Fundraising director jobs

Overall purpose of the role

To lead the development of a regular giving and legacy programme at the AHF, and to support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO in development and management of a major gifts programme during the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with possibility for continued role thereafter. The post holder will be responsible for developing systems to monitor and increase the number of regular and legacy donors to the AHF, including stewardship opportunities, and will assist in prospect research, qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors.

2 Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO on development and delivery of the anniversary programme of activities, with particular focus on research to identify potential invitees to and engaging attendees at and after campaign launch and closure events, exhibition launches in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London, and an industry-facing conference in London.
    
2. Develop and manage a legacy programme for the AHF including stewardship activities; develop and manage a personal portfolio of legacy donors, including making asks of existing regular supporters to consider legacies and development and drafting of legacy proposals and contracts.
    
3. Develop and manage a programme of higher-level regular giving (over £500 per annum), including stewardship activities and making asks of regular supporters to increase their giving.
    
4. Support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO, and CEO, with identification and management of a growing portfolio of major gift prospects, including supporting major gifts asks and helping Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO and CEO with ongoing cultivation and stewardship of major donors.
    
5. Lead on managing the AHF’s donor database, Beacon, ensuring the data is up to date with giving from Charities Aid Foundation and other external gifts, that fundraising activity is appropriately recorded on the database, and that our records are fully compliant with data protection legislation.
    
6. Work closely with the Communications Office and consultants supporting the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with an eye on developing and maximising opportunities to introduce the AHF to new potential supporters and to bolster our key messaging with those already known to us. As part of this work, sit as Secretary of the AHF Communications and Anniversary subcommittee of our Board.
    
7. Develop and maintain a reporting structure to keep AHF SMT and Board up to date with fundraising activity and opportunities.
    
8. Responsible for maintaining the AHF’s log relating to Donor Due Diligence and assisting the Director of Programmes & Deputy CEO with maintaining appropriate policies related to fundraising, including those associated with donor due diligence.
    
9. Contribute to the development and delivery of new ways of working at the AHF that will see our organisation build and maintain greater philanthropic fundraising success, including bringing examples of best practice from other charities. Assist with other tasks and activities as required, particularly those activities and processes that support the wider engagement of potential supporters with the AHF’s work.

3 Person specification

Essential

• At least five years of experience in fundraising at a charity or educational institution, including at least three years of front-line engagement with supporters;
• Knowledgeable about the processes and legislation surrounding UK fundraising, including data protection and
• A pro-active leader, with demonstrably excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, and both verbal and written communication skills;
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and target-orientated; able to work effectively on own initiative, set appropriate priorities, delegate where appropriate and meet deadlines;
• A confident and engaging presenter and speaker;
• Demonstrable ability in problem solving in response to challenges posed;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and a track record of collaborative work with external partners;
• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the AHF’s mission – to help deliver a sustainable future for historic buildings throughout the UK through community enterprise;
• Strong numeric and financial skills; and
• A commitment to achieving beneficial social outcomes through heritage.

Desirable

• Experience working in a heritage-related charity.
• Experience building or managing legacy programmes.

The challenge should you choose to accept it.....

We are so proud of what we do, and we know you will be to. Communication and media are absolutely key to making the Hospice the incredible place it is. And you could be part of that.

With a rich, diverse history, which began back in 1979 with our founders, we’ve been making a difference ever since. 

Today our free care supports 2,000 local people and their families, in Herts and Bucks. We truly are a community hospice
– built and funded by the community, to serve the community.

So where do you come in?

People are at the heart of everything we do. And you would be no different. We are all vital cogs in delivering our care and support.

We are looking for a new Associate Director of Development – someone who will lead a new, relationship-based approach to fundraising and help us reach new heights in our income generation activities.

We aim to raise £800,000 from Major Gifts, Trusts and Foundations and Regular and Mid-Value Giving this year and are ambitious about growing this in the future.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead this work and to be at forefront of charting a new path for fundraising at The Hospice of St Francis.

