Chief fundraising officer jobs

The Chief Executive provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a respected voice in social change and activism.

Leading a small, committed team, the Chief Executive will set the strategic direction, secure and steward funding, and ensure effective delivery of programmes and services. They will work closely with the Board of Trustees, act as an ambassador for the Foundation, and foster strong relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role suited to a versatile leader with a passion for social change and building communities, who thrives in a small charity environment.

Please note this is a UK-based role and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Camphill Devon to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Camphill Devon is a long-established charity providing supported living, residential care and meaningful community for adults with learning disabilities. Set within a unique rural environment featuring multiple residential houses and a 100-acre working farm, Camphill Devon offers a blend of care, independence, therapeutic activity and community living.

The charity provides a vibrant and wholesome environment where people can enjoy the freedom of their rural surroundings, access craft, land and community activities, and play a part in the running of where they live. We are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities through which everyone can choose to live their life, their way.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership for Camphill Devon, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care, strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.
• Drive forward organisational improvement, prepare for regulatory scrutiny, and embed a culture of empowerment and accountability across the charity.

If you are inspired and excited by what Camphill Devon does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: circa £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Hapstead Village, Camphill Devon Community, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JN

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Camphill Devon, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Camphill Devon and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Beyond Reflections is a charity supporting the needs of Trans+, Non-Binary people including friends and allies. We are looking for an inspriing person who can continue to grow and develop the charity so it continues to advance and improve its impact and sustainability - a full job lack is avalable.

More details can be found at our website where a job pack has full details

About Beyond Reflections

Beyond Reflections is a UK charity providing dedicated mental-wellbeing support to Trans+ people, as well as to their families,

friends, and allies. We offer a combination of group support, one-to-one services, and therapeutic interventions delivered by experienced case workers, counsellors, and therapists.

Our work spans both online and in-person settings, ensuring support is accessible, confidential, and rooted in compassion.

From facilitated support groups and tailored counselling to mentoring, safe social spaces, and specialist guidance, we aim to meet people where they are and provide the right help at the right time.

We play a wider role in strengthening inclusion across society. Our training and development programmes, which have been delivered to organisations such as the CPS, Hampshire Police, B&Q, and the University of Southampton, focus on Trans+ awareness, allyship, leadership coaching, conflict resolution, and policy development. All income from this work goes directly into our hardship fund, enabling us to support those who would otherwise be unable to access help.

Volunteers are an essential part of our organisation. They contribute across support services, events, administration, and governance, bringing a wide range of lived experiences and skills. We provide a supportive environment for volunteers to grow, develop, and contribute to meaningful change.

Our Services

Support Groups and Community Spaces

One-to-One Support

Therapy and Counselling

Mentoring

Practical Support

Job Description and Person Specification

Please read this job description and person specification carefully to help you write your cover letter and tell us how you meet our requirements for the role. We are looking for potential from applicants. Job TItle Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary £40,000 - £52,000 per annum (FTE)

Hours 0.8 - 1 FTE, with some flexibility required to meet organisational needs.

Location Southampton, 3-4 days in the office with options to work remotely when required.

Reports To Board of Trustees

Responsible For Members Coordinator and Admin, Volunteer Coordinator, Revenue Coordinator, Therapeutic Lead. Contractors, including Supervision Lead, Bid Support and Social Media/PR.

Job Description

The Chief Executive will provide clear, compassionate, and forward-looking leadership that strengthens Beyond Reflections’ impact and ensures our services remain safe, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the Trans+ community. They will translate the Board’s vision into organisational strategy, oversee effective operations, and build a culture rooted in our values of respect, inclusion, and empowerment. They will be responsible for guiding the charity through a period of growth in response to increasing demand. This includes developing partnerships across the charity and public sectors, driving financial sustainability, supporting staff and volunteers, and ensuring our services maintain the highest standards of quality and safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development

● Lead the delivery of the charity’s strategic plan, ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the needs of the Trans+ community.

● Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.

● Translate strategic priorities into clear operational objectives and measurable outcomes.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

● Act as the primary link between the Board of Trustees and the organisation, ensuring clear communication and timely implementation of Board decisions.

