportunities, while helping to ensure our supporters receive an outstanding experience at every stage of their journey with the Trust.

We are looking for someone who is curious, proactive and eager to learn. If you enjoy building relationships, are comfortable balancing multiple priorities and want to be part of an organisation committed to equality, diversity and youth empowerment, we would love to hear from you.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop a strong foundation in fundraising while making a meaningful contribution to an organisation that helps empower young people create across the UK to recognise and challenge all forms of prejudice.

SALARY: £28,860 (Includes London Weighting)

CONTRACT: Permanent

HOURS: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Usually Mon-Fri 9am to 5.30pm.

4 days out of 5 (Monday to Thursday) in the office in London.

Occasional work required outside usual time for events with Time Off In Lieu provided.

Office Based – with a day to work from home and occasional UK-wide travel and overnight stays.

BENEFITS: The postholder will be entitled to the Trust’s standard benefits, pro-rated where applicable, and subject to scheme rules and eligibility. These include: 28 days’ annual leave plus statutory holidays in England and Wales and any additional discretionary closure days in December; contributory pension (10% total: 5% employee/ 5% employer) with option to increase to 17% (7% employee, 10% employer) post-probation; cycle to work scheme; Employee Assistance Programme

Tasks and Responsibilities

· Maintain and update the fundraising database, ensuring supporter records are accurate, complete and up to date.

· Process donations and prepare acknowledgement letters, emails and receipts in line with donor stewardship standards.

· Manage Gift Aid administration, including data checks, record maintenance and submission processes.

· Provide administrative support to Fundraising Officers, including diary management, meeting scheduling and preparation of briefing materials.

· Support the planning and delivery of fundraising events, donor visits and receptions.

· Coordinate donor and community representative visits to schools in collaboration with the Education Team.

· Assist with the preparation of fundraising reports, presentations and internal documentation.

· Support general department administration to ensure the smooth running of the fundraising function.

· Conduct basic prospect research to identify potential funding opportunities.

· Prepare supporting documents, budgets and attachments for grant applications.

· Maintain accurate records of application deadlines, reporting requirements, funding decisions and income forecasts.

· Assist with drafting sections of funding applications and reports.

· Support the management of smaller grant applications and reports, with the opportunity to lead applications of up to approximately £5,000 as experience develops.

· Monitor grant reporting deadlines and ensure officers are supported to meet all requirements.

· Prepare thank-you letters, impact updates and other donor communications.

· Support the administration and delivery of the organisation’s Patrons Programme.

· Assist with donor stewardship activities and ensure timely follow-up actions are completed.

· Support the tracking and management of donor journeys in collaboration with the Communications team.

· Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and stewardship activity on the fundraising database.

· Help ensure donors receive a positive and consistent experience across all engagement touchpoints.

Person Specification:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

· An interest in fundraising, philanthropy or the wider charity sector.

· Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Good administrative skills and confidence working with databases, spreadsheets and digital systems.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

· A proactive, reliable and positive approach to work.

· Willingness to learn, accept feedback and develop professionally.

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

· An understanding of and interest in fundraising, donor stewardship or supporter engagement.

· Experience using a CRM, fundraising database or supporter management system.

· Experience supporting events or coordinating projects.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Excellent organisational skills, to manage a varied workload.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships with relevant stakeholders.

· Ability to use initiative, problem solve and be a team player.

· Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

· Excellent presentation skills.

VALUES AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

· Enthusiasm for Anne Frank, the Trust’s work including our commitment to youth empowerment.

· A deeply held belief in equality and diversity with a willingness to learn.

·A commitment to helping young people recognise and challenge all forms of prejudice.

· Willingness to travel regionally and across the UK and work evenings and weekends when required.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Educated to at least degree level or equivalent, ideally with a relevant professional qualification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

· Enhanced DBS check on appointment

The application process is submitting your CV and a supporting statement outlining why you want to work for the Anne Frank Trust UK (no more than 1,000 words).

Please upload your CV and Cover Letter via the Charity Job portal.

The closing date is 28th August but we reserve the right to close the posting early if enough suitable candidates are found.

First stage interviews will take place in person in our London office on Monday 14th or Wednesday 16th September with a second stage in person interview to follow.

Join BrainWaves at an exciting stage of growth and help build the sustainable income behind our ambitious plans to improve young people’s mental health.

This is a rare opportunity for a proactive fundraiser to take real ownership of a growing fundraising programme, working with experienced specialists while broadening your expertise across trusts, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving.

About BrainWaves Research

BrainWaves Research is a charity working to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through research, education and collaboration.

We bring together scientists, educators, schools and young people to build a stronger understanding of adolescent mental health and translate evidence into practical support. Our work combines a major longitudinal research study with evidence-based educational resources for schools.

