Head of fundraising jobs in Guildford, surrey

We are looking for an interim Head of Legacies, In Memory and Supporter Care to play a vital role in strengthening the supporter experiences and relationships that help power our lifesaving work.​

This is a 12 month offering a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role where you’ll help shape and deliver our Legacy, In Memory and Supporter Care programmes. You’ll put insight, compassion and supporter needs at the heart of everything we do. You will lead a talented team to inspire people to give in meaningful ways, deepen their connection with our cause, and help us grow sustainable income that ensures we can be here for anyone who needs us.​

We're looking for someone who can drive our ambitious plans to grow our legacy income. ​Working collaboratively across teams and directorates, particularly Data, Finance and External Engagement, making sure our strategies are based on insight and are effective in communicating the need.​

With significant direct marketing experience, ideally across legacy and in memory fundraising, strong leadership capability and a passion for exceptional supporter care, you’ll bring the expertise and energy needed to help us reach new audiences and build long lasting supporter relationships.​

If you’re driven by purpose, motivated by insight and inspired by the chance to make a real difference, we’d love you to join us.​

Contract terms:

• £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus benefits
• 12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
• Full time hours are 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences.
• Linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• In-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month

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​What you'll do:

• Lead the delivery of Samaritans’ legacy and in-memory giving strategy
• Deliver excellent supporter experience, maximising the attraction and retention of our supporters
• Grow and sustain Samaritans’ legacy income in line with our fundraising strategy
• Encourage, explore and develop our supporter care approach to help improve our supporter experience and retention
• ​Build and manage strategic relationships with external agencies and suppliers
• Produce comprehensive campaign evaluations and make recommendations for continuous improvement
• Lead and develop a high-performing team through a culture of ambition and proactive performance management

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What you’ll bring:

• ​A supporter led mindset and approach
• Demonstrable experience of delivering income growth from legacies and in-memory income streams
• Experience of understanding, using and reporting on data for marketing purposes
• Experience of using a range of marketing channels and approaches, including a strong understanding of different audience needs to maximise income generation
• Excellent people management skills with experience of leading a high performing team
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Skilled in strategic thinking and planning, with a creative approach to solving complex problems
• Confidence in negotiating and influencing at senior levels of the organisation
• Strong understanding of fundraising legislation​

For full Job Description and Person Specification click here

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Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.​

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.​

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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​ Criminal record check (DBS):

We take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role has direct contact with children and adults at risk, this role will require an Enhanced DBS check.

At offer stage, as part of the conditional job offer, we will require the candidate to disclose in full, spent and unspent convictions by completing a declaration form. The declaration form will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. 

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV. 

1. Please tell us about your experience leading and growing a fundraising programme, ideally in legacy and/or in-memory income streams. We’re interested in examples of strategies you developed, how you applied insight to shape your approach and how you measured the outcomes you achieved.
2. How do you ensure supporters receive a high quality, compassionate and consistent experience across their journey?
3. Please describe a situation where you influenced senior stakeholders or collaborated across departments to deliver a fundraising or supporter engagement outcome.
4. Please provide an example of how you have built, led and motivated a high performing team.

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Applications close: ​09:00am on Monday 30th March

1st stage Interviews: w/c 6th April 2026 (online)

Second stage interviews will be held in person, at our office in Ewell (Surrey) w/c 13th April​

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.

About Us
The National Landscapes Association represents and supports the UK’s National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) The Association is a charity and non-profit membership organisation. The team advocates, communicates and fosters collaborative action which supports the UK’s network of National Landscapes to be as effective as possible. We champion the interests of National Landscapes with governments and coordinate the delivery of national projects.

About the Role
As Head of Partnerships and Fundraising, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious income generation and partnership strategy for the National Landscapes Association. This is a pivotal senior role, focused on securing and growing diverse funding streams, including corporate partnerships, philanthropy, grants and strategic collaborations to support the long-term resilience of the organisation and the wider National Landscapes network.

You will drive new business, negotiate high-value partnerships and oversee a strong pipeline of opportunities, while leading and supporting a high-performing Development Team. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and key partners, you will operate at a strategic level, shaping propositions, building influential relationships and positioning National Landscapes as a compelling investment opportunity within the environmental and nature-based solutions space.

Key Responsibilities

• Income generation & strategy: Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious income diversification strategy, identifying and securing funding from corporate partnerships, philanthropy, grants and strategic collaborations.
• New business development: Drive the full partnership lifecycle from prospect identification and relationship building through to proposal development, negotiation and deal closure for high-value opportunities.
• Partnership development & stewardship: Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with funders and partners, ensuring high-quality account management and delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Team leadership & performance: Lead and support the Development Team, setting clear objectives, fostering a positive team culture, and ensuring delivery against income targets and pipeline goals.
• Strategic positioning & influence: Work with the Chief Executive and Board to shape compelling partnership propositions, represent the organisation externally, and position National Landscapes as a leading partner for investment in nature.
• Governance, reporting & insight: Ensure robust pipeline management, forecasting and reporting, while maintaining oversight of legal, financial and reputational considerations across partnerships.