The opportunity.....

You will play a pivotal role in growing income across the Hospice and leading new, relationship-based approaches to fundraising.

With responsibility for Major Donors, Trusts and Foundations, and Regular and Mid-Value Giving you will create and lead a new strategy to develop these areas and manage and grow a portfolio of high-value relationships.

You will also work hand in hand with Hospice colleagues to identify and curate exciting fundraising propositions, helping to raise strategic funds for our services.

As a leader in the fundraising team, you will provide coaching and management to your team and deputise for the Director Fundraising.

You will be central in forming close working relationships across the Hospice and with the Board of Trustees, enabling a whole hospice approach to fundraising.

The must haves:

• Fundraising Success: At least six years’ experience operating in a Major Gifts or Trusts and Foundations role and a track record of personally securing and stewarding five and six figure gifts
• Strategic thinker: Experience of researching, developing and implementing new strategies, and associated budgets and KPIs, and of developing portfolios, and prospect management tools
• Leading and inspiring: At least four years’ experience of inspiring, managing and developing 1+ line reports
• Proposition development: Creative in outlook and with experience of developing donor-centric fundraising propositions

The it would be great to haves:

• Regular Giving: Experience of developing and managing Regular Giving and mid-value programmes
• Team Management: Experience of managing, motivating and supporting a team
• CRM knowledge: Knowledge of DonorFly
• Fundraising qualification: A relevant fundraising qualification from CIOF or other

You know it makes sense....

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities
• On-site home cooked food served at a reasonable rate in our bistro​
• You’ll have freedom to make decisions within the boundaries of the Job Description and charity policy and procedure
• Don’t forget a stunning setting, plus #team comradery, support and bags of positivity!

For an informal discussion, or to find out more please visit our website: Associate Director of Development (Fundraising) | The Hospice of St. Francis 

This list of tasks and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the job holder may be required to undertake other relevant and appropriate duties as required by the Manager. This Job Description can be amended by agreement with the Post Holder and Manager

Please note; applicant shortlisting will take place as and when suitable individuals apply. As such, we would strongly encourage early applications. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed.  Interview arrangements will be communicated via email, so please check your email regularly.

The challenge should you choose to accept it.......

We are so proud of what we do, and we know you will be to. Stewarding great relationships and inspiring people to choose The Hospice of St Francis to receive their committed charitable giving are absolutely key to making the Hospice the incredible place it is now and for the future.  You could be part of that.

With a rich, diverse history, which began back in 1979, we have cared for and supported over 30,000 local people.  We have a dedicated and generous supporter base, customers, donors, adventurers, fundraisers and volunteers

Today our free care supports up to 2,000 local people every year, in Herts and Bucks.

We truly are a community hospice
– built and funded by the community, to serve the community.

So where do you come in?

People are at the heart of everything we do. And you would be no different. We are all vital cogs in delivering our care and support.

We are looking for a new Regular and Mid-Value Giving Officer – someone who brings a passion for hospice care and wants to play a part in establishing an integrated individual giving programme at the Hospice of St Francis.

This is an exciting opportunity to grow the Friends of St Francis, the Hospice’s regular giving programme, develop and test creative new approaches to regular giving and optimise the programme for the digital age.

This is a role that leaves lots of room for creativity and the chance to utilise a broad set of skills to drive sustainable income for The Hospice of St Francis.

The opportunity......

You will play a central role in growing and maintaining income across the Hospice and positioning us as the local charity of choice.

You will help establish an integrated individual giving programme, review and develop our regular giving offering, the Friends of St Francis, and establish a new mid-value segment.

This role will provide the opportunity to develop and test new ways to grow the supporter base whilst driving engagement and retention.

You’ll bring creativity and a results-oriented outlook, contributing to the wider success of fundraising at the Hospice.

The must haves......

