Growth and development officer jobs

With fresh 10-year ambitions and a focus on supporting the organisation’s growth, it’s an exciting time here at Whale and Dolphin Conservation. We are looking for a passionate and experienced fundraiser to join our Individual Giving team. 

Our supporters are the reason we can work to create a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free. Working within the Development & Outreach department, the Individual Giving team uses a wide variety of activities to recruit new supporters and ensure that our current supporters know just how important they are.

Leaving a gift in their Will is likely the biggest and most important gift someone will give. From creating supporter journeys which lead to new legacy pledges to looking after legacy pledgers, and educating the organisation on the importance of legacies, you will be responsible for leading on our Legacy programme. You’ll also use data-driven insight, segmentation, and testing to maximise income from appeals, regular gifts and one-off cash donations. You will help to maintain and review our retention and stewardship strategy and ensure that our donors’ needs are fulfilled to create best possible supporter experience.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and value diversity – different voices and perspectives make our mission stronger. If you’re enthusiastic, open-minded, and ready to learn, we want to hear from you. We look forward to welcoming you to our ambitious team.

What is the opportunity

Balance is seeking a persuasive and positive role model to work with its leadership team and trustees to shape our quality and commercial development. The Quality and Development Manager will occupy a key role in supporting our growth, sustaining our quality standards and growing commercial and income generating activity.

This post is also regarded as development opportunity for a candidate looking to be part of the charity's long term succession strategy for middle and senior managers.

About your values and strengths

You are someone who strenths and values will align with the following attributes:

• You can think on your feet and are consistantly able to bring ideas to the table
• You understand the tension between quality and cost and how to resolve them
• You are able to build alliances and relationships that have sustainable benefits to the charity and its work
• You can exhibit confidence in your colleagues and mobilise their skills and knowledge to drive our quality standards
• You see problems as opportunities and a gateway to new ways of delivering our services and business development

What you can expect from us

• A charity that works hard to put its people, those who it supports and those who provide its services at the heart of what we do.
• A charity that takes its mission and values seriously in developing its services, operational approach and commercial relationships
• That supports and encourages its staff to participate as partners in our development as a business, our outcomes and the delivery of our values.

You can also expect

• A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression in and beyond the charity.
• Inclusion in and a 3% employers contribution to the charity's pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
• Access to a range of discount schemes including Blue Light Card
• Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.
• Access to travel card loan, and bike to work scheme.

• Do you want to bring about a culture shift in the way services are delivered to young women and girls?

• Can you lead the expansion of Abianda’s training programmes, ensuring they contribute to systems change for young women affected by criminal exploitation and violence? 

• Are you a visionary and collaborative leader who can drive growth and income for a unique and thriving charity?​

Abianda is a London-based charity that works with young women and girls affected by criminal exploitation and violence, and the professionals who support them. We exist to ensure young women are no longer hidden in our communities and can live free from harm and abuse. We aim to bring about a culture shift in how services are delivered to young women and girls, so that they can access support that works for them when they need it. 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Partnerships and Development to lead and drive our growth, ensuring the long-term sustainability and expansion of our work.  

The role will involve combining strategic leadership and operational delivery, with a particular focus on expanding Abianda’s training programmes across the UK, increasing unrestricted income, strengthening partnerships and overseeing impact measurement.  

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will work collaboratively with SLT colleagues to drive Abianda’s strategic objectives, ensuring that all our programmes are delivered effectively across our remit. This role requires dynamic strategic and operational leadership, as well as a commitment to driving the development of best practices within the sector.

This is an exciting time to join the Abianda team. With an ambitious strategy in place, and after securing social investment to support the growth of our training programmes, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future. You will ensure that our training, consultancy, and income-generating activities are aligned with our mission to support young women affected by criminal exploitation and violence. You will develop and implement strategies to scale our programmes to a national audience, drive income generation through training and fundraising, and enhance our external partnerships to increase Abianda’s reach and influence.​

Job details:

• Salary: £45,000 per annum, plus pension (reviewed annually)

• Full-time, 35 hours (however we are currently on a 31.5 hour-week trial that will likely be extended)

• Two-year fixed-term contract

• 25 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus bank holidays

• Flexible working - hybrid working including from our office in London N5, from home and travel around London and the UK for training delivery  

• Reporting to Abianda’s Founder & CEO

• Abianda provides a generous benefits and training and development budget for all employees

​

We’re looking for an experienced content officer to create and share our charity’s impact, stories and campaigns in new and compelling ways to help raise awareness, grow our audience and drive engagement. 

