Head of fundraising jobs in Milton keynes
Want more results?
Add job titles:
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.
We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist innovative field.
JOB TITLE:Head of Fundraising
LOCATION: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire (minimum 3 days in office per week)
SALARY: Up to £52,000 p/a
JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Main purpose and scope of the role
This is a pivotal leadership role within the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), combining strategic oversight with hands-on operational involvement. The role requires a proactive leader who can inspire a high-performing fundraising team while actively engaging in day-to-day fundraising activities.
As Head of Fundraising, you will lead the development and delivery of MDD’s income generation strategies across multiple streams. This includes rolling up your sleeves to participate in operational fundraising activities, engaging with supporters directly, and ensuring that established initiatives and campaigns are optimised and expanded.
Your ability to work collaboratively across the charity, combined with a strong focus on achieving results, will ensure that MDD continues to generate the income required to fund its vital work throughout the UK.
Strategic leadership and SLT contribution
- Provide strategic direction for all fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with MDD’s overall mission and objectives.
- Contribute to SLT discussions and charity-wide strategic initiatives, offering operational insights and aligning fundraising efforts with broader organisational goals.
- Represent the fundraising function at Board meetings, providing updates on performance, opportunities, and risks.
Operational hands-on involvement
- Actively participate in delivering key activities, such as "Name a Puppy," and ensure their growth and success.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key supporters, attending community events, presenting to groups, and engaging with donors to build loyalty and long-term support.
- Work with both the fundraising team and with colleagues across MDD to create engaging campaigns and donor propositions that drive income.
- Be a visible, approachable leader who works alongside the team in operational activities, fostering a “lead by example” ethos.
Income stream development
- Drive the growth of established income streams, including individual giving, community and events fundraising, corporate partnerships, philanthropic giving (trusts and major donors) and legacy giving.
- Identify and implement innovative approaches to diversify income streams, using data and insights to inform decisions, with clear KPIs to monitor progress
- Work closely with the head of communications to ensure campaigns have compelling narratives and effective promotional materials.
Team leadership and development
- Provide hands-on leadership to the fundraising team, ensuring they are motivated, trained, and supported to deliver high-quality results.
- Encourage a collaborative, solution-focused culture within the team, where innovation and resilience are fostered.
- Set clear goals for team members and provide regular feedback to ensure alignment with charity objectives.
Financial oversight and performance monitoring
- Lead on the creation and delivery of annual fundraising income and expenditure budgets, ensuring financial targets are realistic yet ambitious.
- Monitor performance across all fundraising activities, preparing regular reports and forecasts in collaboration with the head of finance.
- Address income shortfalls promptly by identifying and implementing corrective actions.
Other Duties
- Represent MDD at key events and meetings, both in person and virtually, to build and maintain relationships with key supporters.
- Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation, including GDPR, and adhere to the standards set by the Fundraising Regulator.
- Actively contribute to cross-departmental projects and initiatives to further MDD’s mission.
- Embrace and demonstrate MDD’s values at all times.
Person Specification
Essential
- A track record of establishing, leading, growing a broad range of income streams and delivering successful fundraising strategies which achieve significant uplift in income generation for an organisation
- Proven success in participating in operational fundraising activities
- Experience of working at a senior level of an organisation and managing relationships with key stakeholders, such as at CEO and Board level
- Experience of monitoring, evaluating and financial reporting of income generation.
- Experience of developing robust stewardship plans to build long term relationships with key funders and supporters.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, managing and inspiring a team, including encouraging innovation and improving ways of working to build a resilient and high performing team
- Demonstrable experience in managing and growing a range of income streams, including donor engagement campaigns, including via digital
- Experience of managing and developing a small team to deliver both strategic and operational goals.
Desirable
- Member of Chartered Institute of Fundraising
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Strong strategic thinking skills combined with a hands-on, operational approach to fundraising delivery.
- Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
- Good influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop individuals and create a ‘one team’ positive ethos which works across an organisation to achieve results
- Understanding of GDPR legislation and Fundraising Regulator’s requirements
- Good working knowledge of CRM systems and a solid understanding of the role of data within a fundraising environment
Desirable
- Experience of Harlequin CRM
Other Requirements
- A full current driving license
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
- You will be required to have a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure & Barring (DBS) when you first join the charity and at regular intervals thereafter.
- Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office
Benefits
- Sick Pay
- Health Cash Plan
- 26 days holiday, increasing with service.
- 5% Employer Pension Contribution
- Pension Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Life Insurance
- Free On-site parking
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Metabolic Support
Metabolic Support is the UK umbrella patient organisation for people affected by Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) – rare, lifelong genetic conditions affecting around 40,000 people in the UK and over 1.4 million worldwide. Since 1981, we have been at the forefront of rare disease advocacy, research, newborn screening and community support, empowering people with IMDs to live well.
About the Role
This is a senior, strategic and hands-on role leading our fundraising and communications activity. You will drive sustainable income growth, raise our profile nationally and internationally, and tell our community’s stories with clarity, compassion and impact.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy, develop diverse income streams, and build strong relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates, major donors and supporters. You will also lead our communications and brand, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across all channels.
