Head of fundraising jobs

Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising)

Salary £57,574.79 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £57,574.79 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1212513

An exciting moment to join us

YMCA England & Wales is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its fundraising history, launching our ambition to create 10,000 new homes for young people. Working alongside local YMCAs, we will support the development of new accommodation across the federation, helping young people move towards independence.

This role sits at the heart of that ambition.

You will lead the fundraising behind two critical components of the 10,000 Homes programme:
• Securing income from the public to build and sustain a central Centre of Expertise (mobilisation team), supporting local YMCAs to develop and deliver housing projects.
• Raising capital from individual supporters, mid-level donors and major donors to grow a replenishing national fund that provides upfront investment to unlock housing developments across the federation.

At the centre of this is the 10,000 Homes Fund: a bold, housing-focused proposition that offers the public a clear and tangible way to support young people into safe, stable accommodation. You will be responsible for growing this proposition, ensuring it resonates strongly with supporters and inspires giving at all levels.

You will lead an integrated public fundraising approach, bringing together individual giving, mid-level and major donors into one compelling, housing-led narrative. A key part of the role will be translating a complex, federated model into a simple, emotional and compelling case for support that connects with people’s motivations to give.

We’ve established strong early foundations and are now ready to scale. This role offers the opportunity to take a high-potential public fundraising proposition to the next level -expanding its reach, deepening supporter engagement, and unlocking significant new income.

We are looking for someone who is creative, data-driven and passionate about engaging the public to drive meaningful change for young people. We’re looking for someone comfortable working in a federated environment, with the ability to simplify complex ideas into compelling messages for the public.

The role

As Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising), you will lead and inspire a team of talented fundraisers, deputising for the Head of Fundraising and taking ownership of our most ambitious programmes:

The 10,000 Homes Fund driving forward our flagship proposition across individual giving, cash appeals and mid-level audiences.

Major Donors shaping the strategy for high-net-worth relationships, new giving circles and development boards.

RoomSponsor, YMCA’s flagship regular giving product, now in its third year of an ambitious growth strategy. You will oversee a unique partnership model across 45 local YMCAs, support the income distribution process, and see first-hand the impact of your work through a programme that directly supports young people with safe accommodation.

Legacies working with the Senior Fundraising Manager and Head of Fundraising to define and grow what is set to become a landmark legacy programme.

This is a hands-on leadership role: you will set direction, manage budgets, develop your team, while also being prepared to step into delivery when it matters most. You will balance strategic oversight with practical execution, ensuring programmes are both ambitious and deliverable.

About you

You are an experienced public fundraising professional with a strong track record in individual giving or direct marketing, alongside a well-developed understanding of major donor fundraising. You know how to bring different disciplines together behind a single proposition and deliver results.

You are an effective and confident leader, able to build, motivate and develop high-performing teams. You create clarity, set high standards, and support others to do their best work, stepping in when needed and leading from the front.

You are at your best when driving a clear proposition forward. You are excited by the opportunity to take a compelling idea and translate it into something that engages the public, inspires generosity and delivers sustainable income.

You are energised by a challenge, comfortable with complexity and working in a federated environment, where success depends on strong relationships and shared ownership. You are skilled at working with partners, whether agencies, internal stakeholders or local YMCAs, and know how to align people around a common goal.

You combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. You are data-driven, using insight and performance to shape your decisions, and confident working with (and occasionally building) financial models to plan, test and scale activity. You bring both creativity and discipline, generating new ideas while ensuring they are grounded, deliverable and effective.

Above all, you are a strong communicator and influencer. You can simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages, build confidence with colleagues and stakeholders, and position fundraising as a critical enabler of impact.

Why join us now

YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, serving communities across England and Wales every day. The fundraising team is geared up for success, the strategy is set, the proposition is proven, and the results are already coming in. What we need now is a leader ready to take this momentum to the next level.

YMCA England & Wales is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Salary: £65,000-£68,000 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Chief Engagement Officer

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, or photos) by midnight on 1st July via the Workable link.

In your covering letter, please demonstrate your motivations for applying for the role, how the position aligns with your career plans, and the experience (professional, voluntary, or lived) that makes you a strong fit for the role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in the job description.

We encourage candidates to ensure their responses reflect their own skills, experiences, and personal voice. If AI tools are used, candidates should also explain how and why they used them.

Please use see our AI guidance for Job Applicants.

INTERVIEW STAGES

The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):

• First-round interview w/c 13th July
• Second-round interview w/c 20th July

Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10–12 minutes maximum) on a major donor stewardship communications plan. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.