This is a hands-on role and requires someone with proven experience of creating high-quality, creative and engaging content across print and digital platforms, including video, email, web and social media.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to create and deliver a wide variety of content which makes a difference to women, sick kids and their families, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please see our job information pack for further details on this role and what we as a Charity have to offer!

Interviews will be held at our office at 5 Rowchester Court, Whittall Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH on Wednesday 22 October.

Four Greens Community Trust is all about helping people and changing lives in the North of Plymouth. We are looking for an innovative and inspirational CEO to lead the team into even more new and exciting chapters in the story of our growth. You will be part of a dedicated, versatile and hardworking group of staff and volunteers and part of a community which cares for each other.

We are looking for somebody who has exceptional community leadership and communication skills, who has confidence in leading capital projects and working in partnership with health and wellbeing organisations. You will have proven experience in strategic leadership, income generation and organisational development.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all, regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

For more information and an application form, please take a look at our recruitment pack.

Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are recruiting for a new Chief Executive .

BFT is a charity established to restore native woodland habitats to Southern Scotland, an area with the lowest percentage of native woodlands in mainland Scotland. Since 1996, we have been working towards planting trees, restoring peatlands and other natural habitats, enriching the biological diversity of around 31 sq km in the Southern Uplands. They demonstrate large scale ecological restoration in action, and inspire landowners, statutory bodies, local communities and policy makers to embrace this alternative model for land use and conservation.

The charity’s previous Director has led the organisation for five years, and BFT are in a strong position, ready to develop a new organisational strategy and grow. This is a role of great strategic importance to the charity and the role is varied, with a broad remit.  

The Chief Executive role has organisational responsibility for 12 members of staff, some office based but most out and about across the countryside in which BFT works.  

As Chief Executive, you’ll bring proven senior leadership experience and the ability to get the best from staff and volunteers. A natural communicator, you’ll engage confidently with a wide range of people – from volunteers and donors to policymakers and conservation experts. 

You’ll have experience generating significant income in the not-for-profit sector, alongside strengths in strategic planning and programme development. Passionate about conservation, you’ll be an inspiring ambassador for Borders Forest Trust, able to share our impact and build lasting partnerships that help us achieve our vision. 

This role is hybrid based, with candidates being in the Head Office in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders) once or twice weekly, with other time spent out and about across the geography BFT covers. Applications are welcomed from candidates based across Scotland and the North East. Please note, travel costs to the Jedburgh office for office working days will not be reimbursed. 

To find out more, discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with our Recruitment team. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Monday 13th October – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews: 22nd or 23rd October 2025 

2nd Stage interviews: 29th October 2025 

Safe Passage International is seeking a strategic Head of Fundraising to lead the next chapter of our growth. Reporting to the Chief Executive, this is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic international organisation working to open safe and legal routes for refugees and displaced people, with registered operations in the UK, Greece, and France.

Building on a strong foundation of over £2 million in annual income—60–70% of which is unrestricted—you will shape and deliver a bold fundraising strategy that supports our long-term sustainability and impact. You’ll be excited by the challenge of being part of the leadership team at Safe Passage, diversifying income streams, deepening donor engagement, and unlocking new opportunities to fund life-changing work.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the development and implementation of Safe Passage’s fundraising strategy.

· Drive income growth across individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising.

· Motivate, manage and inspire a high-performing team.

· Collaborate closely with senior leadership to align fundraising with organisational priorities, as part of the Senior      Leadership Team. 

About You

You are a strategic and innovative thinker with a track record of delivering fundraising success. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are passionate about creating long-term solutions for refugees and families. You bring:

· Proven experience in leading successful fundraising teams and strategies.

· Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making.

· Excellent relationship-building skills with donors, partners, and colleagues.

· A deep commitment to social justice and Safe Passage’s mission.

Fundraising experience for an international charity and working across different countries and cultures are desirable but not essential. 

Why Join Us?

At Safe Passage, you’ll be part of a courageous, compassionate team making a real difference. We offer:

· A supportive and inclusive culture.

· Opportunities for professional development.