• Fundraising Success: At least three years’ experience operating and growing income in an Individual Giving Role (or with relevant transferable skills)
• Data management and analysis: Strong data analysis skills with experience of approaches to data segmentation and  developing data management systems and processes
• Project management and collaboration: Ability to manage complex projects, working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
• Results orientated: Knowledge of developing and tracking KPIS and ability to drive regular giving that maximises ROI

The it would be great to have:

• Mid-Value Strategy: Experience of creating and executing a mid-value strategy
• Line management: Of staff or volunteers
• CRM Knowledge: Experience of DonorFy
• Hospice fundraising: Experience of fundraising in a Hospice setting
• Qualification: A relevant fundraising or marketing qualification, from CIOF or other

You know it makes sense....

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities
• On-site home cooked food served at a reasonable rate in our bistro​
• You’ll have freedom to make decisions within the boundaries of the Job Description and charity policy and procedure
• Don’t forget a stunning setting, plus #team comradery, support and bags of positivity!

XLP is a leading Christian youth work charity with a 30 year history of empowering young people in London. They are committed to creating a more just and equitable city where young people can thrive.

We’re partnering with XLP to recruit a strategic and proactive Director of Fundraising to shape and lead the charity’s income generation and communications. You will bring direction, structure and momentum to a newly forming team, strengthening individual giving and philanthropy, growing corporate partnerships, and overseeing trusts, events and digital campaigns. You will work closely with the CEO and the Partnerships Lead to drive the next phase of development, improve income planning and forecasting, and embed effective use of Salesforce for reporting.

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate with the Director of Youth Work and Director of Operations. You will also line manage the Head of Fundraising, the Partnerships Lead and the Fundraising & Reporting Officer, and oversee the Communications Manager to ensure clear, consistent and compelling external messaging that supports fundraising objectives.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Set the strategic direction for fundraising and communications, embedding strong planning, process and performance monitoring.
• Grow and diversify income across individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations, events and digital campaigns, with a focus on individual giving, major donors and philanthropy.
• Build and steward long term, high value supporter relationships, representing XLP confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high performing, collaborative team and culture.
• Own income targets of £2.5m - £3m per annum, with robust pipeline management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Use data and insight to shape supporter journeys, and ensure accurate, timely reporting in Salesforce in partnership with Finance and Impact teams.
• Work cross functionally to align fundraising with programme delivery and organisational priorities, including campaigns for XLP’s 30th anniversary.

We are actively committed to growing the diversity of our leadership team and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to apply.

If you would like an informal conversation, please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director at Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Applications should please be submitted through the Charisma website, to include your CV and supporting statement. Please see the candidate pack for full details.

All applicants must be wholeheartedly committed to the aims, ethos, and values of XLP. This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

Location: London/Hybrid

Closing date: 15 September 2025
First stage interviews with XLP: w/c 29 September 2025
Second stage interviews with XLP: w/c 6 October 2025

Role: Director of Fundraising and Engagement

Location: Hybrid/ Head Office, Dorsington near Stratford upon Avon, 2-3 days per week in office

Salary: £68,000 – 75,000

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reporting to: Chief Executive

The Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. We are helping to reverse centuries of woodland decline by creating and conserving a huge broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. A place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.

We are entering an exciting new chapter, with ambitious plans for growth and impact. As part of this evolution, we are appointing a new leadership role: Director of Fundraising and Engagement. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a charity with a bold vision and a deep commitment to nature, people and place.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Fundraising and Engagement will lead the development of a proactive and innovative fundraising strategy, supported by a clear and compelling marketing and communications proposition. You will play a central role in building the charity’s profile and reputation, locally, regionally and nationally, while developing income streams that will enable us to realise our long-term goals.

You will bring senior leadership experience and a successful track record of growing income across diverse fundraising channels. Your understanding of the charity fundraising and marketing landscape will be matched by your ability to create and deliver engaging campaigns, initiatives and events. You will be confident in managing multiple teams and stakeholders, including Board Trustees, and will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking and a collaborative leadership style.