● Ensure full compliance with charity law, safeguarding requirements, quality standards, and regulatory obligations.

● Provide clear, accurate reporting to the Board to support effective governance and decision-making.

● Maintain strong organisational risk management and business continuity processes.

Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

● Oversee high-quality delivery of all services, including support groups, counselling, therapy, mentoring, training, and volunteering programmes.

● Lead and support the senior management team (e.g., Operations, Therapeutic, and Fundraising leads) to ensure effective operational oversight.

● Promote continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, and consistent service standards across online and in-person provision.

People, Culture & Wellbeing

● Foster an inclusive, trauma-informed, and person-centred organisational culture that reflects the charity’s values.

● Recruit, lead, and develop staff, ensuring strong performance and wellbeing.

● Support and integrate volunteers across service delivery, promoting engagement, recognition, and effective practice.

External Relations & Partnerships

● Act as an ambassador for Beyond Reflections, representing the charity to funders, partners, policymakers, statutory bodies, and the media.

● Build strategic partnerships, including collaboration with broader LGBTQIA+ organisations and health/social care providers.

● Advocate for Trans+ people, contributing to policy, awareness, and sector development.

● Ensure member voices inform organisational decisions and strategic direction.

Finance, Fundraising & Sustainability

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, and stewardship to ensure sustainability and value for money.

● Grow diversified income streams, including unrestricted funding, grants, training revenue, and corporate partnerships.

● Maintain relationships with funders, commissioners, donors, and commercial partners.

Person Specification

We know that no candidate will meet every single requirement in this pack, and we strongly encourage you to apply even if you’re unsure you tick every box. If you share our values, bring relevant experience, and feel motivated by our mission, we’d be very glad to hear from you.

Essential Desirable

Significant senior leadership experience, preferably in the charity, social care, or mental health sectors.

Lived experience as a trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse person, or personal experience connected to the Trans+ community.

Deep understanding of issues facing trans+ (gender-diverse) communities, or lived experience.

Experience in designing or delivering training programmes for organisations.

Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising.

Experience of mental health or therapeutic service delivery.

People-management skills: experience managing teams, developing staff, and supporting volunteers.

Network of relationships in the LGBTQIA+ sector, statutory bodies, or philanthropic funding landscape.

Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, including public speaking, advocacy, and partnership building.

Experience scaling organisations, diversifying income, or developing trading/social enterprise models.

Strong governance knowledge and experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.

Understanding of digital transformation and digital service delivery.

Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.

Experience overseeing remote, hybrid or multi-site teams.

Demonstrated ability to lead in emotionally complex environments and maintain professional boundaries.

Familiarity with commissioning processes and local authority partnership models.

How to Apply

Submitting an application

To apply for this role please submit your CV and a cover letter to us

Your cover letter should address the following questions and be no longer than one A4 page:

1. 2. Why do you want to be part of Beyond Reflections?

How do your skills and experience meet what is set out in this Job Description?

To be considered for the role you must submit your application by the deadline. We want to see people at their best and so of course will make any reasonable adjustments relating to long-term conditions or disabilities that you need to help you perform at your best. Please let us know if this applies to completing your written application. We also ask you to let us know when submitting your application if you have any requirements for accessibility-related adjustments if you are selected for an interview.

Interviews

First-round interviews will take place in the week commencing 9th February 2026 and will take place online. Second-round interviews will take place w/c 16th February, where you will be asked to give a presentations to Trustees. If you are successful through these stages, you will be invited to the BR offices during the week of 23rd February. If you will be unavailable for any of these dates please mention this in your application email. These dates may be extended subject to the number of applications.

References and eligibility checks

Once we have identified a preferred candidate via the interview process, we will carry out reference checks and legally required checks of eligibility to work in the UK before making a final job offer.

Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?

Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.

Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.

TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.

Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026

First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Citizens Advice Westminster to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

Citizens Advice Westminster provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and information to local residents, some of whom are the most vulnerable in society. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

We work with local community organisations to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster through advice, research and campaigning. Citizens Advice Westminster delivers a high quality, agile advice service which reflects the issues and needs of our communities, and which puts clients first.

