Development director jobs

Associate Director, Investment Development

Contract type: 2-year fixed-term contract with potential to renew – Full-time, 35 hours per week

Location: London, United Kingdom

UK hybrid working – up to 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: £71,481 - £82,059 per year with excellent benefits

About Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA)

The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) envisions a future where water security and climate resilience enable people, nature, and economies to thrive. We are a non-profit company that catalyses capital by transforming investment landscapes and scaling financing solutions for water security and climate resilience. RWA is a subsidiary of WaterAid and was launched by the former Prince of Wales in 2021.

About the team

The Resilient Water Accelerator (RWA) is a non-profit subsidiary of WaterAid, launched by the former Prince of Wales in 2021. We catalyse capital by transforming investment landscapes and scaling financing solutions for water security and climate resilience — acting as both market shaper and deal driver, with specialist teams and partners in Nigeria (Lagos), Bangladesh, Morocco, Brazil and South Africa. This role reports to the Senior Director, Programmes & Investment Development.

About the role

As our Associate Director, Investment Development, you will design, structure and scale blended and private/commercial finance solutions for water and water-related investments — water for cities, water for industries and water for nature — and work closely with our CEO, Chief Investment Officer, in-country teams, investors, DFIs and programme partners to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Support the structuring of commercially viable investments in water-saving technologies and process improvements for the textiles wet-processing industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and scale this work to other garment clusters, countries and industries.
• Lead the provision of advisory services supporting the evaluation, negotiation and implementation of mini- and mega PPP/concession investments in water supply and sanitation in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Originate, structure and develop opportunities for private investment in water supply and sanitation across RWA's target expansion markets.
• Work with consortium partners in the FCDO-funded Just Transitions for Water Security (JTWS) programme to mobilise public and private finance for climate resilience interventions set out in National Adaptation Plans and other partner engagements.
• Support the scaling of finance mobilisation under the Water Forward initiative launched by the World Bank Group and eight partner multilateral development banks: Water for People, Water for Food and Water for the Planet.
• Lead the conceptualisation and scaling of innovative financing instruments — including blue and nature-linked outcomes-based bonds, blended finance facilities and guarantees — and newly structured services such as Wastewater as a Service, leasing models and vendor financing.

To be successful, you will need:

• A graduate degree in economics, business administration, finance, engineering or a related field — or a first degree in one of these fields combined with specialised experience in project development or within a financial institution.
• At least 10 years' professional experience, including substantial transactional experience gained with a developer, within a financial institution, or in transaction advisory.
• At least five years' experience in the financing of private sector infrastructure (project finance, PPPs) and/or the financing of corporate water stewardship investments.
• Ability to investigate complex problems and propose innovative financing solutions, adapting structures thoughtfully to a wide range of country contexts.
• Experience leading teams and managing consultants, developing collaborative relationships and mentoring others with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with strong presentation skills across audiences ranging from funders to in-country partners.
• A self-starter who manages projects and deliverables to a high standard, working to deadlines and under frequently changing circumstances.

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Experience in blended finance, particularly successfully financed transactions incorporating viability gap financing or other concessional or grant components.
• Experience in climate finance, especially developing successfully funded proposals to the Green Climate Fund or other grant-making climate financiers.
• A recognised investment, finance or PPP qualification — for example CFA, FRM, CAIA, ACCA, ICAEW, CPA or CP3P.
• Experience in the water and sanitation sector, and/or foreign language skills relevant to RWA's current portfolio and target expansion markets.

Closing date: Applications close 11:59 PM (UK time) on Monday, 7th September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing Monday 14 September.

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At RWA, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and RWA’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK-based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

• 36days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10%
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all employees to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

Our Commitment: 

Our People Promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. RWA and WaterAid are places place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected local charity at a pivotal moment in its development. You will have the opportunity to shape the organisation's future, strengthen its long-term sustainability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum. 

We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, professional development opportunities and a supportive and committed Board of Trustees.

The role would suit someone with senior management experience who wants meaningful, flexible, part-time work;  someone looking for a stepping-stone into a more senior charity management role; and/or someone who wants a hands-on role in a small organisation where they will have autonomy and their contribution will be visible. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

Post outline

Location: Hybrid post. Part home-based, part at two locations in Rossendale
Salary: £35,900 pro-rata

Hours: 0.4 FTE  (flexible but must regulary include Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings). We are seeking funding to increase this to 0.5 FTE

Duration of Contract: Initially 12 months.  Likely to  be extended for at least 12 months, depending on funding.

Closing Date: 2nd September.Interview date: 9th September.

About Us

Rossendale Refugee Support Group is a small, community-based charity committed to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety . We provide practical advice, advocacy, support and opportunities for social contact to individuals and families living in Rossendale.  We currently have a single employee who leads service delivery, and over 20 highly committed volunteers.