We are looking for someone who is driven by strong values and empathy, with a deep commitment to our vision. You will be resilient, forward-thinking and innovative, with the ability to inspire and motivate high-performing teams. Knowledge or experience in impactful community engagement or outdoor learning experiences would also be an advantage.

This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate and purpose-led organisation at a pivotal moment. If you are ready to lead with creativity, conviction and care, we would love to hear from you. For more information, please click on Apply.

Closing date: 12 September 2025

About Women in Prison

Women in Prison is a national, women-led, feminist organisation. We deliver front line support to women harmed by the criminal justice system, through our work in prisons, in the community and ‘through the prison gate’ as they resettle back into their communities. We also campaign for systems change that addresses the root causes of offending, reduces the harmful impact of prison, and creates workable, community-based alternatives to imprisonment.
 

Job Description:
Job Purpose:

The Fundraising Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operations of Women in Prison’s Fundraising Team. This role will focus on providing high-quality administrative and operational support, ensuring smooth and efficient team functioning. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising and other team members, the postholder will manage key administrative processes, coordinate internal systems, and assist with supporter care, events, and data handling.

This is an ideal role for someone with strong administrative experience who is highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to social justice.
 

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Administrative support
2. Supporter stewardship
3. Data information and management
4. Research and reporting
5. Financial Coordination
6. General responsibilities

For full job description, please download the recruitment pack.

Join Housing Matters—a housing advice and advocacy charity—as our Communications and Fundraising Officer. 

You’ll manage our day-to-day communications across social media, email updates, and online resources, as well as support with key income generation working alongside our Director and external Trusts Fundraising consultant. This is a great opportunity for someone with a good track record of income generation and a passion for sharing our organisations impact through effective communications.

Essential: 

• 2+ years’ experience in trust fundraising or similar 

• Strong writing and digital communication skills 

• Familiarity with WordPress, Mailchimp, and social platforms 

Benefits include: 
25 days holiday (pro rata), flexible/hybrid working, pension scheme, employee wellbeing support. 

The Events & Fundraising Manager will work at the heart of our public events programme, helping to organise fundraising walks and other events across London and the South East, and raising funds to support the provision of free legal advice. Our events include the London Legal Walk -- an annual event which raises over £1 million each year -- regional Legal Walk events, and other fundraising events such as the Great Legal Quiz and the Great Legal Bake. LLST also purchases places for third party events such as the London Marathon, Brighton Marathon, and Big Half. We also raise money through individual and corporate donations.

The Events & Fundraising Manager's principal role is to manage these events and promote our fundraising in support of free legal advice charities in London and the South East. Your main duties and responsibilities will include the following: 

• Organising events
• Establishing and managing partnerships
• Managing staff and volunteers 
• Marketing and communications

We are looking for a candidate with demonstratable and relevant experience working at a senior level in mass participation and third-party challenge events. The person will be organised with experience managing projects, budgets, partnerships with funders and key stakeholders, suppliers, volunteers and staff. 

Please see the attached Recruitment Pack for a more information about LLST and a full job description. 

At Ambitious about Autism we're currently looking for a Community Fundraising Manager to join our Fundraising team.

You'll be the driving force behind the growth and success of this important income stream. You will inspire the communities in which we work to make a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic children and young people. You will have proven experience of exceptional relationship management and be able to think creatively to inspire community groups, schools, individuals and local businesses.

