Head of Fundraising and Advocacy

Join Challengers as their new Head of Fundraising and Advocacy and help make it possible for every disabled child and young person to play and have fun, without limits.

Location: Hybrid / Guilford (3 days per week in office)

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026

About Challengers

For almost 50 years, Challengers has been transforming the lives of disabled children and young people through inclusive play. We break down barriers, reduce isolation, support families, and provide respite and community when it’s needed most.

Nearly 1 in 5 children has a SEND need, yet many are excluded from school, play and community life, lacking safe spaces to connect and belong. This leads to isolation for children and intense pressure on families. Children become isolated, missing out on vital opportunities to develop confidence, friendship and independence. Parents are facing exhaustion, declining mental health and often being forced to give up work.

Challengers exists to break this cycle, creating inclusive, community-based spaces and providing services where disabled children and their families are supported. From play and youth schemes to family days and parent carer training and three alternative provision sites, our work tackles inclusion at its root by focusing on belonging, connection and dignity.

About the role

As the Head of Fundraising and Advocacy, you will develop and deliver integrated strategies to connect our story, audiences and funding opportunities, driving an increase in brand awareness and voluntary income. This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the CEO and sitting on the senior leadership team (SLT).

The role combines strategic leadership, high-level communications expertise and fundraising innovation to maximise impact and sustainability.

Who we are looking for

We seek an ambitious and collaborative fundraising leader who combines strategic vision with a practical, hands-on approach to delivery. You’ll be an inspiring communicator, engaging team leader, adept at engaging stakeholders and building trusted multi-year relationships that translate into meaningful income growth and organisational impact.

You’ll bring a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies across multiple income streams, alongside experience of contributing at a senior leadership level.

You’ll embrace change with resilience, identify opportunities where others see challenges and work collaboratively across fundraising, communications and the wider organisation to maximise impact.

Ultimately, we’re looking for someone who is driven by purpose, excited by opportunity and ready to help shape the next stage of our fundraising journey.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026.