See the role description for more information.

Why Join Us?
At the National Landscapes Association, you’ll be part of a passionate and forward-thinking team making a meaningful impact. You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of high-profile policy issues, work alongside experts across the UK, and help shape the future of our most valued landscapes.

Are you a fundraising expert intrigued by the idea of transforming healthcare through the power of volunteering? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you! 
 
Helpforce is on a mission to revolutionise health volunteering, and we’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Head of Business Development & Fundraising to lead this work. This is your chance to shape the future of a award-winning national charity at the intersection of innovation, impact, and social good. 
 
You will develop and deliver an integrated strategy across philanthropic fundraising (grants, trusts, high-net-worth donors) and revenue-generating business development. Reporting to the CEO/SMT and working closely with Communications, Finance, and Programme teams, you’ll ensure strong prioritisation, clear pipeline management, and robust forecasting to support decision-making. 

You’ll also play a visible external role, representing Helpforce at events, building strategic relationships, and identifying new opportunities through proactive networking. 

Since our launch in 2017, we’ve championed a vision where volunteering is integral to healthcare at its best. We work with NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations to co-create volunteering models that address key challenges, while building evidence of their impact. Our insights help health leaders invest in solutions that improve patient experience, ease pressure on staff, and deliver meaningful benefits for the volunteers who give their time and talents. 
 
This is not just any job, this is a chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of millions who receive and deliver healthcare. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
Strategy & Leadership  

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated income-generation strategy. 
• Identifyand assess new fundraising and business development opportunities. 
• Work with the CEO and SMT to set annual revenue targets, KPIs and income projections, ensuringaccurateandtimelyforecasting. 
• Utilise your senior level networks toidentifynew areas Helpforce canoperatein. 
• Ensure all income-generating activities align withHelpforce’sfinancial strategy andcomply withinternal governance and approval processes.

 
Fundraising  

• Develop and manage a healthy pipeline of funding prospects including trusts, foundations, institutional funders, and HNWIs. 
• Shape and oversee compelling value propositions, funding proposals, donor reports, and stewardship plans – incorporating storytelling into high-calibre content. 
• Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring high-quality communication and reporting. 
• Ensure full compliance with restricted fund terms and grant agreements, working with Finance tomonitorallocation and utilisation of funding. 
• Uphold ethical fundraising standards and ensure alignment with the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice. 
• Deliveryearonyeargrowth in fundraising income against agreed targets.

 
Business Development  

• Identifyand develop new markets, partnershipmodelsand products offerings. 
• Leverage the excellenttrack recordand reputation of Helpforce, using our sector-leading evidence of impact to generate new opportunities. Lead the preparation of bids, tenders, proposals, and commercial negotiations, ensuring all opportunities are assessed for fit, feasibility, pricing, and margin. 
• Collaborate with programme managers to package services for sale or partnership. 
• Conduct due diligence on prospective partners and commercial clients to ensure values alignment and manage reputational risk. 

 
Relationship Management  

• Build andmaintainrelationships with donors, funders, corporate partners, and public sector stakeholders. 
• Represent the organisation at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise visibility and strengthen the organisation’s profile. 
• Support senior-level relationship-building with strategic funders and institutional partners, working alongside the CEO and Trustees whereappropriate. 
• Maintain a focused approach to cultivatinga number ofhighpotentialrelationships positioned forlongtermor multiyear support.

 
Finance & Reporting  

• Set, monitor, and report on income targets, pipeline health,ROIand overall income performance against agreed KPIs. 
• Develop budgets and financial forecasts for all income streams ensuring accuracy, transparency, andtimelyupdates for senior decision-making. .
• Liaise with the Finance team to ensureaccuratetracking, reporting and audit-readiness. 
• Collaborate with Finance to ensureaccuratefunder-specific financial reporting, including restricted/unrestricted income reporting and grant reconciliations. 
• Monitor income and expenditure related to income generation activities, support financial planning, and advise on funding risks and sustainability. 
• Provideclear insights into income confidence levels, timelines, risks, and mitigation actions. 