• Final interview with the CEO w/c 27th July

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work and partnerships continue to grow, so does our ambition to tell powerful stories that shine a light on the barriers young people face, champion solutions, and inspire meaningful action. 

The Head of Major Donors will play a critical role in strengthening and stewarding Mission 44’s relationships with high-value donors, philanthropists, and strategic supporters.

This role will work alongside the Chief Engagement Officer to lead the development and delivery of a thoughtful, personalised and impactful Major Donors programme that deepens donor pipeline and engagement, increases contributions, strengthens long-term relationships, and inspires continued investment in Mission 44’s mission and impact.

The successful candidate will combine exceptional relationship management skills, a solid network of donors, strong project coordination and communications, with strategic thinking.

They will work closely across fundraising, communications, programmes and leadership teams to ensure donors experience meaningful engagement with Mission 44’s work, values and community.

Requirements

MAJOR DONOR CULTIVATION AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (70%) 

• Lead the organisation’s cultivation of new donors and deepening of the major donor pipeline. 
• Personally lead the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and prospects for six/seven-figure gifts.
• Lead the implementation of Mission 44’s global major donor stewardship strategy, ensuring all major donors feel engaged in and inspired. 
• Manage and coordinate stewardship plans for high-value donors and philanthropic partners
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with major supporters through thoughtful and personalised engagement
• Develop tailored donor journeys that reflect supporter interests, motivations and impact priorities
• Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase long-term support
• Provide administrative support for the Global Growth Committee
• Work with Head of Engagement and Events to plan and deliver donor engagement opportunities at events, briefings, roundtables and programme visits to bring donors closer to our work 
• Support leadership engagement with major donors and key stakeholders
• Coordinate donor experiences linked to Mission 44 campaigns, partnerships and strategic moments
• Help create meaningful opportunities for supporters to connect with Mission 44’s mission, young people and impact

DONOR COMMUNICATIONS AND IMPACT REPORTING (20%)

• Ensure donors receive timely, high-quality communication and reporting
• Coordinate the creation of bespoke donor updates, reports and impact communications
• Work collaboratively with programme and communications teams to translate impact into compelling donor narratives
• Work with the communications team to ensure stewardship materials are high quality, aligned to brand and reflective of Mission 44’s values
• Support the development of case studies, impact stories and donor-facing content

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION (10%) 

• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement tracking and stewardship activity within CRM systems
• Monitor stewardship activity, timelines and reporting commitments
• Contribute to donor analysis, segmentation and fundraising insights
• Work closely with wider fundraising colleagues, communications and impact teams to deliver integrated supporter engagement
• Support senior leadership and ambassadors with donor preparation, briefing materials and relationship management
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing fundraising culture

ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL 

• Significant experience in major donor cultivation, stewardship, philanthropy or high-value relationship management
• Proven track record of managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists or strategic supporters
• Experience developing and delivering donor stewardship plans and engagement strategies
• Proven success in the direct solicitation and stewardship of six- and seven-figure philanthropic contributions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing high-quality donor reports and communications
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases
• Some travel, particularly to the US 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively

DESIRABLE

• Experience of major donor management at a global level 
• Experience of Fundraising for a grant-making / campaigning organisation
• Experience with Principal Gifts processes   
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or major gifts programmes
• Understanding of education equity, youth opportunity or systems change work
• Experience working within high-profile or fast-paced organisations
• Event management and donor engagement experience

PERSONAL QUALITIES  

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Emotionally intelligent and discreet
• Strategic and proactive thinker
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to communicate impact in a compelling and authentic way
• Passion for equity, inclusion and social justice
• Commitment to Mission 44’s values and mission
• Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
• Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
• Save for retirement with our generous pension package
• We finish every Friday at noon in August
• Optional health insurance and acccess to an EAP
• Professional development budget of £1k
• Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
• Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
• Competitive parental leave package

Are you an inspiring senior fundraising leader who wants to use their skills to help people experience the best possible quality of life, to the end of life?

As the new Head of Fundraising at St Catherine's Hospice, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds: leading and developing a growing team towards high performance, while remaining hands-on in building and nurturing high-value donor relationships.

Salary: £44,341 per annum
Contract: Full Time | 37.5 hours per week
Location: Preston, with hybrid option with up to 2 days homeworking
Benefits: Enjoy 36 days' holiday (including bank holidays), an extra wellbeing day for your birthday, up to 8% employer pension contributions, Blue Light Card discounts, discounted on-site meals, career development opportunities, life insurance, and an employee assistance programme.