· The chance to shape the future of a growing international charity.

Ready to lead change?
Apply now and help us build a world where everyone has the right to seek safety.

We value equity and diversity in our organisation and are striving to build a workforce reflective of the communities we work with. We encourage applications from people of all ethnicities, working ages, genders, sex, sexual orientations, faiths (or none), marital statuses (or none) and pregnancy status. We also have full flexible working policies to support people with disabilities and caring responsibilities. People with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply.

Location: Hybrid – Warwick/Leamington Spa office (min. 3 days/week), remote up to 2 days/week

Salary: £74,000 – £78,000 (depending on experience)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Reporting to: Chair of Board of Trustees

About SOS – Silence of Suicide

Founded in 2015 by Michael and Yvette Mansfield, SOS Silence of Suicide exists to break the silence around mental health and suicide. Initially a peer-support group, SOS is now a growing charity offering multi-channel support services via a national helpline, mobile hubs, and in-person outreach. With around 45 staff and volunteers, SOS is poised for further expansion and impact and is seeking a strategic and compassionate CEO to lead us through the next exciting phase of development.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer will lead SOS’s strategic direction, operations, partnerships and fundraising. This includes shaping long-term sustainability, developing our team and enhancing our voice in national conversations centered around suicide prevention and mental health.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage the Senior Leadership Teams

· Deliver and grow SOS’s core services – helpline, hubs and outreach – ensuring high-quality, accessible support.

· Develop and implement a sustainable income generation strategy in collaboration with fundraising staff.

· Ensure sound financial management, working with bookkeepers, auditors and the Board to meet compliance needs.

· Support trustees with good governance and maintain full legal and regulatory compliance, including safeguarding.

· Represent SOS to external stakeholders including NHS, government, press and funders.

· Oversee impact reporting, evaluation and quality improvement across all service areas.

· Champion SOS’s mission, values and voice on suicide prevention, stigma reduction and mental health awareness.

About You

We are seeking a strategic leader who is hands-on, collaborative and emotionally intelligent. The ideal candidate will bring the following:

· Proven experience in charity leadership and team management, ideally in a growth phase.

· Strong understanding of mental health or suicide prevention – lived or professional experience welcomed.

· Track record in strategic planning, income generation and stakeholder engagement.

· Experience of developing services, managing volunteers, and fostering inclusive culture.

· Sound knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, finance and HR best practice.

· Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

· Comfortable with hybrid working, frequent travel and engaging with emotionally complex topics.

SOS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and lived experiences. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check.

Timetable for interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be notified w/c 29th Sept with formal Interviews to be held 6th/7th October 2025 in the Warwickshire area. 

Addendum: Person Specification

Communication & Interpersonal

· Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across staff, volunteers, partners and service users. (Essential)

· Strong verbal and written communication skills. (Essential)

· Diplomatic, professional and emotionally intelligent. (Essential)

· Able to work both independently and collaboratively; confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. (Essential)

Fundraising & Partnerships

· Proven track record in fundraising strategy, including grant applications, donor engagement and community fundraising. (Essential)

· Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s communications—ensuring the website, social media and printed materials are used effectively and creatively. (Essential)

· Develop a mental health training and awareness service that advances SOS’s mission. (Essential)

Leadership & Management

· Proven experience delivering programmes and activities within the charity sector. (Essential)

· Proven ability to lead and line manage staff within a dispersed team and varied working patterns. (Essential)

· Experience of managing volunteers and supporting their ongoing development. (Essential)

· Ability to work under pressure and respond flexibly in a fast-paced environment. (Essential)

· Proactive and highly organised, with strong time management skills. (Essential)

· Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise, delegate effectively and meet deadlines. (Essential)

Mental Health & Values

· Strong understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, ideally with lived experience. (Essential)

· Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion internally and externally. (Essential)

· Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, with experience in policies and processes to protect vulnerable adults. (Essential)

· Clear commitment to the aims and mission of SOS Silence of Suicide. (Essential)

· Empathetic listener with the ability to engage non-judgementally. (Desirable)

Strategy & Governance

· Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans, preferably in a charity context. (Essential)

· Experience of designing and building effective organisational structures to support growth, including operating in a ‘start-up’ environment. (Essential)

· Sound knowledge of charity governance and compliance, including engagement with trustee boards. (Essential)