We provide two weekly Drop-in sessions for clients, one at Haslingden Link on Wednesdaymornings (offering casework and social opportunities) and one at Bacup Maden Centre on Tuesday mornings (offering casework only).

We are a small charity entering a significant stage in our development. Having established a strong reputation locally we have recently secured a Local Authority contract for delivering refugee advice services.  We are now seeking a Director who can lead the charity at a time of transformation, capitalising on our increased financial security to improve our offer, develop strategic direction, and establish the charity on a more sustainable footing.  There is more information on our website.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Leadership.  Work with Trustees to develop and implement future direction of the organisation.

· Partnership development. Represent RRSG and build partnerships with funders, community organisations, national bodies, and other stakeholders.

· Fundraising. Lead the development and delivery of the organisation's fundraising strategy, identifying funding sources, preparing high-quality funding applications and reports, diversifying and strengthening income streams.

· Operational management. Provide overall leadership and management of the charity's services, ensuring services are high-quality and responsive to clients’ needs.

· Line management. Responsible for the Service Delivery Lead postholder.

· Financial management. In partnership with the Treasurer and finance group, oversee financial management.

· Information systems. Oversee the management of organisational records and information systems, ensuring data security, accurate collection, analysis and reporting, to support quality improvement and decision-making.

· Website. Ensure website is kept up to date and developed according to needs.

· Governance. Oversee organisational policies, procedures and risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funders’ requirements and organisational policies.

· Casework. Provide input into casework service, normally a maximum one session/week, plus cover for absence of the Service Delivery Lead.

· Attending monthly board meeting to report back on service performance.

· Support to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone committed to our aims,  able to work autonomously,  excited to help shape our future with proven capacity to do so.

You will have:

· Strong commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking asylum

· Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role

· Experience in all aspects of management including finance, monitoring and evaluation, data systems, and people management

· Strong strategic planning, organisational development and project management skills.

· Excellent report writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

· Understanding of safeguarding and data protection requirements

· Willingness to work flexibly according to the charity’s needs

· Ablility to work on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as needed.

Desirable characteristics:

· A successful track record of securing and managing funding

· Knowledge of the refugee and asylum sector.

· Experience of working within the refugee sector.

· Experience of working with trustees and charity governance.

· Experience of leading organisational change.

· Experience of managing externally funded projects.

· Personal experience of forced migration.

· Ability to speak relevant languages other than English

Director of People & Organisational Development

ActionAid UK

• Salary: £81,000 - £92,000
• Contract: 18-Month Fixed-Term Contract
• Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week (flexible working, condensed hours considered)
• Location: Hybrid, London (12 times per year)
• Travel: Occasional travel to Chard, Somerset and international travel as required

Help shape the future of a feminist, anti-racist organisation at a pivotal moment of change.

ActionAid UK works alongside women and girls to challenge injustice, shift power and create lasting social change.

We are now seeking an outstanding people leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as our Interim Director of People & Organisational Development.

This is one of the most significant people leadership opportunities in the charity sector today.

Joining during a period of organisational evolution, the postholder will play a central role in shaping the future of ActionAid UK's people, culture and organisational development agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across people, culture, safeguarding, organisational effectiveness, employee relations and workforce transformation.

This role is offered on an 18-month fixed-term basis and will appeal equally to established HR Directors seeking a high-impact transformation role, experienced interim leaders looking for a substantial change programme, or values-driven executives attracted by the opportunity to shape lasting organisational impact.

The Opportunity

People and culture have never been more important.

As organisations respond to changing workforce expectations, evolving employment landscapes and increasing demands for equity and inclusion, effective people leadership has become a strategic imperative.

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence organisation-wide change at Executive level. Working closely with the Board, Executive Leadership Team, recognised trade union and colleagues across the organisation, you will shape the systems, structures, leadership capability and people practices that will support ActionAid UK's long-term success.

At ActionAid UK, we are building on strong foundations while preparing for the future.

As Director of People & Organisational Development, you will help lead that journey.

You will join at a pivotal moment as ActionAid UK seeks to:

• Strengthen organisational effectiveness and future-readiness.
• Continue embedding anti-racist and feminist leadership principles across the organisation.
• Develop future workforce and succession plans.
• Review aspects of organisational design and team accountabilities to ensure structures continue to support strategic priorities and effective collaboration
• Build constructive and effective employee and union relationships.
• Lead the implementation of a more equitable pay framework and help shape future reward approaches that support fairness, transparency and organisational values.
• Modernise people systems, processes and data capability.
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion remain central to organisational culture.
• Review how the People function is structured to best support the organisation's future needs.

Why Join ActionAid UK?

Alongside the opportunity to influence a significant people and organisational development agenda, this role offers access to a unique professional network within the charity and international development sectors.