As Chief Executive, you will:

•Lead and manage the work of Citizens Advice Westminster in its mission to improve the lives of residents through delivery of a comprehensive information, advice, and casework service across the City of Westminster.

•Collaborate with the Board of Trustees to shape the organisation’s strategy, direction, and policies.

•Provide a strong and influential voice for Citizens Advice Westminster as the ‘public face’ of the organisation.

If you are inspired and excited by what Citizens Advice Westminster does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £67,991 p.a. (The salary is on a progressive pathway)

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London W2 5ES

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Citizens Advice Westminster, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th February 2026

Both Citizens Advice Westminster and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Our client has an unparalleled history as a pioneering repertory theatre and the launchpad for some of the most exciting talent in UK theatre both past and present. Established in 1913, producing theatre is the core of the organisation's mission and it creates up to ten productions a year. Now, the team will hire a new Director of Fundraising and Prospectus is leading the search.

The Director of Fundraising is responsible for the delivery and growth of all contributed income, leading the development and management of fundraising targets and budgets, with a primary focus on trusts and foundations, alongside other fundraising routes including major donors, corporate partnerships, individual giving, membership, patrons and events. The postholder will ensure a detailed and sustainable fundraising strategy is implemented and will expand and cultivate prospective supporters across all income steams, managing a brilliant team and working closely with colleagues in Creative Learning and Talent Development departments.  

The selected candidate will have a proven track record of accomplishment in fundraising and will be able to demonstrate strategic thinking ideally within an arts fundraising setting. Capital fundraising experience and knowledge will be key too, with the postholder able to demonstrate a track record of telling compelling stories to captivate donors for revenue and capital fundraising asks.  You will have a proven track record of significant fundraising across a variety of sources and will ideally have experience of creating and implementing ambitious and credible fundraising strategies and delivery plans.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis with three days a week in the office.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
 In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

• £46,000 + Benefits
• Central London
• Fully on-site - flexible hours - Term Time 09:00 -16:30 School holidays 09:00 -16:00
• Interviews to be held on the 3rd or the 5th of February
• Closing date for applications - Thursday the 5th of February 2026.
• Interview date: Monday 9th February 2026
• Job reff 4763524

You will be part of a warm, supportive and forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing young people academically, emotionally and spiritually. Seeking an ambitious, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising, community engagement, and alumni relations activity across our family of schools. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led educational trust and play a strategic role in supporting life-changing bursaries, major development projects, and the flourishing of our parent and alumni communities. Working closely with the COO, Heads, Governors, and our dedicated volunteer networks, you will champion a culture of philanthropy, belonging, and long-term support for our schools.

As Development Manager, you will:

• Lead the Fundraising Strategy - Design and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on bursaries and capital projects
• Build and nurture relationships with donors and prospects
• Develop a strong, sustainable donor pipeline
• Monitor fundraising performance and share regular progress updates with senior leaders.
• Line manage the Development Assistant
• Grow Our Alumni & Parent Communities
• Create a vibrant alumni programme shaped around events, storytelling, and engagement opportunities
• Oversee alumni data management and ensure GDPR compliance
• Coordinate high-quality alumni communications, reunions, and digital content
• Support & Empower Volunteers
• Act as the main liaison for parent-led groups, providing guidance and partnership
• Support community events such as fairs, auctions, uniform sales and fundraising initiatives
• Deliver Inspiring Communications & Events
• Work with Marketing to champion development of stories across digital and print channels
• Produce engaging content that demonstrates the impact of giving
• Plan and deliver stewardship and cultivation events, including receptions, legacy gatherings and giving campaigns.
• Oversee development administration, correspondence, databases, and budgets

About You

• Proven success in fundraising, development, alumni relations or stakeholder engagement
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong written and verbal communication, including ability to create persuasive content
• Experience managing multiple projects strategically and efficiently
• Confident using CRM systems and working with donor/alumni data
• Experience leading or mentoring staff
• A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to work independently
• Experience working with senior leadership or major donors
• Knowledge of GDPR and charity sector compliance
• Understanding of donor stewardship, major gifts or planned giving

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with an up-to-date word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Please do feel free to get in contact to discuss this role in detail or if you have any queries.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Make your fundraising and partnership development skills count for more.