· Ability to develop and implement new organisational processes and frameworks. (Desirable)

Technical Skills & Other

· Proficient in Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, including Teams, Word, Outlook and Excel. (Essential)

· Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. (Essential)

· Willingness to work outside of standard hours, including evenings and weekends when required. (Essential)

· Living within one hour of the Warwickshire office, with access to a vehicle for business use. (Desirable)

We couldn’t do the work that we do across the county without the incredible support from our members and supporters. Do you have the desire to help us inspire more people to support our work through donations and membership? Do you want to be part of a fantastically passionate team working hard to nurture individual relationships with our members and supporters and provide regular opportunities for them to visit us, meet us and see and hear about our amazing work?

We are the county’s leading local charity working towards a county rich in wildlife and managing over 3,000 acres of land for wildlife and people across Worcestershire. We work with organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county.

The organisation is currently supported by around 23,000 members and supporters, which is around one in 25 residents in Worcestershire. To date we have successfully recruited members through our membership recruiters, with others coming direct to us through our website or by visiting us at Lower Smite Farm. We need to continue to grow our membership supporter base and we need someone with the fundraising experience to help lead this growth and introduce innovative suggestions throughout the supporter journey and experience to strengthen recruitment and improve our retention and ultimately increase our income generation.

The role will focus on progressing our work around the supporter journey, ensuring that we reach as many potential supporters as possible and enable them to understand our work and feel motivated to support the organisation. Growing our prospect pool and educating these prospects to inspire them to become long-term supporters of our work is essential to the ongoing success of the organisation.

We’re Wild About Inclusion.  To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

A full driving licence is essential. This is full time, permanent position. This role will be subject to reference checks and a DBS enhanced check with child barred list.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for an experienced, hands-on Business Development Manager to join a growing social enterprise at a pivitol moment of national growth. You’ll lead on securing income through contracts, tenders, grants, and traded services, taking full ownership of the business development function from prospecting to proposal, and from pitching to handover.

This is not an entry level role. We’re looking for someone who already knows how to build and run a successful business development function and is excited to apply that experience in a purpose-led context. You’ll be leading the full income generating process from identifying opportunities and pursing them to writing compelling bids, building relationships, and converting leads into sustainable revenue. You will also be comfortable with the administration that comes with working with funders.

Role Context: You won’t be managing a team (yet), so we’re looking for someone who’s confident working independently; equally comfortable with research, writing, relationship management, and seeing things through to delivery. You’ll work closely with our CEO (who also leads operations), our Marketing Officer, and our Project Administrator to ensure the income you generate is aligned with our mission and deliverable by our team. As we prepare to launch our new qualifications, this role will play a central part in helping Junction Point CIC expand from a strong regional foundation to national reach.

Key responsibilities: As Business Development Manager, you will:

•  Lead the development and implementation of Junction Point’s business development strategy
•  Proactively identify and pursue new income opportunities across contracts, grants, and traded services
•  Write high-quality tenders, funding bids, and proposals that reflect our values and offer
•  Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline using CRM tools (to be introduced)
•  Track and report on conversion rates, income secured, and pipeline progress
•  Represent Junction Point at sector events and networking opportunities
•  Manage relationships with commissioners, partners and funders from first contact to deal close
•  Work with the CEO and Marketing Officer to shape offers, pricing and marketing strategy
•  Coordinate smooth handovers to delivery teams and maintain accountability through contract start-up
•  Contribute to strategic planning, forecasting, and organisational growth

Read the full description in the attachment and contact us for an application pack. 

FAQs:

• No, you don't need to be based in the North East but you need to be willing to travel for meetings
• Yes, when we say flexible working - we mean it, tell us how 30hrs p/w equivalent works best for you.

BeSpace is a small but growing Christian charity with a big vision to see a future where every child has the opportunity to access creative reflective spaces to develop personal tools to pray, reflect and grow spiritually throughout their lives, helping churches, schools and communities to flourish.

We have seen incredible impact through developing prayer spaces in schools across Oxfordshire. Since 2010, over 65,000 children have experienced prayer spaces led by local churches, trained and resourced by us. Currently 60 schools a year have prayer and reflection spaces. Now, we’re building on this momentum to reach over 115 schools in the next three years and are preparing to grow nationally with developing contemplative retreats for schools.