BrainWaves is a long-term collaboration involving the University of Oxford, Swansea University and The Day News & Media. We are entering an exciting stage of growth and are looking for a proactive and versatile Fundraising Manager to help secure the sustainable income needed to achieve our ambitions.

The opportunity

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of fundraising across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships and individual giving, developing new opportunities as well as managing and growing existing relationships.

The role may particularly suit someone with strong experience in one area – most likely trusts and foundations or high-value giving – who is ready to broaden their expertise across a mixed portfolio.

You will work particularly closely with our fractional Fundraising Director, who will provide strategic direction and support, as well as experienced specialists in major gifts and events, senior volunteers and colleagues across BrainWaves.

This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy. We are looking for someone proactive, ambitious and organised who enjoys turning strategy into action, building relationships, improving systems and hitting targets. Above all, you will be passionate about our mission to improve young people’s mental health.

Key responsibilities

Fundraising and income growth

• Work with the Fundraising Director and COO to deliver BrainWaves’ fundraising strategy and annual income plan.

• Manage and grow a pipeline across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates and individual giving.

• Research and develop new prospects, partnerships and sustainable income opportunities.

• Prepare compelling cases for support, grant applications, proposals, presentations and donor communications.

• Take ownership of agreed income targets, deadlines and activity plans, monitoring performance and forecasting income.

• Manage funder and supporter relationships from initial approach through to reporting and stewardship.

Major donors, corporates and supporters

• Work with the Fundraising Director, trustees, senior volunteers and specialist advisers to identify, cultivate and steward high-value prospects.

• Build relationships with companies whose values and interests align with BrainWaves and develop appropriate partnership opportunities.

• Help develop our individual-giving programme, including appeals, regular giving and supporter journeys.

• Manage and improve our use of JustGiving and other digital fundraising platforms.

• Support donor and cultivation events, including prospect identification, communications and follow-up.

CRM, data and fundraising operations

• Take day-to-day ownership of BrainWaves’ CRM, ensuring supporter, prospect, donation and relationship records are accurate and up to date.

• Improve how the CRM is used for pipeline management, reporting, segmentation, stewardship and task management.

• Establish clear and consistent processes for recording and using fundraising information.

• Produce regular pipeline, income and forecasting reports and use data to identify opportunities, gaps and risks.

• Ensure information from JustGiving and other platforms is captured and followed up appropriately.

• Maintain high standards of data protection, fundraising compliance and data quality.

Collaborative working

• Work closely with the Fundraising Director and experienced freelance specialists in fundraising strategy, major gifts and events.

• Collaborate with colleagues across communications, research and operations to develop strong fundraising propositions and materials.

• Support trustees and senior volunteers in their fundraising activity.

• Attend occasional meetings and events, primarily in Oxford and London.

About you

You will be a confident and proactive fundraiser with strong experience in at least one income stream and an appetite to broaden your expertise.

You will be a persuasive communicator and excellent relationship builder, comfortable managing multiple prospects, deadlines and priorities. You will enjoy working in a small, evolving organisation where initiative is valued and will be effective working independently from home while staying closely connected to the wider team.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by ambitious targets and genuinely excited by BrainWaves’ mission.

Essential experience and skills

• Experience of securing income within a charity, university, research institution or other purpose-led organisation.

• Strong experience in at least one fundraising stream, such as trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates or individual giving.

• Evidence of meeting fundraising targets or contributing significantly to income growth.

• Experience of managing prospects from research and qualification through to solicitation and stewardship.

• Excellent written skills, including producing persuasive applications, proposals and donor communications.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to understand complex information and turn it into a clear and compelling case for support.

• Experience of using a fundraising CRM to manage pipelines, records and reporting.

• Excellent organisation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• A proactive, resourceful and collaborative approach.

• A genuine commitment to BrainWaves’ purpose.

Desirable experience

• Experience across more than one fundraising income stream.

• Trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising experience.

• Experience of corporate partnerships.

• Experience of using and improving a CRM, particularly Beacon or a similar system.

• Experience of JustGiving or similar digital fundraising platforms.

• Experience of fundraising for mental health, young people, education, science, health or research.

• Knowledge of fundraising regulation and data protection.

• Experience of donor cultivation or fundraising events.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape and grow fundraising within an ambitious charity.

• Close working with an experienced Fundraising Director and senior fundraising specialists.

• Significant autonomy and the opportunity to broaden your fundraising experience.

• Meaningful work supporting research and education focused on adolescent mental health.

• A flexible, predominantly home-based role.

• 25 days’ annual leave pro rata.

• Auto-enrolment into our pension scheme after successful completion of a three-month probation period.