Based in central London, ActionAid UK shares office space with colleagues from Amnesty International UK and operates alongside a community of leading NGOs, creating opportunities for collaboration and professional networking. The successful candidate will also work closely with HR and OD leaders across the wider ActionAid Federation and may have the opportunity to participate in international HR leadership forums and global organisational development initiatives.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an experienced and values-led executive who combines strategic insight with strong delivery capability.

You may currently be:

• A Director of People, HR Director or Chief People Officer.
• An Organisational Development or Transformation Director.
• An experienced interim executive with a track record of leading complex change programmes.
• A senior people leader from the charity, public, international development or purpose-led private sector.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading people and organisational development functions.
• Experience leading organisational development, workforce planning, service modernisation or organisational design initiatives that improve effectiveness and support long-term strategic objectives.
• Strong employee relations and employment law expertise,
• Strong experience of trade union consultation and negotiation.
• Experience leading reward, workforce planning or pay framework programmes.
• Knowledge of HR systems implementation, integration or transformation.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Deep commitment to feminist principles, anti-racist practice and social justice.

Whether you are an experienced HR Director, Chief People Officer, Organisational Development leader or senior interim executive, this role offers a rare opportunity to leave a lasting organisational legacy while contributing to the mission of a globally recognised women's rights organisation.

To find out more please contact Tatiana at Charity People.

How to Apply

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to via the link below for further details about next steps. The closing date is 12 noon on 14th September. The interviews will take place week commencing 28th September.

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 we can help make the application process work for you.

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.

About Us

For over 21 years, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre has offered free, holistic support to anyone in our community affected by cancer through complementary therapies, talking therapies, art, and our supportive community.

In 2025 alone, we had 1,911 individual visits and 1,021 therapy sessions - entirely through the dedication of our volunteer team. We are currently renovating our new centre, and we want to use it to reach further into our community than ever before. This is the first paid role in our history.

About the Role

As our first Executive Director, you will be the single point of accountability between our Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operation of the Centre - working alongside our (voluntary) Centre Manager and (voluntary) Volunteer Manager to support their roles, not duplicate them. You'll lead our strategy delivery, guide the charity's move into its new home, and oversee a service redesign informed by a fresh programme of visitor, volunteer and community research.

About You

You already know how to do this job - you've held a senior, accountable position in a charity or comparable organisation and can bring that experience from day one. You're confident reporting to a board of trustees, comfortable getting things done, and able to win the trust of a highly experienced, long-standing volunteer team through competence and credibility, not authority alone.

Key Activity Areas

• Financial management – budgeting, financial controls, and reporting to the Board and Treasurer

• Governance & best practice – supporting trustees to discharge their statutory duties; maintaining the policy suite and risk register

• HR & people leadership – supporting our entire volunteer and therapist team; communication is key to our volunteers

• Fundraising – write and lead on a fundraising strategy, implement new funding streams and be the ‘face of Pickering’ – local networking will be essential

• Change management – leading the transition to our new centre and evolving service model with care and consultation

• Compliance – safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements

Qualifications - Desirable

All the below are not necessary qualifications but would assist with this role:

• CIPD qualification, or equivalent hands-on HR experience

• A recognised governance qualification (e.g. Chartered Governance Institute) or completion of a charity leadership programme or similar

• Financial management experience – a qualification would be useful but not essential

• Safeguarding lead training

Experience and Competencies — Essential

• Senior leadership experience with genuine authority and accountability in a charity or comparable mission-led organisation

• A track record of reporting to and working with a board of trustees or non-executive directors

• A track record of leading organisational change, with evidence it was genuinely adopted

• Sound financial literacy - budgets, management accounts, financial controls, dealing with auditors

• Working knowledge of safeguarding, risk management and regulatory compliance

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including board-level reporting as well as the ability to speak in public

• Experience making a leadership role pay for itself, through income generation, cost savings, or both

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to Pickering's mission

Experience and Competencies — Desirable

• Fundraising experience across grants, trusts, community fundraising and corporate partnerships

• Experience within the cancer support, wider healthcare, or hospice sector

• Lived experience of cancer, personally or through supporting someone close to you

• Experience leading a refresh of a brand or a rebrand, service redesign, or physical relocation of services

• Familiarity with Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding local community

Safeguarding

This role involves working with adults who may be vulnerable by virtue of serious illness. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory reference checks before appointment, and will act as, or oversee, the charity's designated safeguarding lead.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Pickering is committed to equal opportunity for all and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy is available on request.

How to Apply

Please apply by Sunday 6 September 2026. Interviews are expected to take place w/c 14 September 2026.