About the Role

In this role, you will:

• Inspire and equip churches to run prayer and reflection spaces in schools
• Pilot school retreats and embed contemplative practices into school engagement
• Recruit and coach volunteer area networkers to grow local networks of volunteers
• Gather stories and evidence of impact, ensuring quality and consistency
• Help position Oxfordshire as a model in developing contemplative retreats nationally. 

You will work closely with our CEO and Operations Coordinator, playing a vital part in both local transformation and BeSpace’s journey towards national growth.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A practising Christian, personally committed to BeSpaces’s vision, with a passion for children’s spiritual development.
• A natural communicator and encourager, able to train, coach and inspire others
• Organised and proactive, with a pioneering attitude to grow new opportunities
• Flexible and adaptable, willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Role Details

• Position: Oxfordshire Development Lead
• Location: Oxfordshire (Remote, travel across the county required)
• Hours: Full time (part-time considered for the right candidate)
• Salary: £26,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)
• Start date: From Autumn 2025

How to Apply

Please send your CV (maximum 2 pages) with a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) ensuring you explain how you meet the person specification and Job Description, outlining why you would be suitable for this job by demonstrating the skills and abilities you have gained through your education, work experiences and volunteering opportunities. Please include why you would like to work for BeSpace.

• Closing date: 4pm Monday 29th September
• Interviews: Week commencing 6th of October

Finance Director

We are looking for a highly skilled and strategic Finance Director to join the team at Right to Succeed, helping us build on the great work we’re already doing and achieve even more.

This is an exciting and pivotal time to join the charity as we continue our journey of rapid growth and scale, supporting communities in areas of high deprivation to give children and young people the best possible start in life.

Position: Finance Director
Location: Contractually based from one of our offices with flexibility to work from home, subject to business requirements and line manager approval.
Salary: £67,600 – £70,720 per annum (plus 5% employer pension contribution, Medicash health plan, group life assurance, and 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays)
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 3:00pm, Tuesday 30th September 2025
Interview Dates:

• First stage: Monday 6th October 2025
• Second stage: Thursday 9th October 2025

The Role

The Finance Director will be both a hands-on and strategic role, working to ensure that the charity is making the greatest possible use of the resources available to it. You will lead the finance team (currently 2 FTEs) and work on financial planning, management and reporting, feeding into the Charity’s organisational and strategic goals and work closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership and Leadership Teams to provide effective financial direction to the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

This role will see you:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, advising the CEO, SLT, and Trustees on key financial matters.
• Lead on financial management and control, ensuring high standards across reporting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Produce accurate financial reports and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Charity SORP.
• Oversee budgeting and reserves management, ensuring the organisation maintains appropriate financial sustainability.
• Support programme and fundraising teams with financial insights, templates, and reporting.
• Lead financial risk management, procurement, and oversight of contracts and grant agreements.
• Manage, motivate, and develop the finance team, ensuring clear accountability and high performance.

If you are passionate about strategic leadership, financial excellence, and helping communities deliver better outcomes for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

About You

We are seeking a proactive, experienced, and qualified finance professional with:

• 5+ years of demonstrable senior leadership experience in a charity or commercial setting.
• A recognised finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• A proven track record in financial management, risk management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Experience in implementing system improvements and managing organisational change.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Knowledge of Charity SORP (or willingness to develop this).
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using Xero, Sage, or similar systems.

Benefits Include:

• 5% employer pension contribution
• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Medicash health plan
• Group life assurance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to wellbeing and professional development

Please upload your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you meet the criteria of the role (no more than 2 sides of A4).

About the Organisation

Right to Succeed works with communities in areas of high deprivation to remove barriers to education and create better outcomes for children and young people. Since launching in 2015, we’ve supported over 50,000 children and young people across 10 communities, with our approach described as “a potential template for community transformation nationally.”

We are an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcome applications from those with lived experience of the challenges our programmes seek to address. As a Disability Confident employer, we will provide any support needed in the recruitment process.

Other roles you may have experience in could include Finance Director, Director of Finance and Resources, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Head of Finance, Financial Controller, Finance and Operations Director, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Join us at the Foundling Museum at a pivotal moment in its story. We are seeking an experienced, conscientious and collaborative Director of Development to lead our fundraising and strategic growth. 

