Head of philanthropy and special events jobs

Main duties

Special Events: 

• Supporting the co-ordination and delivery of our special events programme. 
• Manage the core elements of special events delivery such as the co-ordination of auction prizes, guest lists, guest requirements, admin and communications.
• Source ‘money can’t buy’ silent auctions items and raffle prizes and act as the main point of contact with the auction company.
• Support with ticket and tables sales for all special events.
• Deliver high quality supporter care and exemplary stewardship to special event guests.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to produce event materials including event programmes. 
• Ownership of planning and delivery of our Christmas Carol Service with the support of the Head of Supporter Engagement. 
• Support the Philanthropy Officer with the organisation of our annual cultivation event. 
• Support the Head of Supporter Engagement to identify opportunities for income growth from special events with a view to developing a new Special event within the portfolio to attract new supporters/audiences. 
• Support with stewardship and delivery of our signature challenge event.
• Monitor special events within the sector, looking for emerging trends and sharing insights with the wider team.
• Support the Challenge Event Manager as needed 
• Ability to work evenings and provide on-the-day event support.
• Maintain efficient data and administrative processes for special events, including 
• income tracking and guestlist management on the database. 
• Be an ambassador at events, supporting the delivery of The Passage’s vision and ensuring that the charity’s profile and reputation are enhanced. 
• Ensure that appropriate and compliant risk assessment, health and safety procedures, protocols and policies are implemented for all special events.

Budgets and Finance: 

• Support the Head of Supporter Engagement in tracking and recording income and expenditure for events and ensuring they are delivered within agreed budgets. 

Special Events: 

• Assist with other team projects as needed, working together to deliver a high-quality portfolio of community projects and activities. 
• Support and attend fundraising events as required. 
• Adhere to the highest standards of community fundraising best practice as set out in the Fundraising Regulator Fundraising Code of Practice and ensure that all activities comply fully with the relevant Data Protection obligations and any other legislation. 

General responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions, as necessary. 
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs. 
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to. 
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Desired experience

This person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities which are used in the selection criteria for the post. When completing your supporting statement, please address criteria E1 to E11 and K1 to K7 demonstrating your understanding and knowledge and give evidence of your experience and abilities. 

• E1 - Experience of supporting or delivering special events. 
• E2 - Experience of recruiting new fundraisers and providing excellent stewardship. 
• E3 - Creative thinker with the ability to take the lead, initiative and problem solve 
• E4 - Experience of managing external suppliers. 
• E5 - Understanding of how to use insight, data and market trends to identify opportunities and make recommendations. 
• E6 - Experience of tracking income and expenditure targets. 
• E7 - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with people at all levels, over the telephone, email and face-to-face. 
• E8 - A track record of generating and building strong, lasting relationships with supporters. 
• E9 - Competent in the use of online databases such as Salesforce. 
• E10 - Competent in the use of mailing platforms e.g. Dot Digital and design sites e.g.  Canva 
• E11 - Working in the charity sector. 

Desired knowledge

• K1 - Special events, fundraising and trends. 
• K2 - Ability to work under pressure, keeping calm and thinking clearly. 
• K3 - Digital fundraising and online fundraising platforms. 
• K4 - Excellent organisation & time management skills. 
• K5 - Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage and take responsibility for your own workload, handle multiple priorities and to work independently. 
• K6 - GDPR and all relevant fundraising regulations. 
• K7 - Shared passion for the work and values of The Passage. 

About The Clink Charity

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, reintegration, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.

What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that reintegrates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2025, across 239 events, The Clink fed 43,000 people.

More information can be found on our website and social media channels.

About The Role

Working pattern: Full time, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 3-4 days in the office, or on site at projects in prison or in the community.

Location: Our Head Office is in Herne Hill, SE24 London (7 min walk from Herne Hill station)

Our Head of Fundraising & Brand is a vital leadership role within The Clink Charity, responsible for securing the income, profile and partnerships needed to sustain and grow our life-changing work.

This is a broad and influential role, providing strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and brand. Working within our portfolio of prison and community-based projects, the postholder will help ensure that The Clink's impact is communicated in a compelling and consistent way to funders, supporters, partners and the wider public, while developing sustainable income streams to support our long-term ambitions.

Building on The Clink's strong reputation and proven impact, the Head of Fundraising & Brand will lead the development and delivery of a fundraising and communications strategy that extends beyond grants to encompass major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other income opportunities. Through powerful storytelling, audience growth and brand development, they will increase awareness of our work, strengthen engagement with key stakeholders and create new opportunities for fundraising, partnerships and commercial income generation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Resources and senior leadership team, the postholder will lead and develop a talented fundraising and marketing team, cultivate strategic relationships and identify new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

As The Clink continues to expand its reintegration, training and employment programmes, this role will play a central part in securing the resources needed to support that growth, strengthen our brand and increase engagement with our mission to reduce reoffending.

If you are a strategic and ambitious fundraising leader with a track record of generating income, building partnerships and inspiring teams, and are passionate about creating meaningful social change, we would love to hear from you.

A Little About You

You could be a great fit for our Head of Fundraising & Brand role if you are an ambitious and strategic leader with experience of developing fundraising strategies, growing income and building organisational profile. Perhaps you've led fundraising within a charity, developed successful partnerships, secured major grants, or overseen marketing and communications activity that has strengthened a brand, increased audience engagement and generated growth in income through fundraising, commercial activity or the sale of products and services.