You'll develop and implement community fundraising strategies and identify, approach and cultivate relationships with community groups, schools, local businesses and individuals. Community Fundraising will play a key role in successfully delivering Ambitious about Autism's wider 2025-28 Fundraising Strategy. We are looking for a passionate self-starter with exceptional relationship building skills that feels excited at the prospect of shaping the future of Community Fundraising at Ambitious about Autism.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of building and growing Community Fundraising income
• Experience of developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Experience of planning and implementing successful Community Fundraising programmes including setting and meeting financial and supporter cultivation targets
• Excellent planning, project management and organisational skills

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Director to join our team. This pivotal role will be responsible for driving our fundraising efforts, developing relationships, building and managing cross organisational and corporate partnerships, and expanding our network to support and enhance our programmes. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, excellent networking abilities, and a passion for our mission. The postholder is key in the delivery of the organisation’s strategic vision and direction.

The core function of the role will be to help lead the organisation as it looks to expand its services and capacity to serve those with learning disabilities.

Over the last few months, CPF has been looking into upcoming tender opportunities and recently finished a feasibility study which has provided recommendations on some of the most viable partnership opportunities and expanded service provisions that could play a vital role in moving forward. These are built around three main priority areas – sustaining and expanding the advocacy service, building long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships with other organisations that result in additional service provisions, and expanding the use of the current premise to create a warm and welcoming space throughout the week and into the evenings.

The Director will be expected to take on some of the current conversations and plans around the three priority areas of the advocacy service, partnerships and creating a warm and welcome space; identifying the most viable way to bring in sustainable funding for these. The Director will be responsible for fundraising and income generation and they will be expected to identify grants and funding opportunities and varied income generation sources for the organisation. They will also develop fundraising strategies, cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors, identify funding, write bids and explore grant opportunities to ensure the charity has the resources to fulfil its mission.

Community Fundraising Officer

• Want to make a difference?
• Love meeting new people?
• Able to influence and inspire?
• Got something different to bring to our table?

Community Fundraising isn’t your average desk job. You’ll be supporting some truly inspirational people and making a real difference to our local community.

Building great relationships within our local area, our Community Fundraising Officer will guide and encourage members of the public, staff and volunteers who choose to support us. You’ll plan campaigns that delight and inspire and lead a team of volunteers to increase our reach to both raise awareness of our mission and increase income to fund our care.

If you’re reading this, and think it’s right up your street, then now is the time to act. Apply now and join the team making amazing things happen every day.

ellenor is a hospice charity in Gravesend providing palliative and end-of- life care within the local community. At ellenor, we value inclusivity and focus on providing high-quality services with compassion and care.

We offer professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme (with the option for NHS Pension Scheme members to transfer their pension), an employee assistance program, discount schemes, a generous annual leave allowance, and much more.

Key Responsibilities of the role include:

• Motivate and inspire our local community to fundraise in aid of ellenor
• Build long lasting sustainable relationships
• Develop and deliver Community Fundraising campaigns like Christmas Tree Recycling
• Run our Glorious Gardens programme

Essential requirements of the role include:

• Experience of Relationship Management or Customer Services
• Excellent IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Full UK drivers Licence and access to the use of a vehicle

This post is subject to Standard DBS clearance.

UK Immigration:

ellenor is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Application deadline: 17 September 2025

Interviews will be conducted on 23 September 2025

KEY INFORMATION

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours

Start date: September 2025 (we are happy to work with you and your notice period)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £46,420 - £51,725 per annum if based in London. £43,765 - £49,070 per annum if based in Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle or Bristol, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 31 August

ABOUT UPREACH

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2. 

Founded in 2012, we are an award-winning charity working in close partnership with employers and universities, we deliver a programme of 1-to-1 coaching to eligible undergraduates. We provide personalised employability support to over 3,000 students from across the UK, helping them to discover different career options, and develop the vital skills, networks and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen career and beyond.

To find out more about how we support our students, visit our website, read our Annual Report, and 2024-27 Strategy. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

It is an exciting time to join the team, with income growing year on year and an increasing awareness of our brand through activities such as the recent Radio 4 Charity Appeal. We have ambitious plans and the Head of Fundraising will make a significant contribution to future growth; you will manage the Fundraising and Events team with oversight of income generation from various sources including major donors, individuals, trusts & foundations and a portfolio of events.