With passion, creativity and realism, you will drive philanthropic support, nurture key relationships and be a key contributor to shaping the Museum’s future as we build on its unique heritage and national profile.

You will bring proven leadership, deep understanding of cultural fundraising and the ability to inspire colleagues, supporters and stakeholders to achieve income targets. This is a rare opportunity to make a dynamic impact on a museum with history, relevance and ambition.

Role Overview 

The Director of Development at the Foundling Museum will lead the Museum’s fundraising strategy, driving income generation to support its mission and programmes. This senior leadership role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate sponsorship, individual giving, trusts and foundations, membership schemes, philanthropic campaigns and communications.  

The Director of Development works closely with the Museum's Director (CEO & Artistic Director), Trustees and key stakeholders to cultivate relationships with high-value donors, build strategic partnerships and secure sustainable financial support. As part of the Senior Management Team, this new role will work in collaboration with the Director of Finance (PT) and Director of Commercial and Operations (FT). 

Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the role involves managing a small development team (2FTE) and communications team, setting ambitious targets and achieving actual income goals, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s values and strategic priorities.

The Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the Museum’s long-term financial resilience, leveraging the Museum’s reputation and impact to inspire and engage supporters from diverse sectors.  

Key duties 

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising, membership and partnership strategy to support the Museum’s short and long-term goals 
• Work closely with senior leadership and the Board to align fundraising priorities with the Museum’s mission and strategic objectives
• Fundraising 
• Lead efforts to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, with a particular focus on individuals, trust and foundations, and corporates 
• Oversee the development of compelling proposals, pitches, and presentations to corporate and individual supporters, including negotiation of corporate and philanthropic agreements   
• Work with trusts, foundations, and statutory funding bodies to secure grants that support the Museum’s exhibitions, programmes and capital projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on all grant-funded activities
• Ensure that proper due diligence around potential donors is conducted in line with the organisation’s policies and compliant with the Fundraising Code of Practice of the Fundraising Regulator and other national bodies with which the Museum is registered
• Donor and Partnership Development 
• Identify, cultivate and secure new high-value donors of all types, including individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and statutory funders
• Develop strong professional relationships with the Museum’s existing donors in a warm and personal atmosphere and in alignment with the Museum’s values
• Strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders, including internal colleagues and board and committee members, to harness their relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and understanding of fundraising across the organisation
• With the Director of Commercial and Operations, plan and deliver all major Museum events for key stakeholders 
• Lead the team to cultivate the membership base of the Museum
• Leadership & Team Management 
• Manage the fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure success in meeting income targets
• Manage the communications team to oversee the brand, marketing, media communications and related budgets
• Oversee digital communications, including website and social media, to increase income generation, philanthropy and partnerships
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, and with SMT across the staff
• Financial & Administrative Oversight 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring that targets are met and that funds are raised in line with the Museum's mission
• Oversee the fundraising budget and ensure efficient use of resources
• Liaise with the Director of Finance to ensure fundraising revenues are accurately tracked and accounted for 
• Ensure complete, accurate and timely processes are conducted around all fundraising activity, including gift administration and acknowledgement, Gift Aid, GDPR compliance, etc.
• Provide regular reports to the Museum Director and Board of Trustees on the Museum’s progress on key projects and targets as articulated in the Museum’s strategic plan
• Public Relations & Advocacy 
• Serve as a key ambassador for the Museum, deputising for the Director where appropriate regarding income generation, enhancing its public profile and strengthening its reputation in the philanthropic and corporate sectors 
• Represent the Foundling Museum at events, donor meetings and public forums 
• Keep up to date on best practice in cultural fundraising and charity sector fundraising and communications, and bring this knowledge back for institutional benefit 
   

Person Specification  

Experience (required) 

• Proven leadership, ideally at least 5 years, in a similar role where philanthropic and grant income is central to the success of the organisation
• Extensive experience of shaping and implementing fundraising strategies that have delivered a step change increase in actual income
• A substantial fundraising track record in securing income from diverse constituencies and across funding types, including personal experience in securing major gifts and managing teams to do the same
• A demonstrable history of innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying income generation opportunities and pushing organisations forward to increase income
• Proven experience of nurturing long and short-term funding opportunities and being the key point of contact for both
• Significant team leadership experience of creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong performance management skills with a proven ability to develop, articulate and champion funding opportunities and gain buy-in among staff and key stakeholders, including board and committee members
• In-depth understanding of relevant UK charity and tax legislation, due diligence processes and policies relating to fundraising