059 Development Product Executive

Reporting to: Products Manager
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Key Relationships: Products Manager, Stewardship Manager, Fundraising Lead, Director of Development, CEO, COO, Trustees, External Partners
Location: Remote Working, with national travel requirements for meetings, events and collaboration.

OVERALL PURPOSE

To support the Products Manager in the development, delivery and administration of innovative fundraising products and initiatives that generate income for NHS Charities Together whilst helping NHS charities increase their own fundraising income.

The Development Product Executive will play a key role in coordinating fundraising products including the lottery programme, the National Legacy Campaign, , fundraising toolkits and collective fundraising initiatives. The role will help ensure products are delivered effectively, members receive excellent support and product performance is monitored to drive continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively across the Development team, the Development Product Executive will help deliver high-quality fundraising products that are accessible, scalable and responsive to the needs of NHS charities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The main duties and responsibilities of the role holder are as outlined below:

Product Delivery & Development

• Support the Products Manager with the delivery and ongoing development of fundraising products, campaigns and initiatives for NHS charities.
• Support the administration and delivery of the lottery programme, including member onboarding, supplier liaison, reporting and responding to enquiries. The role will support NHS charities to recruit players to the lottery, so experience of engaging and growing membership or supporter bases, and understanding recruitment journeys, would be beneficial.
• Assist in developing, testing and evaluating new fundraising products and pilot initiatives.
• Produce and maintain fundraising toolkits, guidance documents, templates and other supporting resources.
• Coordinate timelines, project plans and actions to ensure fundraising products are delivered to schedule.
• Support the creation and delivery of collective fundraising initiatives that enable NHS charities to collaborate and maximise fundraising opportunities.

Member Support & Collaboration

• Act as a first point of contact for member charities with queries relating to fundraising products and initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with NHS charities, understanding their needs and supporting successful implementation of fundraising products.
• Coordinate member communications relating to fundraising products, campaigns and opportunities.
• Support the delivery of webinars, workshops and member events, including preparing materials, managing registrations and following up with attendees.
• Gather feedback from member charities and supporters to inform future product development and improvements.
• Support the delivery of consultancy projects where required.

Product Administration & Performance

• Maintain accurate project documentation, timelines, budgets and performance records.
• Collate income, participation and engagement data across fundraising products.
• Produce regular reports and dashboards to monitor product performance and support evaluation.
• Assist in monitoring budgets, expenditure and income against forecasts.
• Maintain accurate records on Raiser's Edge and other systems in line with GDPR and organisational policies.
• Support supplier administration, including raising purchase orders, processing invoices and monitoring contracts where required.

Marketing & Communications

• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to develop and schedule marketing materials that promote fundraising products.
• Coordinate the production of product resources, case studies and promotional content.
• Identify member success stories and examples of best practice to share across the NHS charity network.
• Support campaigns that encourage member engagement and product participation.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor fundraising trends, emerging products and sector developments to identify new opportunities.
• Support the testing and evaluation of new fundraising ideas and product improvements.
• Assist with gathering insight and learning from product pilots to improve future delivery.
• Contribute ideas that improve efficiency, supporter experience and member engagement.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues across the Development Team to ensure fundraising products complement wider fundraising activity.
• Collaborate with Data & Systems and Business Support teams to ensure effective administration and reporting.
• Support wider fundraising activity, including events and campaigns, where required.
• Contribute positively to team meetings, planning sessions and organisational projects.

Other Duties

• Visibly live NHS Charities Together's values, including our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Carry out duties in accordance with NHS Charities Together's Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Work flexibly, prioritising workload and supporting colleagues across the organisation as required.
• Adhere to relevant legislation, fundraising regulation, GDPR and organisational policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of duties. Flexibility is required and the post holder will be expected to undertake other duties appropriate to the role and within their skills and experience when reasonably requested.

Competencies

Teamwork – 'One Charity', working within and across teams

• Collaborates effectively across teams to ensure fundraising products are successfully delivered and continuously improved.

Building trust and respect – listen, feedback and learn

• Builds positive relationships with NHS charities, suppliers and colleagues through responsive communication and a collaborative approach.

Responsibility – owning your part in our success

• Takes ownership of product administration, project coordination and delivery to ensure high-quality outcomes. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and follows through on commitments.

Professionalism – creating an environment to achieve success

• Organises work effectively, manages competing priorities and maintains accurate records and reporting. Upholds fundraising regulations and organisational standards.

Stakeholder focus – understanding the needs of our stakeholders

• Provides excellent support to member charities, ensuring fundraising products are practical, accessible and responsive to their needs.

