Business Development Lead

About Child’s i Foundation

Child’s i Foundation is a small but mighty social impact organisation that started in Uganda and now has a growing global footprint. We work with communities, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience to co-create and scale sustainable alternatives to institutional care. We address the root causes of family separation and demonstrate that every child belongs in a safe and loving family, not in an orphanage.

Purpose of the Role

The Business Development Lead will play a critical role in driving the financial sustainability of Child’s i Foundation. This person will lead efforts to secure new income, grow existing partnerships, and strengthen supporter engagement. This role combines strategy and execution and is ideal for someone with a passion for social justice, a flair for building relationships, and experience in both fundraising and donor communications. The role will report into our Chief Executive Officer. 

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Income Generation

• Develop and execute the fundraising and income generation strategy across diverse streams including:
  • ​Trusts and Foundations
  • Corporate Partnerships
  • Major Donors
  • Regular Giving
  • Campaigns and Events (UK & Uganda)
  • Track investment in partnership with Finance Manager
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities aligned with Child's i mission, values and strategic objectives. 
• Lead proposal writing, donor reporting and relationship management for high-value funders and partners.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board to unlock networks and steward strategic relationships

​Supporter Engagement & Communications

• Oversee supporter care and stewardship, ensuring timely acknowledgements and meaningful engagement.
• Manage and work with the comms team to develop content for digital fundraising platforms (website, social media, and email).
• Guide the comms team to develop compelling supporter journeys and storytelling that reflect the voices of communities we work with.
• Oversee the development of newsletters and donor communications that build long-term loyalty.

Operational Fundraising Management

• Oversee donation processing, database management, and tracking of fundraising KPIs.
• Coordinate with UK and Uganda teams to align messaging, campaigns, and compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight of volunteer-led and community fundraising initiatives.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Line manage junior fundraising support if applicable.
• Work collaboratively with programme, comms, finance, and impact teams to ensure donor requirements are met and learning is shared.
• Contribute to organisational learning on ethical fundraising, locally-led development, and shifting power to communities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in business development and fundraising (minimum 3 years), ideally in the social impact or NGO sector. 
• Track record of securing income from trusts, foundations, or major donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Strong relationship-building skills, from individual supporters to institutional donors.
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable, able to juggle multiple priorities in a small, fast-moving team.
• Commitment to Child’s i’s values and vision, and to ethical fundraising grounded in dignity and equity.

Desirable

• Experience working in East Africa or with Global South-led organisations.
• Familiarity and confidence with use of CRM systems. We use Beacon. 
• Understanding of child protection, care reform, or community development sectors.

What We Offer

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.
• Flexible and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to be part of a globally respected, locally rooted team shaping the future of child care in Africa and beyond
• 25 days of holiday entitlement 
• Contributory Pension

Normal office hours are 9:30am to 5:30pm (with one hour for lunch), but flexibility will be required

We are open to part-time working requests.