48 Creative events and social media volunteer volunteer jobs

Purpose of the role

The Head of Fundraising and Communications is responsible for delivering our new 2026-2029 integrated fundraising and communications strategy that grows and diversifies DeafKidz International's income, raises our profile with key audiences, and ensures our storytelling authentically represents deaf children, young people and their communities.

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic direction with direct delivery. You will lead a small team of 1-2 direct reports and a network of freelancers/agencies, and work closely with the CEO, Trustees and programme teams to build a high-performing fundraising and communications function to deliver our new three-year strategy.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to organisation-wide strategy, planning and decision-making, and act as a champion for accessible and inclusive practice across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic leadership

• Develop and lead the implementation of a multi-year fundraising and communications strategy aligned to DeafKidz International's organisational strategy and growth ambitions.

• Set annual income targets and communications objectives, and report regularly on progress to the CEO, Trustees and Board sub-committees.

• As an SLT member, contribute to organisational planning, risk management, budgeting and culture, bringing an external, supporter-facing perspective to internal decisions.

• Identify and evaluate new income opportunities, communications channels and partnerships that support long-term sustainability.

• Support the CEO to drive proactive and strategic stakeholder engagement, coordinating and attending meetings and/or providing meetings briefs where required.

2. Income generation

• Build and develop a multi-channel fundraising programme with definitive responsibility for trust & foundations, corporate and high-net-worth fundraising; whilst supporting colleagues and partners to build and deliver individual giving, events and community fundraising activities. 

• Lead on cultivating and securing minimum five figure gifts from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and high-net-worth individuals.

• Oversee the development of compelling funding proposals, cases for support and impact reporting, working closely with programme teams to evidence outcomes.

• Ensure excellent donor stewardship and supporter journeys across all income streams, treating every supporter interaction as an opportunity to deepen engagement.

• Set, manage and report against the fundraising budget and income targets, ensuring robust forecasting and phasing.

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR/data protection law and Charity Commission requirements.

3. Communications, brand and profile

• Build DeafKidz International’s profile in the countries where we work and with new and prospective supporters

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated communications strategy covering digital, social media, PR, media relations and the organisation's website.

• Ensure DeafKidz International's brand, messaging and storytelling are consistent, compelling and authentically centre the voices and experiences of deaf children, young people and their families.

• Ensure communications activity is aligned with income generation and strategic priorities

• Embed accessibility and inclusive communication practice across all channels and materials, including signed languages, captioning, Easy Read formats and deaf-led storytelling.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of campaigns, appeals and content (including challenge events, awareness days and fundraising appeals) that build profile and drive income.

• Manage relationships with media, PR support, ambassadors, influencers and patrons to extend reach and credibility.

• Oversee internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers and Trustees are well informed and engaged with fundraising and external messaging.

4. Team and resource management

• Recruit, manage and develop a small fundraising and communications team as budget allows, building capability and resilience as the organisation grows.

• Manage external suppliers, freelancers and agencies (e.g. design, video, web development, BSL interpretation/translation, PR) to extend the team's capacity cost-effectively.

• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and supportive team culture, modelling DeafKidz International's values and commitment to deaf-led practice.

5. Governance and reporting

• Prepare clear, accurate reports and presentations on fundraising and communications performance for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

• Maintain oversight of donor and supporter data, ensuring CRM systems and data management practices are fit for purpose and compliant.

• Carry out other duties commensurate with the role as reasonably required by the CEO.

Person specification

Experience

• Significant senior-level fundraising experience within the charity sector, with a proven track record of securing five-figure and above gifts from trusts and foundations, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals.

• Experience leading and managing teams to deliver successful individual giving, community fundraising, and events programmes, achieving agreed financial targets.

• Demonstrable success in leading communications, marketing, digital engagement, or public relations activity within a purpose-driven organisation.

• Experience operating at a strategic and senior leadership level, including budget management, target setting, organisational planning, and reporting to trustees or boards.

• Experience managing and working effectively with freelancers, consultants, agencies, and external contractors.

• Experience developing and growing fundraising and communications functions within a small or developing charity environment, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

• Experience of international development and/or working collaboratively with overseas partners and programmes.

• Experience within the disability, deaf, or children's sectors, or a strong understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by deaf children and young people.

Skills and abilities

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational ambitions into practical, measurable, and costed fundraising and communications plans.

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage trustees, major donors, corporate partners, and other senior stakeholders.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages and content for a wide range of audiences and channels.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, income and expenditure monitoring, and performance reporting.

• Proficiency in the use of fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital marketing tools.

• An inclusive and collaborative leadership style, with the ability to motivate, develop, and support a small team while fostering effective cross-organisational working.

• A sound understanding of fundraising regulation and compliance, including the Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR, and Charity Commission requirements.

Personal attributes

• Passionate about the mission of DeafKidz International and committed to deaf-led, child-centred, and safeguarding-first approaches. Applicants with lived experience of deafness are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Comfortable working within a small, ambitious, and fast-paced charity, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.

• Creative, resilient, adaptable, and highly motivated to achieve results.

• Committed to equality and accessibility in all aspects of their work.

• Accountable, target-driven, and committed to delivering sustainable fundraising growth.

Other requirements

• Willingness to travel throughout the UK and internationally when required.

• Willingness to learn and develop basic British Sign Language (BSL) skills.

• Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check due to the organisation's work with children and young people.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.

• Workplace pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Remote working arrangements.

• Learning and professional development opportunities.

This role profile is intended to give a general indication of the scope of the role. It is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in consultation with the postholder to reflect the changing needs of DeafKidz International.