The role will suit innovative individuals with experience of fundraising from major donors and at least one of the other specified income streams, and event planning or project management. 

You will represent upReach externally, acting as an ambassador for our work and building strategic relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. You will be accountable for income targets, developing the fundraising strategy and identifying new opportunities.

OUR VALUES

upReach upholds the following values:

• Perseverance

• Integrity

• Advocacy

• Aspiration

• Proactivity 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of Fundraising will contribute to upReach's mission by meeting financial targets, recognising when to make the fundraising ‘ask’ and leading the annual budget process. You will use clear, creative written communication to produce convincing cases for support, represent the charity at relevant networking events, work closely with the upReach Development Board and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation and External Engagement you will manage three direct reports and support individuals participating in the Future Charity Leaders Programme (upReach’s graduate scheme). You will work closely with  the Head of Partnerships, CEO, Programmes and Finance teams and other colleagues across the income generating and external engagement team.

The core responsibilities include: 

Leadership and strategy 

• Lead fundraising and philanthropy to realise financial targets (2025/26: £2.45m).

• Securing 5 and 6 figure gifts. 

• Inspire staff and volunteers to excel and achieve, champion the upReach values.

• Commit to the annual appraisal process and develop stretching, SMART OKRs (objectives and key results) to meet our strategic goals. 

• Deputise for the Director in their absence and play an key role in the Income Generation & External Engagement Leadership Team.

• Lead the strategic and operational planning process for the functional areas of responsibility and ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders. 

• Keep abreast of developments, changes in trends, new techniques and legislation. 

• Ensure planned activity is delivered in compliance with relevant charity law, other legislation, best practice and corporate policy.

• Act as a senior sounding board to ensure strategic decisions regarding donors and funders resonate with our objectives and mission.

• Contribute to strategic thinking including risk management and mitigation.

• Collate and present timely monthly management reports for each income stream.

• Lead the annual budget and financial forecasting processes to facilitate reporting and  strategic-decision making.

Working with stakeholders (internal and external) 

• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and secure all various income generating and profile raising opportunities, ensuring maximum impact and contribution from funders. 

• Lead, champion and model a culture of outstanding donor stewardship and supporter care; including best practice and behaviour. 

• Develop and foster effective relationships with key external contacts at all levels, e.g. donors, supporters, suppliers. 

• Make the fundraising ‘ask’ as and when appropriate, or support others to do so.

• Respond promptly to requests for information and action from supporters.

• Report and disseminate the key issues to emerge from supporter feedback. 

• Manage the complaints procedures for the department and conduct full investigation of all complaints received by the department.

Developing, maintaining systems and procedures 

• Determine and manage the operating systems needed to deliver activity and enable effective donor, supporter and volunteer relationship management. 

• Effectively develop the donor journey.

• Ensure records in the CRM are up to date.

• Conduct analysis of data from across functions responsible for, drawing conclusions, making recommendations to the Director. 

• Ensure the management of systems and processes comply with the organisation’s data protection obligations, charity law and other legal requirements.

People Management and Team Working

• Recruit and lead the Fundraising team, rotatees and volunteers as required.

• Ensure upReach promotes a high performance culture and professional integrity.

• Continue to develop the skills and knowledge of you and your team to ensure you are up-to-date with changing regulation and fundraising best practices.

• Lead and model the implementation of business improvement and people development initiatives including training and rotations.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the department and organisation.

Major Donors and Individuals

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to grow income, including an annual appeal. 

• Work with the CEO, nurture relationships with donors including high net worth individuals maintaining the highest level of donor care.

• Research, identify and engage prospective donors to secure 5 and 6 figure gifts.

• Lead the team to grow and develop the burgeoning major donor portfolio. 

• Work with the Alumni Team to identify opportunities to sustainably grow the individual giving pipeline, including beneficiaries. 