Artizan International’s mission is to transform the lives of people with disabilities, enabling
fulfilling, independent futures through social enterprise, hospitality, and community inclusion.
Rooted in compassion and integrity, we co-produce sustainable programmes that build skills,
opportunity, and visibility in the UK and South America. Positively changing attitudes,
championing every individual and fostering a more equitable, joyful future. Our work is life-
changing, and we’re growing.
As we enter a time of exciting strategic change, we are looking for a passionate and
proactive Fundraising & Partnerships Lead to help us grow and diversify our community and
commercial partnerships, income and support income base from which we deliver our life-
changing work.

Role Purpose
This role is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of Artizan
International. The Fundraising & Partnerships Lead will develop and manage relationships
with community, commercial organisations, trusts, foundations, and individual donors,
building on a compelling case for support and championing our mission with energy and
integrity.

Key Responsibilities
● Identify and pursue new support and funding opportunities aligned with our values
and strategic priorities, researching and writing compelling applications.
● Develop individual support and fundraising marketing campaigns in collaboration with
the Artizan team.
● Build and maintain partnerships with community and commercial organisations,
trusts, foundations, plus faith-based and social-inclusion institutions
● Manage relationships with existing funders, ensuring timely reporting and strong
stewardship.

● Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, targets and donor
communications.
● Contribute to the development of fundraising strategy.

Reports to
You will report to the Chief Executive.

Person Specification
Essential:
1. Passion for ethical, purpose-driven social inclusion
2. Proven successful experience in securing support and funding from corporate and
individual donors, trusts, foundations and individuals
3. Strong partnership-building and relationship-development skills
● Grant-funders
● Commercial organisations
● Faith-based and social-inclusion organisations
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling
narratives.
● Grant applications
● Support
5. Self-motivation and organisation
● Work independently
● Self-management and delivery to deadlines
6. Confident using standard digital tools (e.g. Google suite, CRM systems or fundraising
databases).
Desirable:
7. Experience working in a small charity or social enterprise environment.
8. Understanding of impact measurement and reporting to funders.
9. Experience with donor stewardship and donor journeys.
10. Familiarity with fundraising compliance and best practice.

Note: Artizan is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children &
vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants
must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers,
prohibition orders and DBS checks.

Why Join Us?
● Be part of a mission-driven team making a meaningful global impact.
● Flexible working hours and a supportive working environment.
● Opportunity to shape how we grow and develop our support base.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Goods For Good is seeking an inspiring Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity through its next chapter of growth, impact and sustainable change.

This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a well-established, values-driven organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey, building on strong foundations to support people in need while reducing waste at scale.

After more than a decade of transformational leadership from our Founder and CEO, Goods For Good is entering a planned period of transition. We are now looking for a CEO who can provide confident strategic and operational leadership, strengthen partnerships, and guide the organisation through its next phase of development.

Founded in 2014, Goods For Good redistributes surplus, overstock and quality-seconds goods from businesses to vulnerable communities in the UK and overseas. Our unique model sits at the intersection of humanitarian aid and environmental responsibility, ensuring usable goods reach people who need them most rather than going to landfill.

Working with hundreds of corporate partners and a growing network of charity partners, we have delivered essential items to millions of people and prevented over 50,000 tonnes of goods from going to waste. Our work is practical, collaborative and impact-driven, rooted in dignity, sustainability and compassion.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to shape strategy, grow income and partnerships, and ensure operational excellence across our UK and international work. You will act as Goods For Good’s lead ambassador, inspiring confidence among funders, partners and stakeholders, while empowering a committed team and volunteer network to deliver our mission.

This role will suit an experienced, values-led leader with a strong track record in partnership building, income generation and organisational growth, who is motivated by the opportunity to lead a charity that delivers tangible impact for people and planet.

Seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, dedicated yet compassionate leader to drive the charity forward with a fresh strategy, new ideas and a bold vision. As CEO you will provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, ensuring we fulfil our mission and grow sustainably. You will act as a key ambassador, building partnerships and maintaining our reputation for excellence ensuring we move forward with impact sharing the strength and passion that we have continued to experience for almost 70 years.

