Head of Fundraising

We are working in partnership with a charity committed to ensuring that every child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) get the very best start in the early years. They currently run specialist centres in Reading, West Berkshire (Newbury), Wokingham, Gloucester and Southampton, provide support and information for families, and lead training for mainstream nurseries across the UK to enable them to be more inclusive. 

Their vision is a world where young children with SEND get the same opportunities as other children to play and learn in their local community alongside their peers. 

They are a dynamic, growing organisation and due to growth, the Head of Fundraising role will focus on shifting the fundraising function from a small charity to a medium charity model, increasing the size of grants and donations and building a long-term strategy for income growth.  They expect to grow the fundraising team in the coming years and this role will be instrumental in building a strong team.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following:

• An excellent track record of securing significant funds through a variety of income streams.
• Strong understanding of best fundraising practice and ideally a qualification
• A proven track record of building positive relationships with corporate and major donor partners.
• Excellent writing skills and understand what it takes to make successful bids in line with organisational targets.
• You will have excellent organisational skills, maintaining clear plans and logs of activity that are shared with the leadership team.
• You will be comfortable working remotely, and motivating yourself, as there is no permanent office for the central team who meet weekly.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead and drive our fundraising function, ensuring the organisation has sufficient income, and explore opportunities for continued income growth. With experience of effective income generation across all income streams, you will have specific focus on the growth areas of Corporate Giving and Philanthropic Giving, confidently seeking and developing long term relationships. You will also represent the organisation to external stakeholders, ensure donor stewardship is effective, and build our donor base locally and nationally in line with our national expansion.

For more information, please contact Lou Portnall, Recruitment Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Hybrid, Reading on a Wednesday

Closing date: 13 April 2024 - please note that if a suitable candidate is found the role will close early.