• Develop a legacies strategy and oversee delivery of awareness campaigns.

Events

• Lead the team on the delivery of a sector-leading events portfolio, to include income-generating events, and the Student Social Mobility Awards (SSMA’s).

• Engage, steward and motivate key stakeholders including the Development Board, Patrons, potential event committee members and other high value volunteers to grow our network and deliver successful fundraising events.

Trusts, Foundations & Corporates

• Oversight of Trusts, Foundation & Corporate fundraising strategy.

• Work with the Senior Fundraising Manager to identify and build relationships with Companies, Trusts and Foundations which are mission and/or programme aligned.

• Collaborate with the Head of Partnerships to build strategic relationships with companies that grow philanthropic and commercial income. 

• Support the acquisition of new, multi-year philanthropic funders and existing donors.

Other

• Regular out of office work may be required in order that the organisation is able to deliver on its commitments to its stakeholders

• Some UK travel will be required from time to time

Please note that it is not possible for the job description to cover the exhaustive list of responsibilities of your role due to the varied nature of the role. The job description aims to provide an overview of your remit and core responsibilities. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate should display these skills: 

• Influencing, facilitation and communication skills (both oral and written)

• Problem solving and decision making, the ability to stay calm under pressure 

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise and deliver to tight deadlines

• Passion and motivation 

• Leadership and collaboration skills

To be successful, it is anticipated that you will have experience working in a fast paced environment, third sector organisation with demonstrable success in meeting financial targets and motivating others;

• Exceptional relationship building, stakeholder management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at the highest level.

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, maintaining accuracy and working independently to find solutions to problems.

• You have developed fundraising strategies, budgets and plans with success in meeting income targets including 5 and 6 figure gifts.

• Coordinating annual budget reviews and preparing KPI/OKR reports and financial forecasts that help inform strategic decision-making at a senior level. 

• Ability to lead and motivate others, including senior team members; working cooperatively with and through people to reach goals.

• Clear and creative communicator and presenter; strong storytelling skills and a proactive attitude.

• You’ll understand fundraising performance metrics and how to use them in the delivery of objectives as well as showing knowledge in charity law as it applies to fundraising

• Sound knowledge of GDPR legislation and other fundraising regulations.

• Independent decision-making within authorised boundaries with the ability to anticipate and find solutions to potential problems.

• Strong project management and problem solving skills, in addition to superb organisational skills to manage a varied workload.

• Take responsibility for your own professional development.

TEAM CULTURE & BENEFITS: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are committed to supporting you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, this increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work and tech buying schemes

• Monthly socials

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and annual wellbeing days

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network 

  • Socio-economic Background Network

READY TO APPLY?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. 

Applications close at 11:59pm, Sunday 31 August. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We  encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

Role Overview

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with our client on a fantastic Head of Fundraising Strategy role.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join this social welfare charity, with a focus on developing and implementing a fundraising strategy that drives growth and sustainability. As Head of Fundraising Strategy, you will be responsible for leading a team to deliver high-impact fundraising initiatives, working closely with the Director of Fundraising, Communications and Policy to ensure the ambition and interests of the directorate are represented in the new organisational strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organisation's vision and goals
• Lead a team to deliver high-impact fundraising initiatives, including research, planning, and execution
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication
• Analyse data and market trends to inform fundraising strategies and drive performance
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, and partners
• Manage complex funding arrangements

Person Specification:

• Extensive experience in fundraising, with a deep understanding of different forms of fundraising and the opportunities that exist for a values-driven organisation
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead complex, cross-organisational initiatives
• High financial literacy and experience of complex funding arrangements
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What’s on Offer:

Day rate: £237.42 per day PAYE + £29.54 holiday pay or £326.63 umbrella (inside IR35)
Working set up: Remote with occasional travel to London
Contract Length: 12 months 
Start date: Beginning of October

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). 

Commitment to Diversity:

The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.