Key Responsibilities (see breakdown within attached job specification)

• Strategic leadership
• Operational Management
• External Engagement
• Governance and Board Relations
• Team Leadership
   

What we do
IA offers peer-to-peer support to those with, or about to have, either an ileostomy or an internal pouch. We also help fund research into bowel disease and other conditions leading to the removal of the colon, as well as providing relevant information to interested parties using a range of channels.

Our strapline, “Because we know, we care”, sums up our whole ethos. Individuals can join either their local IA member organisation, or the IA national charity, and in either case, gain access to a range of services and support, including our flagship quarterly Journal, local and national meetings and information events, and other services such as our One2One peer support and Support Through Therapy services.

What you offer

Essential
• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally as a CEO or Director in the charity or social enterprise sector
• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, professionals and volunteers both internally and publicly
• Work empathetically with vulnerable adults employing working knowledge of safeguarding
• Financial management and budget oversight
• Demonstrable experience of implementing and monitoring services based on financial benefit and social benefit
• Track record of income generation and fundraising
• Demonstrable experience of operating within a governance and regulatory framework
• Experience of developing, managing and supporting high performing teams with a strong growth mindset
• Builds effective relationships with a strong network instilling confidence and trust
• Experience of leading a team delivering effectively against objectives

Skills and Qualities
• Visionary and values-led leadership
• Ethical decision-maker
• Strong, confident and decisive performing well under pressure
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy and emotional intelligence
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

What we offer
Contract: Part time 60% FTE – flexible over 3-5 days, permanent role.
Location: Remote (with regular travel to National Office (Rochford, Essex) and other UK locations, as required)
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 equivalent FT (pro-rata 60%), commensurate with experience plus benefits

Please see further information about us, what you will offer and who we are looking for within the attached role profile.

£68,000 per annum
Full time (35 hours per week)
Permanent
Hybrid working – a minimum of 2 (preferably 3) days per week in our office in Cheam, Surrey.
 
The Charity for Civil Servants sits at the heart of the UK Civil Service. While we can’t always prevent the tricky, stressful, sad stuff from happening, when it does happen, we help current, former and retired civil servants get the best support.
 
We’re 140 years old in 2026 and we’ve got big ambitions to ensure we are there for those who need us for generations to come.
 
We are looking for a strategic and creative Head of Fundraising to join our Senior Management Team as we embark on the next phase of our strategy to accelerate income growth. The ideal candidate will have experience at Head of Department level or above and extensive experience in leading and delivering successful fundraising campaigns, as well as strategy development and business planning more broadly.
 
This is a unique and exciting leadership role. If you’re a proactive and entrepreneurial fundraiser and experienced marketeer who thrives on turning opportunities into outcomes and who would like to work in partnership with some of the most talented people across the UK Civil Service, then we would like to hear from you!
 
In return, we can offer you a supportive, inspiring and friendly team culture and excellent benefits including Boundless, a health cash plan, Headspace, life assurance, excellent pension, generous annual leave, birthday leave and a cycle to work scheme.
 
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that states why you would be suitable for this role. The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026.
 
Interviews will take place on 25 and 26 February 2026. Please let us know in your covering letter if any dates that week would be difficult for you or if you need any adjustments to enable you to perform to your best at interview.
 
The Charity for Civil Servants are committed to building and developing a workforce which reflects the diversity of the civil service community that we support. We seek to ensure all job applications are treated fairly, with respect and without bias and we encourage applications from suitably experienced candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, or any other factor.
 
REF-226 147

About Us

We are a fast-growing, mission-led charity providing tailored support across mental health, physical rehabilitation, nutrition and wellbeing. Our work is informed by lived experience and driven by our mission that every young adult with cancer and their families/carers have the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser to cover maternity leave. This is a hands-on and strategic role, offering the chance to lead our fundraising from trusts, foundations, and charitable funders during a key period of growth.