Culture: Join a supportive and collaborative team, all located within a scenic working environment.

The Role:

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Engagement, you will lead, develop and inspire a dedicated fundraising team, creating a high-performance culture that delivers ambitious income targets across a diverse portfolio.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role. You will be responsible for developing and delivering the hospice's fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for growth, and personally supporting key relationships and fundraising initiatives. You will work closely with senior colleagues, trustees and external stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports to the Board on fundraising performance, opportunities and risks.

About You:

We are seeking a confident and experienced fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You will be an inspirational leader with a proven ability to deliver income growth, develop high-performing teams and build strong relationships with supporters, partners and senior stakeholders.

You will be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally, with the credibility and communication skills to influence at Board level and represent the hospice externally.

Your Experience

• Significant senior fundraising experience across multiple income streams, with a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing fundraising teams, building a positive and ambitious culture
• Demonstrable success in designing and delivering fundraising strategies that achieve measurable results and long-term financial sustainability
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, income forecasting, performance management, and driving return on investment across fundraising activity
• Ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, alongside developing compelling cases for support, funding applications, and donor propositions that inspire giving and generate income
• Experience of planning and delivering successful fundraising events, with responsibility for volunteer management and awareness of relevant health and safety requirements

Why Join St Catherine's Hospice?

St Catherine's cares for patients and their loved ones across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble who are affected by life-shortening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure. Through specialist palliative and end-of-life care, delivered both at the hospice and in people's own homes, the organisation helps individuals achieve the best possible quality of life and focus on what matters most to them in the time they have.

A values-led organisation, with care, compassion and commitment at the heart of everything it does, St Catherine's is deeply valued by its local community. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by leading a talented fundraising team, influencing strategic decision-making and securing the resources needed to ensure exceptional hospice care remains available for those who need it most.

How to Apply

To find out more or to apply, please contact Ellen Drummond at Charity People with your CV or professional profile. If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with further information.

First Stage Interviews: 16th/17th July

Second Stage Interview: In person, 22nd July
 

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Salary: £32,000 FTE (pro rata £12,840)
Hours: Part-time, 16 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-term
Location: Hybrid with regular on-site presence in South Wales

Lead transformational change at a defining moment
A long-established animal welfare charity is entering a pivotal new chapter following a landmark legislative change within its sector. With ambitious plans to expand its reach and ensure every animal leaving a changing industry receives the care and support they need, the organisation is investing in its fundraising leadership.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a fundraising function at a moment of real transformation. As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in building sustainable income, strengthening partnerships, and enabling long-term impact.

This is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for fundraising strategy, performance and growth. You will lead across all income streams, develop ambitious but deliverable plans, and build a high-performing team to achieve them.

Working closely with senior colleagues and trustees, you will contribute to wider organisational strategy while ensuring fundraising is robust, sustainable and aligned to mission.

What you will be doing

• Leading fundraising strategy, shaping long and short-term plans aligned to organisational priorities
• Holding accountability for income generation across multiple streams, including trusts, corporate partnerships, individual giving and events
• Growing and diversifying funding, identifying new opportunities and innovative approaches
• Leading and developing a small fundraising team, creating a collaborative and high-performance culture
• Overseeing the development of structured programmes across trusts, sponsorship, individual giving and community fundraising
• Building strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders, acting as a senior ambassador
• Ensuring effective governance, reporting, and compliance, including CRM oversight and performance tracking
• Providing clear insight, analysis and reporting to senior leadership and trustees

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on fundraising leader who can balance ambition with delivery.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading fundraising across multiple income streams
• A strong track record of developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Expertise in trusts and foundations, with experience managing pipelines and bids
• Experience of leading and developing teams, creating clarity and accountability
• Knowledge of corporate partnerships, sponsorship or major donor development
• Experience of legacy or long-term income strategies
• Strong financial and data literacy, including use of CRMs and reporting tools
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate impact into compelling cases for support
• Confidence operating at senior level, working with leadership teams and boards

What you will receive

• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata
• £200 annual CPD allowance
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses

This is an opportunity to do more than lead fundraising. You will help shape the future of a purpose-led organisation at a critical point in its journey.

Your work will directly enable life-changing outcomes, ensuring long-term sustainability and meaningful impact for years to come.

If you are motivated by purpose, impact and the opportunity to build something lasting, this role offers a unique platform to lead and deliver real change.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.