Acumen – sound decision-making

• Uses data, feedback and learning to improve product delivery and identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Experience working within a fundraising, marketing or project coordination role
• Experience coordinating projects or campaigns involving multiple stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience producing reports and analysing performance data
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Experience maintaining databases or CRM systems
• Excellent attention to detail and administrative skills
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Desirable

• Membership or subscription recruitment experience, particularly involving acquisition campaigns or supporter recruitment, would be advantageous.
• Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or products
• Knowledge of fundraising products including lotteries, legacy fundraising or individual giving
• Experience developing toolkits, guidance or fundraising resources
• Experience working with external suppliers or agencies
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and charity sector best practice
• Experience using Raiser's Edge or another fundraising CRM
• Understanding of NHS charities or the wider health charity sector

This year marks 10 years since Makan was established as an independent organisation providing transformative education to strengthen the movement for Palestinian liberation. It is a pivotal moment for a new Director to lead the organisation, as Palestinians continue to face the ongoing genocide, dispossession, and unprecedented repression. The need for transformative education on Palestine has never been greater.

At Makan, we have seen this reflected in the extraordinary growth of our programmes. Over the last three years, demand for our educational workshops has risen by 300% and in 2025 alone we worked with over 3,500 people across the globe – with artists, trade unions, students, educators, journalists, community organisers, and human rights networks, people whose voices shape public understanding of Palestine. Through our trainings, educational resources, and long term partnerships, we help people deepen their understanding of how settler colonialism, apartheid and displacement shapes the lives of Palestinians, and how these forces connect to broader global struggles for freedom and justice.

We are looking for an experienced Director/Co-directors to drive the organisation forward at this critical moment for our work. You’ll provide leadership and direction in delivering Makan’s strategic vision and objectives, furthering the charity’s programmes and communications; and overseeing its organisational growth and development, in line with its values and ethos.

You will be responsible for the overall impact, performance and collaborative culture of Makan; confident in representing the charity to a variety of stakeholders, including partners, media, major donors and other supporters; and able to provide effective support to the Board to ensure the organisation has the infrastructure, governance and resources in place to secure long term sustainable funding, develop the resilience of the charity, and deliver high-quality, impactful educational programmes.

For a full job description, please review the Makan Director appointment brief.

This role is responsible for strengthening the Church of England's approach to racial justice learning. Working across the Church, you will review existing learning resources, identify gaps and opportunities, and develop a clear strategy and workplan to support future provision.

You will ensure that learning is aligned, high-quality and accessible across different contexts, including national, diocesan and parish settings. Working closely with the Director, Deputy Director and wider stakeholders, you will coordinate delivery of the Unit's learning and development work, ensuring programmes are well designed, appropriately targeted and delivered effectively.

Location: Edinburgh
Salary: £49,792 - £56,426 per annum plus generous benefits
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the UK's most significant cultural fundraising campaigns. We're looking for an experienced major gifts or capital fundraising professional who thrives on building exceptional relationships and securing transformational support. You'll join us at a pivotal moment, leading campaigns that will shape the future of Scotland's national collection and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

At National Galleries of Scotland, you'll help secure the future of one of the world's great art collections, cared for on behalf of the nation. You'll raise transformational philanthropic support for projects that preserve Scotland's national collection, expand public access and create lasting cultural impact.

We're looking for a strategic and relationship-focused fundraiser with experience leading complex, high-value fundraising campaigns. You'll be equally confident working with major donors, senior colleagues, Trustees and volunteer leaders. You'll combine excellent judgement with strong planning skills, bringing together people, resources and fundraising strategy to deliver ambitious campaign goals.

While initially focused on The Art Works, you will have a longer-term remit to help shape future capital fundraising priorities that emerge from our strategic ambitions. You’ll personally progress high-value donor relationships while ensuring fundraising campaigns are strategically structured, insight-led, appropriately resourced and effectively delivered.

You'll help broaden our philanthropic reach by expanding a strong and diverse prospect base across local, national and international audiences. This includes developing approaches to high-value and discreet funders and making the best use of senior volunteers and networks.

The scale of the role is exceptional. You'll work on nationally significant projects with a compelling case for support. You'll enjoy flexible and hybrid working, generous benefits and the chance to make a lasting impact throughout your career.

The difference you’ll make
Reporting to the Head of Development, you will:

• Provide excellent strategic management of capital fundraising campaigns across the organisation, with an immediate focus on The Art Works as well as responsibility for supporting the planning and delivery of future campaigns, including the Mound Level Galleries redevelopment and other major capital priorities.
• Contribute to the development of long-term capital fundraising strategies, campaign plans and prospect pipelines to support future organisational priorities beyond The Art Works, ensuring continuity of donor engagement and campaign readiness.
• Translate campaign strategy, timelines and gift table requirements into clear delivery plans and actions across teams.
• Monitor progress toward income and activity targets, identify variances early and recommend tactical adjustments based on internal insight and external conditions.
• Lead the development and maintenance of campaign reporting, including dashboards, risk logs, income phasing and governance papers.
• Engage directly with major donors, trusts and foundations to cultivate, solicit and steward high-value gifts, working with senior colleagues, Trustees and Campaign Board members as appropriate to maximise outcomes.
• Oversee and direct cultivation and stewardship activity across the capital campaigns team, ensuring delivery of agreed fundraising strategies and a structured and strategic approach to progressing prospects and delivering income targets, while working closely with the wider Development team to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to donor engagement.
• Expand the philanthropic prospect base by identifying new opportunities and supporting approaches to high‑value or discreet funders.
• Oversee the preparation of high‑quality briefings, materials and follow‑up for senior‑level donor meetings and solicitations.
• Coordinate all donor hospitality activity for the campaign, liaising with colleagues across the Development team and other teams as required, including events, briefings, site visits and other cultivation opportunities.
• Lead the implementation of donor recognition and stewardship frameworks, ensuring consistent, high‑quality supporter experiences.
• Ensure operational readiness for the public phase of the campaign, coordinating colleagues across Development, Communications and Visitor Experience to create effective giving pathways and engagement opportunities.
• Provide day‑to‑day direction to the Development Manager – Capital Campaigns; the Campaigns Coordinator and other team members (to be brought in on a temporary basis as required at key campaign stages) to support high standards of documentation, planning and internal communication.
• Promote collaborative, inclusive working practices across the team and wider organisation.

Who we are looking for
To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

• Significant leadership experience in capital or multi‑year fundraising campaigns with £multi-million targets.
• Experience of developing and sustaining a portfolio of high net worth prospects at 5, 6 and 7-figure levels including discreet and invite-only funders.
• Experience modelling and managing fundraising cash flow, campaign pacing and income phasing across multiple fundraising priorities, ensuring alignment with organisational and project delivery requirements.
• Ability to expand donor networks at local, national, and international level.
• Strong presentation and writing skills, with the ability to influence, articulate complex ideas and inspire support.
• Experience planning and delivering high‑quality cultivation events and donor engagements.
• Strong understanding of fundraising sector trends, major donor behaviour and the philanthropic landscape.
• Experience working closely with senior stakeholders, including Directors, Trustees, volunteer fundraising campaign board members and other high‑level advocates.
• Strong knowledge of UK charitable giving and tax considerations relevant to fundraising.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to act on initiative while exercising good judgement about when to involve others.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with confidence interpreting financial, pipeline and performance data.
• Experience using CRM/database systems such as Spektrix or similar.

It would also be great if you have

• Experience of fundraising for multiple capital projects and transitioning donor relationships between successive major campaigns. Knowledge of the arts, culture, heritage, community engagement or education sectors.
• Understanding of how environmental sustainability, climate action and low‑energy design influence contemporary philanthropic priorities.
• Enthusiasm for the mission and work of the National Galleries of Scotland.
• Experience of fundraising in an international context, particularly in North America and Asia. 

The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

Please apply directly via our careers portal. Applications via email will not be accepted.

Liberty is looking for a mission-focussed, bold and strategic leader with strong political instincts to step into the exciting role of Director of External Affairs.

Liberty has launched an ambitious new strategy in a rapidly changing external environment, where existential threats to human rights and civil liberties give our work a renewed sense of urgency. 

Leading our external relations directorate, you will work across policy and public affairs, communications and engagement, and legal, to deliver our strategy, shape national debate, influence decision-makers, and strengthen Liberty’s reputation as a trusted, principled and independent voice on human rights and civil liberties. You will build influential and impactful relationships with government, decision-makers, think tanks, NGOs and media partners, and explore new partnerships across other sectors to broaden our impact and reach. 

You will have the experience and skills to lead and inspire teams, embed effective cross-team systems and practice, and deliver high-impact work in a fast-paced and challenging external context. 

You will have exceptional delivery skills, as well as demonstrable experience delivering through and across external-facing functions in multi-disciplinary and complex mission-driven, values-based organisations, balancing both longer-term proactive work as well as reactive work. You will need to demonstrate exceptional political judgement and insight, a proven track record of influencing, and strong experience of managing organisational risk in a fast-paced, complex and sometimes hostile external context. You will have an excellent grasp of detail as well as the ability to communicate complex issues well to a wide variety of stakeholders, including as a leading spokesperson for Liberty. 

As a member of a small Senior Leadership Team, you will be delivering organisation-wide work for which you will need demonstrable experience of leading and delivering complex internal work, excellent communications skills, the confidence and experience to embed a values-based approach across organisational functions, and the ability to work collaboratively and in an agile way in a small leadership team. 

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, and there is a minimum office requirement of 2 days per week however, the Senior Leadership Team typically work from the office at least 3 days per week.

The deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 14 September 2026

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 Tuesday 22 September 2026

Second round interview will be held in person on Friday 2 October 2026

Please note that due to team capacity we cannot offer alternative interview dates so please do ensure you hold these dates before you apply.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working in partnership with Young Enterprise to recruit their new Director of Income & Development.

Young Enterprise is committed to helping young people unlock their potential, equipping them with the skills, confidence and experiences they need for their futures. Through their work with young people and educators, they create opportunities that develop enterprise and financial capability and aim to make a lasting impact across the UK. Their culture is underpinned by collaboration, innovation, resilience and a shared ambition to create the greatest possible impact for young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and ambitious organisation at a significant point of investment, change and growth. Young Enterprise is looking for an exceptional income generation leader who can build on strong foundations while bringing the commercial thinking, ambition and creativity needed to take their income strategy to the next level.

What the role entails:

• Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead a team of around 15, developing and delivering an ambitious, diversified income strategy. You will support and develop the team, while bringing fresh thinking and identifying new opportunities for growth.
• A key focus will be new business and income growth, so they are looking for someone with a strong, evidenced track record of growing income, developing new opportunities and turning compelling propositions into sustainable revenue.
• You will be a strategic and credible senior leader, confident operating at Board level, presenting on performance and future direction, and contributing to wider organisational strategy.
• Entrepreneurial and outward-looking, you will combine strategic thinking with a strong instinct for new business, building senior relationships and turning market opportunities into new partnerships and income.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of evidenced income growth at a senior level.
• Significant experience of new business, income generation, fundraising or business development.
• Experience developing and delivering multi-channel income strategies, with demonstrable success in securing significant six- and seven-figure relationships.
• The ability to lead, motivate, support and develop a sizeable team, including through periods of change.
• Credibility and presence at executive and Board level, including the confidence to present, influence and challenge.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to work across an organisation to turn ideas into compelling, fundable propositions.
• Confidence building external relationships and operating across UK and European markets.

The successful candidate will be joining Young Enterprise at a genuinely exciting point in their development. For someone energised by growth, transformation and the opportunity to build, this role offers the chance to shape their future income strategy, develop an established team and help create the sustainable income needed to increase their impact for young people.

Key details:

Closing date: Monday 7 September.

Interviews: Week commencing 14^th September

Salary: Circa £70,000 - £80,000

Working pattern: Full time. 2/3 days in the office.

Application process: To apply, please email your CV to . If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact Hannah Laking on 020 7820 7331. Applications will be reviewed against the requirements of the role, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss the next stage of the process.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics

Head of Corporate Development

Location:London (Hybrid, with1 day per week in the office on Monday)
Salary:£60,000 - £65,000per annum, commensurate with experience
Hours:Full-time, 35 hours per week
Travel:UK and international travel required (approximately6-7 weeks per year), plus some evening and weekend commitments.

Lead strategic partnerships that change lives around the world
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious fundraising leader to join an international charity that supports a global workforce often operating far from home and their support networks. Through practical assistance, advocacy, emergency response and wellbeing services, the organisation makes a tangible difference to the lives of people across more than 50 countries.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver a growing corporate fundraising strategy, build high-value partnerships with national and international organisations, and play a key role in achieving ambitious income growth targets. Working closely with the Director of Development, you will lead corporate fundraising activity, oversee a talented team, and help maximise opportunities across a diverse programme of fundraising events and partnerships.

Why this role?
In this position, you will:

• Lead and develop corporate fundraising strategy to secure sustainable, long-term income growth.
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate partners, sponsors and senior industry stakeholders globally.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of key corporate accounts, identifying new opportunities for support and engagement.
• Develop compelling proposals, presentations and partnership opportunities that align organisational priorities with corporate objectives.
• Work collaboratively with events colleagues to maximise sponsorship, team participation and fundraising outcomes.
• Lead, support and develop a small fundraising team, fostering high performance and collaboration.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events and presentations in the UK and internationally.

What we're looking for
We are interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:

• A strong track record of success in corporate fundraising and partnership development.
• Experience developing and delivering strategic fundraising plans and income growth initiatives.
• Significant experience managing corporate relationships and securing high-value support.
• Experience leading and developing teams within a fundraising environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders confidently.
• An innovative and creative approach to identifying mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.
• Strong financial, reporting and budget management skills.
• Confidence using CRM and supporter database systems, with strong data literacy and Microsoft Office skills.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Retail discount vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free eye tests
• Access to learning and development opportunities

Join a values-led organisation

This organisation is committed to being pioneering, inclusive, collaborative, accountable and caring. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful global impact through outstanding fundraising and partnership development.

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.