You will be responsible for researching, writing, and submitting high-quality funding applications, building and maintaining relationships with existing and developing new funders, and ensuring that our supporter communications reflect our mission and impact. As a core member of our small, passionate team, you will also support wider fundraising and communications activities to help grow the organisation’s reach and income

Key Responsibilities

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising

· Lead all trust and foundation fundraising activity, delivering income in line with agreed targets.

· Identify, research, and cultivate new funding opportunities.

· Write compelling, high-quality applications and cases for support.

· Maintain accurate fundraising records, tracking pipeline, progress, and outcomes.

· Manage relationships with funders, ensuring excellent donor care and timely reporting.

Impact & Storytelling

· Work with our Programme Manager to collect, curate, and present impact data and stories from programmes to support funding applications.

· Work closely with the CEO and Programme Manager to demonstrate the impact of our work.

· Ensure all communications with funders reflect the organisation’s mission, values, and impact.

Collaboration & Wider Fundraising Support

· Work collaboratively with the wider fundraising and communications team to align strategies and maximise opportunities.

Skills & Experience

Essential

· Proven experience in trusts and foundations fundraising or similar fundraising role, ideally in the charity sector.

· Proven ability to secure grants in excess of £30,000 and multi-year funding.

· Excellent writing, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate impact into compelling applications.

· Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

· Strong interpersonal skills, confident in building relationships with funders and stakeholders.

· Analytical mindset, with experience maintaining accurate databases and using insight to inform activity.

Desirable

· Experience supporting wider fundraising, communications, or digital campaigns.

· Understanding of the health, wellbeing, or cancer charity sector.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about supporting young adults with cancer and their families.

· Creative, proactive, and solutions-oriented.

· Collaborative, supportive, and aligned with the values of the Ella Dawson Foundation.

· Comfortable working in a small, evolving team environment.

· Able to travel to Huddersfield for in-person team days (approx. 2 per month).

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver trust and foundation fundraising for a rapidly growing charity making a tangible difference in the lives of young adults with cancer. You will be part of a passionate, driven team, with the autonomy to make a real impact while supporting the organisation’s growth and sustainability.

How to Apply
Please submit your CV and application questions by Monday 2nd February 2026

We are unable to support applications for our vacancies if you do not have the right to work in the UK and only applications meeting the application process criteria will be considered.

The Vacancy

Job Title: Head of Fundraising, YMCA Essex

Location: Chelmsford

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1154754

Make a lasting impact with YMCA Essex.
We’re embarking on an exciting journey to redevelop our iconic Victoria Road site — creating a vibrant community space that transforms lives. To make this vision a reality, we’re seeking a dynamic Head of Fundraising to lead the generation of income across multiple streams and help shape the future of our organisation.

About the Role
As Head of Fundraising, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering YMCA Essex’s income generation strategy, ensuring sustainable and diverse funding for our redevelopment project and wider community initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll bring creativity, strategic thinking, and drive to build meaningful partnerships and deliver strong results.

You’ll lead on securing income from a variety of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate partners, major donors, legacies, community fundraising, and social enterprise. With ambitious targets and a clear vision, you’ll identify new opportunities, manage risks, and ensure a healthy return on investment.

This role will also see you collaborate across teams - engaging staff, residents, volunteers and community supporters in our mission. You’ll be a visible and inspiring leader, fostering a culture of energy, growth, and shared purpose.

About You

You are seeking an opportunity where there’s space and scope to build something amazing from the ground up. This means you’ll almost certainly be an experienced fundraiser or income generation professional who thrives on building relationships and achieving results. You’ll combine strategic insight with hands-on delivery and bring a proven track record of meeting ambitious income targets for capital projects.

Key qualities include:

Experience in one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major gifts, or community fundraising.

Strong, pragmatic communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage senior leaders, donors, and partners.

The ability to innovate, plan strategically, and manage competing priorities effectively.

A commitment to YMCA Essex’s core values of Kindness, Fairness, Professionalism, Perseverance, and Joy.

Why Join Us?
At YMCA Essex, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. You’ll be joining a passionate, supportive team driven by a shared purpose - to strengthen our community and change lives for the better.

If you’re ready to bring energy, expertise, and vision to this transformative project, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. 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.