As part of a small, agile team, this role suits a confident self-starter with emotional intelligence, strong leadership skills and a passion for making a tangible difference in rare disease.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead and deliver an integrated fundraising and communications strategy
-
Grow income across trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, major donors, community and events
-
Act as an external ambassador for Metabolic Support
-
Oversee communications, marketing, social media and brand development
-
Manage donor relationships, stewardship and CRM (Nutshell)
-
Provide fundraising forecasts, reports and budgets to the Board
-
Ensure compliance with GDPR and fundraising regulations
About You
-
Proven experience in fundraising, communications or income generation
-
Strong track record in at least one key fundraising area (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors)
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
Confident relationship-builder and storyteller
-
Highly organised, proactive and comfortable working autonomously
-
Strong alignment with Metabolic Support’s mission and values
Other Information
-
UK-based with eligibility to work in the UK
-
Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We're looking for an enthusiastic Head of Fundraising with a strong track record in fundraising and grant management, who is particularly motivated to join Khulisa because of a deep commitment to our mission – supporting the wellbeing and mental health of young people.
About Khulisa
Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime
Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester.
About the role
Over the last two consecutive financial years, we have raised approximately £1 million each year – primarily through trusts and foundations, corporate donors, and individual supporters. As the successful candidate, you and the team you lead will play a pivotal role in maintaining this level of fundraising success, ensuring our vital work with young people continues to flourish. This role will involve:
- Reviewing and evaluating our funder qualification processes to ensure donors align with our values and meet our ethical standards.
- Ensuring that detailed research on prospective funding opportunities, including trusts, foundations, corporate partners, HNWIs, are carried out and that plans for making approaches are developed and carefully implemented.
- Initiating, nurturing and maintaining strong relationships with prospective funders and donors.
- Working together with the Senior Leadership to develop and periodically review Khulisa's 3-year fundraising strategy, taking ownership of key elements and processes, and periodically developing and testing new fundraising approaches.
For a full list of duties and responsibilities, please see the attached job description below.
The post holder will be required to work from home permanently but be willing and able to easily travel to various locations across the London and the North West as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role and to engage with stakeholders and colleagues.
What we're looking for
Abilities/Experiences
- Extensive fundraising and grant management experience working on large bids (£100K plus).
- Excellent writing skills with ability to produce clear, concise and engaging reports.
- Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and build relationships easily.
- Demonstrable experience of successfully raising funds from Trusts & Foundations, Corporates and Major Donors.
- Experience of leading or significantly contributing to development and/or delivery of a fundraising strategy.
- Experience of budget management and financial processes in income generation activities.
- Experience of mobilising and managing implementation of grant agreements from initiation to reporting and possibly reapplication.
- Ability to confidently negotiate or renegotiate with senior stakeholders on programme budgets, deliverables and objectives.
Knowledge/Skills
- Good knowledge of Khulisa's work and ability to use this to creatively engage with new donors and secure their interest.
- Strong knowledge of CRM database, preferably Salesforce, in managing funder/donor relationships and fundraising activities.
- Strong account management and negotiation skills.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We are actively looking to recruit a diversity of talent. We embrace, respect and value the difference in our employees and believe that we and our work is better for it. We are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment that consists of fairness, dignity, and caring for everyone, and one that enables every employee to flourish and realise their potential.
To apply, please submit a CV and Covering Letter, both of which should be no more than two pages, outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements for the role as laid out in the Job Description.
We advise candidates to review the attached Job Description prior to applying, to see if this role and organisation is a good fit for you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join Racing Welfare as Head of Fundraising and Make a Lasting Impact!
Are you an ambitious, results-driven fundraising leader with a passion for making a difference? Racing Welfare is looking for an exceptional Head of Fundraising to join our senior management team and take the helm of a thriving, high-performance fundraising operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of British horseracing’s charitable support, driving growth and innovation in a vital sector.
About Racing Welfare:
Racing Welfare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing – from stud, stable, and racecourse staff to those in related professions. Our mission is to help these dedicated individuals thrive in their careers and lives, offering guidance, practical assistance, and support throughout their journey – from recruitment to retirement.
The Role:
As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in Racing Welfare’s strategic direction and growth. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to craft and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that delivers innovative income streams to fund our vital services. You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a talented team, empowering them to deliver outstanding fundraising initiatives and events that drive real change.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop & Deliver Fundraising Strategy: Work with senior leadership to shape the charity’s fundraising vision, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals and drives long-term sustainability.
- Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Create and implement engaging campaigns, managing budgets and evaluating performance to optimise success.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing fundraising team, supporting their professional growth and achieving collective goals.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners to build lasting, mutually beneficial collaborations.
- Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth management of income, expenditure, and compliance.
You Will Bring:
- Proven experience in fundraising or commercial management, with a track record of successfully recruiting donors and sponsors.
- A natural leader with exceptional people management skills, able to inspire and empower teams to excel.
- Solid experience in budgeting, financial planning, and performance management.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
- A passion for innovation and the ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities.
Bonus: Experience in the horseracing industry is desirable, but not essential.
Why Racing Welfare?
This is your chance to take on a leadership role in a respected and impactful charity. You’ll be part of a passionate team, working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role offers flexibility with the option to work from home or our Newmarket office, alongside occasional travel across the UK (including evenings and weekends).
As a charity, wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do. We aim to be a leading employer in the industry and make sure everyone at Racing Welfare has the opportunity to thrive.
If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to the future of Racing Welfare and help improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to British horseracing, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply Today:
Submit your CV and covering letter to join Racing Welfare and lead our fundraising efforts to new heights.
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. The closing date for this role is 16 February 2026. First stage interviews will be held the week commencing 23 February 2026 in person in Newmarket. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of suitable applications.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 DOE
Racing Welfare is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, and the Charity Commission's best practice guidance.
This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
Racing Welfare’s Safeguarding Statement of Intent can be found on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.