Experience (desirable) 

• Extensive experience of fundraising in arts and / or heritage, preferably in the UK
• Knowledge of effective fundraising in Europe and the US, including tax-effective giving
• Thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation as it relates to fundraising, marketing and communications
• Experience of effective endowment and legacy fundraising strategies
• Personal characteristics and skills (required) 
• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire a fundraising and communications team 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Highly developed negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills  
• A natural networker who builds confidence and trust and can represent the Foundling Museum at the highest levels and garner respect within peer networks 
• Project management skills and ability to remove any organisational roadblocks that exist in relation to development 
• Resilient, diplomatic and resourceful in solving problems 
• Ability to prioritise and focus on the areas of greatest impact 
• Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards  
• Strongly numerate with the ability to be entrepreneurial and take measured risks 
• Alignment to the Foundling Museum’s values, communicating clearly, transparently and consistently; having accountability and working as part of a collaborative team towards a common purpose 
• Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the Foundling Museum and for the importance of increasing engagement with and access to the arts 

Conditions of Work and Benefits 

• £65,000-70,000 full-time salary, depending on experience. We are open to 0.8 FTE at a pro-rata salary.  
• Probation period of 6 months, and notice period of 3 months (1 month during probation)  
• This job will be based onsite at the Foundling Museum. For all our employees, there are opportunities for partial hybrid working if desired; we have an agreed minimum of 60% of working hours that must be onsite at the Museum. 
• Normal working hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm. This role requires some flexibility, including some mornings, evenings and weekends. 
• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata) + bank holidays (pro rata) + Birthday leave (one day) 
• You will be eligible to join a group contributory pension scheme (3 months after your start date) 
• Free access to our fully-funded Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing – WISDOM 
• Training support from our online learning platform 
• Discount from the Foundling Museum Shop and local partner businesses 
• Free or reduced-price access to partner museums 
• Access to season ticket, rental deposit and cycle to work scheme loans (3 months from your start date) 
• Please also note that this job description will not form part of your contract or your terms and conditions of employment. Duties and requirements of the role may vary from time to time in accordance with the needs of Foundling Museum, its strategy and the directions from the Museum Director. 

  Application timetable   

• Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 20th October 2025 
• First interview date:  Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2025 
• Second interview date for shortlisted candidates: Monday 10th November 2025 
   

How to apply  

To apply please follow the link to our application portal where you will be asked to upload a completed copy of our standard application form you may also attach your CV if you wish. Please note that the job is being advertsised via CharityJob until the 10th October and after this date you will need to go directly to our website to apply where you will have until the 20th October to submit your application.

PLEASE NOTE: On the application portal, where it requests a CV, please ensure to upload your completed Application Form (required), your CV (optional) the Equal Opportunities Form (optional).  

Please get in touch with us if you have any access requirements or queries related to the application process details of how to do this are in the Job description.

If you wish to book a time to have a short informal conversation (phone or video) prior to application with the Museum Director her contact details are in the job description.

Please also note that any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and  proof of right to work in the UK and also may be subject to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. 

Bexley Deaf Centre (BDC) is a small and dynamic, well-established charity which has been serving the borough since 1994. Our work is focussed exclusively on supporting people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. We work to raise awareness, break down barriers and promote understanding within the community.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation; we are about to launch an ambitious new 5-year strategy and are actively expanding and developing the support and services that we provide. 

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Business Development Manager who can spearhead our fundraising initiatives, lead the development of new projects and support organisational change to facilitate the growth of our services.

You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation to maximise the positive impact that we have on our client’s lives.  Starting with a strong foundation to build upon, you will lead on fundraising activities and service development to support our exciting new strategy.

The role will include:

· Develop and implement fundraising strategies to enable us to diversify our funding and become more sustainable

· Identify and evaluate opportunities for new projects, leading on the development of proposals, timelines and budgets

· Work closely with the senior leadership team to identify areas for growth and increasing capacity

· Support the growth of the organisation and change required to deliver our fundraising strategy 

Experience of working with Deaf people or knowledge of the Deaf community would be an advantage but not essential.