Location: London (with hybrid working available)
Closing date: Thursday 10 September
Interview date: Thursday 24 September in London
Salary: £100,000 pa

Brook is a 4 Day Week employer

About Brook

Brook believes in a society where everyone is supported to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. For over sixty years, Brook has been a pioneering force, transforming lives and communities. Brook fights for the right to excellent sexual health, mental health and wellbeing, offering lifelong support that is inclusive, non-judgmental and accessible to all. Our unique offer combines clinical services, relationships and sex education, outreach in community settings, wellbeing programmes and counselling. In 2025/26, we supported 1.45 million people through our frontline services. We delivered 4,053 mental health and wellbeing interventions, supported 111,931 people through our education and wellbeing work and supported 57,071 people through our all-age clinical services.

About the role

We’re looking for a Director of Engagement, Communications & Income to provide strategic leadership across income generation, service development, marketing, communications, policy and external engagement.

The role is key to strengthen organisational sustainability by securing diverse and sustainable income streams.  You will provide strategic leadership for service development and oversee the identification, development and submission of high-value, complex bids and tenders for commissioned services. 

You will oversee communications, marketing and brand activity ensuring communications effectively position the organisation to attract funders, donors, corporate partners and stakeholders.  You will lead the organisation’s external engagement strategy to enhance profile, influence and reach.

About you
You will have significant senior leadership experience and be skilled at collaborative working. Your outstanding leadership, influencing and relationship-building skills will be evidenced through a track record of securing income from diverse sources. You will have extensive experience in in communications, brand development and stakeholder engagement.

Your ability to efficiently manage a complex and busy workload with conflicting priorities will enable you to work well under pressure and deliver to deadlines. You will have an in-depth knowledge of the charitable funding landscape, the public sector commissioning environment and a broad range of communications activities. 

Benefits of working for Brook:

• 4 Day Week (Working 20% hours less without salary decrease)
• Annual leave – 28 days per annum, increasing up to 33 days plus 8 bank holidays 
• Sick pay (from 3 up to 12 weeks fully paid) 
• Flexible working 
• Gratitude scheme 
• Assisted purchase scheme 
• Cycle to Work up to £1k 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
• Long service awards 
• Maternity and paternity pay 
• Pension scheme – Employee pension contributions matched by Brook up to 4% of qualifying earnings
• Training and development opportunities 
• Coaching

Please note - this role requires the successful applicant to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Candidates must be able to provide paperwork demonstrating their right to work in the UK.

Please note: internal applicants with live sanctions will not be considered for this role. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. Should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible. 

Due to the high number of applications for this post, it will not be possible to respond to every application. We will contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date if you have been shortlisted for the role. 

Thank you for your interest in working for Brook.
 

Brook Safeguarding with Purpose

Working with People Safely. Safe Place, Safe People. 

Regional Youth and Community Director
OASIS UK – Youth and Community (OCP)

0.6 FTE, Permanent

Salary:£31,487 (FTE £52,479)

We’re excited to be recruiting for a key leadership position supporting Oasis’ youth and community work in the North West region (covering delivery in Greater Manchester and Bradford).With accountability to the Oasis Community Partnerships CEO the role of the Regional Youth and Community Director has three main functions:

1 Strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams

2 Regional development, working alongside other functions within the Oasis family

3 Being part of the national Youth and Community leadership team

The Youth and Community Director will have strategic management oversight of local Youth and Community teams in the region, providing accountability and support to the local leaders and charity boards. This responsibility area falls into two categories; those the Director is directly responsible for, and those they are responsible for ensuring are carried out by leaders within their region.

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT

Oasis neighbourhoods are local places of activity that provide integrated, high quality and diverse services to benefit the whole person and the whole community. The Oasis ethos stems from our Christian roots and is an expression of our character - it is a declaration of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do. This is encapsulated by the following five statements:

a passion to include everyone

a desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences

a commitment to healthy and open relationships

a deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed

a sense of perseverance to keep going for the long haul

An Oasis neighbourhood is a community movement and the joining together of all the work Oasis does in any one place, which could include foodbanks, debt advice centres, family support and advice services, healthcare, youth work, children’s work, alongside other Oasis activities in that community, including formal education through Oasis Academies.

The Youth and Community function of Oasis is responsible for the wider community work that takes place within Oasis neighbourhoods, working closely with the wider Oasis family to outwork our vision. In relation to governance, Oasis Community Partnerships is the national charity, with each local team operating from their own local Oasis charity.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a difference to communities on a local level, whilst also influencing the national landscape.  As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution
• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays)

Please contact us to arrange for an informal conversation with our CEO to find out more about the role. If you are interested in this position, please send your CV and a covering letter (ensuring you refer to the job description and person spec).

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers to application, please let us know.

Completed applications should be returned by 9am on Tuesday 8th September.

Interviews will take place week beginning 21st September. (Shorter more informal calls may be arranged the previous week to assist with shortlisting)

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 08749179

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

 

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.