• Reasonable travel expenses for required meetings and events.

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) to recruit an Assistant Director of Community Fundraising & Engagement, a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving the next phase of growth across the charity’s national and regional community fundraising programmes. 

Assistant Director of Community Fundraising & Engagement
Salary: £69,852 (non-negotiable)
Location: London with hybrid working and regular UK-wide travel

ABF is the Army’s national charity, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their families. With an established regional fundraising network, a loyal volunteer base and ambitious plans for growth, they are now seeking an experienced community fundraising leader to build on strong foundations and enhance fundraising performance across the organisation.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a team of nine Regional Directors, providing strategic fundraising leadership while helping ABF evolve its approach to community and events fundraising. The organisation has a long history of successful regional fundraising activity, supported by passionate teams and volunteers who care deeply about the charity’s mission. The successful candidate will bring fresh thinking and external expertise while respecting and building upon the strengths that already exist.

The Assistant Director will play a key role in shaping the community fundraising and engagement strategy, improving ROI across fundraising activities and strengthening collaboration between regional teams and head office. They will help drive an exciting and scalable programme of activity, ensuring that national initiatives, fundraising opportunities and best practice are effectively shared and implemented consistently across the country.

Alongside leading regional fundraising performance, the postholder will oversee the development of a new volunteer strategy, helping the organisation maximise the impact of its volunteer committees and ensuring volunteers remain at the heart of future fundraising success.

As Assistant Director of Community Fundraising & Engagement, you will:

• Lead, coach and inspire a team of nine Regional Directors, providing clear fundraising leadership and strategic direction.
• Drive the ongoing development and implementation of ABF’s community and events fundraising strategy.
• Identify opportunities to increase income, improve ROI and enhance fundraising performance across the regional network.
• Support the rollout of national fundraising initiatives and campaigns across the UK.
• Strengthen collaboration between regional fundraising teams and head office functions.
• Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, including High Value and Individual Giving teams, to maximise supporter engagement opportunities.
• Lead the development and implementation of a new volunteer strategy, ensuring effective operational delivery.
• Contribute to strengthening ABF’s case for support and fundraising proposition.
• Build strong relationships with regional teams, volunteers and senior stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment around organisational priorities.

The role would best suit:

• An experienced fundraising leader with a strong background in community, regional or mass participation fundraising.
• Someone who has led geographically dispersed teams and understands the opportunities and challenges of regional fundraising models.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to assess existing activity, identify opportunities for improvement and deliver sustainable income growth.
• An individual who is diplomatic, emotionally intelligent and skilled at building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Someone who can bring innovation and fresh ideas while respecting established cultures and ways of working.
• An individual with knowledge of fundraising regulation, governance and volunteer best practice.

A military background is not required. What matters most is the ability to lead people, bring fundraising expertise and successfully navigate a complex stakeholder environment while supporting ABF’s unique culture and values.

How to Apply
The deadline for this role is Wednesday 2nd September, with 1st stage interviews to take place on 9th September. To express an initial interest, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.

ThinkForward is recruiting an Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help lead our team delivering our unique programme supporting young people into further education and employment. 

About the Role

Our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships is a pivotal executive leadership role, that will transform income generation into a partnership-led growth engine for ThinkForward.

Purpose: To lead and embed a strategic partnership ecosystem that delivers sustainable, diversified income growth; access to commissioned and place-based funding; scalable delivery routes; and increased influence in policy
and practice. The post holder will personally originate, shape and close major funding and partnership opportunities with senior stakeholders.

Strategic Focus: Act as executive relationship lead for government, local authorities, commissioners and major stakeholders; increase access to public-sector funding, commissioning and multiyear partnership agreements; diversify income across statutory, corporate and trusts and foundations funding streams; turn system-level partnerships into delivery settings, national reach and more young people supported.

Why it Matters: The role enables ThinkForward to move from transactional partnerships to system-level influence and secure a share of £1bn+ public funding flows linked to youth outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Experience: Senior leadership in fundraising, partnerships or public-sector engagement; securing six- and seven-figure multi-year partnerships; Board-level influence across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Executive Capability: Exceptional relationship-building, commercial thinking and the ability to shape complex funding propositions in political, policy and commissioning environments.

Leadership: Able to lead high-performing teams, build pipeline and CRM discipline, and balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Knowledge and Attributes: Understands public-sector commissioning, place-based funding and the charity funding landscape; outward-facing, entrepreneurial, values-driven, collaborative and systems-oriented.

Application Details

Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000PA
Location: London/Hybrid

For more information about ThinkForward and the role you could play as our Director of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships, please download the attached job specification. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages) either via Charityjob. Your covering letter should tell us why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification outlined in the job description.

We look forward to hearing from you.