 
Person Specification  
Essential  

• 5 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, business development, or strategic partnerships. 
• Proventrack recordof raising significant funding (6–7 figure). 
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering successful income-generation strategies. 
• Above excellent written communication and document design skills (grant writing, proposals, reporting). 
• Strong negotiation, commercialawarenessand contract management skills. 
• Highly confident in face-to-face relationship building, networking and able torepresentHelpforce effectively at external meetings, events, and conferences. 
• Proven ability toidentifyand build new strategic relationships across diverse sectors, including government agencies, NHS, philanthropy, and corporate partners. 
• Ability to work with resilience,maintainmomentum under pressure, and adapt quickly to evolving opportunities. 

 
Desirable  

• Experience in a non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, or impact-driven business. 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and fundraising databases. 
• Sector knowledge: [e.g. healthcare]. 

 
Equality and Diversity 
Helpforce encourages applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We're committed to having a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We actively encourage BAME and disabled applicants and value the positive impact that difference has on our organisation. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and all opportunities provided by Helpforce. 

Location
Remote, but travel to the London office will be required, as will UK wide client meetings. 
 
Closing date for applications is 9th April 2026. Please use the application link to send us your CV and a covering letter to support your application. Applications submitted without a covering letter may not be considered. 
 
REF-227 559

Head of Face to Face Fundraising
Reference: MAR20265489
Location: Home-based, Flexible in UK + Regular UK Travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £70,490.00 - £75,275.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

The Head of Face-to-Face Fundraising provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the RSPB’s face-to-face fundraising programme across the UK.

This role is responsible for delivering significant annual supporter acquisition volumes, ensuring an exceptional supporter experience, maintaining sector-leading compliance and safeguarding standards, and building high-performing in-house fundraising teams.

As a senior leader within Fundraising, you will shape the future of the RSPB’s acquisition strategy, drive innovation within the face-to-face channel, and ensure sustainable long-term growth in regular giving and lead generation to support our mission of creating a world richer in nature.

Key Duties:

• Develop and implement an ambitious multi-year Face-to-Face strategy that drives sustainable acquisition growth and contributes to long-term supporter value.
• Lead budgeting, investment planning and forecasting for all F2F channels, ensuring accountability for ROI, cost-effectiveness, and delivery against income and acquisition targets.
• Lead the evolution of F2F propositions, messaging and materials to ensure they are insight-led, compliant, and aligned with the RSPB’s brand and fundraising strategies.
• Champion innovation across the programme, introducing new approaches to optimise ROI and reach new audiences.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes and competitor activity to ensure the programme remains compliant, competitive and forward-thinking.
• Act as the organisational lead for face-to-face fundraising compliance, ensuring all activity adheres to the Fundraising Regulator Code, Charity Commission guidelines and data protection legislation.
• Lead, develop and inspire a multi-disciplinary F2F team by fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, continuous improvement and supporter-centred behaviour.
• Work closely with insight teams to analyse performance data, supporter quality, attrition levels and long-term value across channels.
• Develop KPIs and reporting frameworks to provide senior leadership with clear visibility of performance, risks and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including fundraising, digital, data and technology, communications, brand, marketing and marketing operations, finance and UK country teams to deliver integrated acquisition strategies.
• Champion the role of Face-to-Face fundraising within the RSPB, working with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to increase its prominence and ensure strategic alignment.
• Work closely with the Head of Membership Marketing & Retention to ensure seamless integration between acquisition, onboarding and stewardship journeys.
• Oversee procurement, contract management and ongoing performance of external delivery partners to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
• Lead relationships with external partners, suppliers and agencies, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong return on investment and value for money.

Essential Criteria:

• Able to design and deliver a UK-wide face-to-face or high-volume acquisition programme that achieves agreed supporter and income targets.
• Able to lead and develop regionally dispersed, field-based teams, including setting objectives, monitoring performance and holding managers accountable for results.
• Able to analyse performance data (e.g. conversion, attrition, ROI and quality metrics) and use insight to optimise programme performance.
• Able to manage and monitor programme budgets, including forecasting expenditure and assessing return on investment.
• Able to communicate strategic plans, performance outcomes and risk clearly in written reports and verbal presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to align acquisition activity with organisational strategy.
• Able to travel regularly across the UK to support field operations (by public transport or other means)
• Knowledge of Fundraising Regulator guidance, safeguarding requirements and quality assurance processes relevant to face-to-face fundraising.
• Experience of leading large-scale, multi-site face-to-face fundraising or high-volume acquisition activity in a charity or commercial environment.
• Experience of managing external agencies or suppliers and implementing operational processes that improve performance, compliance and supporter experience.

Additional Information

• This is a home-based role with regular travel across the UK to support teams, partners and operational activity.
• This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week.
• A full, valid UK driving licence is required as the role involves frequent travel to remote locations across all four countries.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 29th March 2026
We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6th April.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our recruitment partner's website to complete your application for this position.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

No agencies please.