You may have built your career in fundraising, communications, marketing or business development, but you'll have a strong understanding of how these disciplines work together to generate support, attract funding, grow audiences and drive sustainable income. You'll be comfortable developing strategy, building relationships and translating organisational impact into compelling stories that inspire funders, partners, customers and supporters.

We welcome applications from experienced professionals who are ready to lead a talented team, shape the future direction of fundraising and brand development at The Clink Charity, and play a key role in our continued growth. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about our mission and motivated by the opportunity to transform lives, reduce reoffending and create second chances

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Income Generation

· Develop and deliver a multi-stream fundraising strategy that supports The Clink Charity's growth and long-term sustainability.

· Use brand identity to drive sales.

· Lead income generation activity across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, events and other fundraising streams.

· Use communications to create income from marketing of our commercial products and services e.g. bakery, restaurant, café, events.

· Build and manage a strong fundraising pipeline, identifying and securing new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships

· Monitor fundraising performance, ensuring targets are achieved and opportunities and risks are proactively managed.

Brand, Marketing and Communications

· Lead the development and delivery of a compelling brand and communications strategy.

· Ensure The Clink's impact, mission and outcomes are communicated effectively to supporters, funders, partners and the wider public.

· Oversee marketing campaigns, digital engagement and communications activity that strengthen the charity's profile and support income generation.

· Champion a consistent and impactful organisational brand across all channels.

Leadership and Team Development

· Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing fundraising, marketing and communications team.

· Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

· Support the development of fundraising and marketing capability across the wider organisation.

Strategic Leadership

· Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of The Clink Charity.

· Work closely with colleagues across operational and support functions to align fundraising and brand activity with organisational priorities.

· Represent the charity externally with funders, partners, supporters and other key stakeholders.

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, best practice and organisational policies.

 Person Specification

Essential

· Significant experience in fundraising, income generation and fundraising strategy development.

· A proven track record of delivering sustainable income growth across multiple fundraising streams.

· Experience of developing and implementing successful fundraising plans, campaigns and income-generation initiatives.

· Experience of leading or overseeing brand, marketing and communications activity, including the development of organisational messaging and audience engagement strategies

· Strong understanding of how fundraising, brand, marketing and communications can work together to increase income, profile and supporter engagement.

· Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and inspire a wide range of audiences.

· Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling cases for support and communicate organisational impact effectively.

· Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.

· Experience of using data, insight and performance metrics to inform decision-making and drive improvement.

· A commitment to the mission, values and objectives of The Clink Charity.

Desirable

· Experience within the charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit sector

· Experience of working with senior leadership teams, trustees or boards.

· Experience of corporate partnership development, major donor fundraising or philanthropy.

· Experience of managing digital marketing, audience development or supporter engagement activity.

· Understanding of rehabilitation, employability, education or the criminal justice sector.

· Membership of a relevant professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Personal Attributes

· Demonstrable belief in The Clink’s mission and passion for our work.

· High levels of self-awareness, humility and flexibility, as well as an open and collaborative leadership style.

· Personal integrity, kindness, warmth and sound judgement.

· Good communicator: orally and in writing.

· Proactive, adaptable and can use initiative and find solutions to problems.

· Positive, entrepreneurial, energising and adopts a “can do” mentality.

· Values driven and promotes inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA).

Reporting Lines & Management Expectations

You will report to our Director of Finance and Resources and will initially have two team members reporting to you.

General clink charity information

All staff are expected to:

· Comply with all current legislation

· Comply with all prison operational policies

· Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook

· Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Benefits:

28 days holiday plus bank holiday

Company pension scheme

Free meal on duty at Head Office or in the Restaurant

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell (HR Consultant) via this job site.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The closing date is Monday 22nd June, 9am.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Monday 22nd June 2026, 9am.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview Outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

We are looking for an organised and proactive individual to identify new prospects (trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors) to support to the philanthropy team in their fundraising efforts.

The role will help develop and expand our prospect pipeline by identifying new opportunities and supporting the philanthropy fundraising team.

This is an exciting time to join The Christie charity as we embark on a period of transformational growth with the launch of key capital appeals enabling us to see a real step change in our income. We are looking for dynamic individuals to join our successful fundraising team at this exciting time

We are looking for an experienced corporate fundraiser to help maximise charitable income to The Christie Charity by developing the corporate fundraising portfolio and securing corporate support and sponsorship from new and existing business contacts.

This is an exciting time to join The Christie charity as we embark on a period of transformational growth with the launch of key capital appeals enabling us to see a real step change in our income. We are looking for dynamic individuals to join our successful fundraising team at this exciting time.

Liberty is seeking an experienced, dynamic and ambitious Individual Giving Manager to implement a recently adopted individual giving strategy, lead a fast-paced team, and drive forward the next phase of increased public fundraising.

We are looking for someone experienced in digital communications and conversion, excited by the chance to work across a range of human rights issues, and who brings solid experience in leading a team.

Our current priorities are to maximise the success and profitability of supporter acquisition and conversion (mostly digital), forming tailored, data-driven supporter journeys (online and offline), creating a culture of testing, evaluating and optimising, and delivering engaging, integrated fundraising campaigns based on Liberty’s public campaigning and legal cases, and the investigative journalism of Liberty Investigates.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum office attendance of between one and two days per week in the Westminster office, depending on contracted hours.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 15 June 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Thursday 2 July 2026 and Friday 3 July 2026.

Second round interviews will be held in the office on Monday 13 July 2026.