Head of Retention & Development

HEAD OF RETENTION & DEVELOPMENT

Senior supporter retention and donor development role with individuals, churches and charitable trusts at Christian charity Embrace the Middle East.

Why work for Embrace the Middle East?

• Hybrid role: High Wycombe (minimum onsite twice a month)
• 10% employer pension contribution
• 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 25 days after 5 years and 26 days after 10 years. Plus 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Life Assurance: 3× salary
• Flexi-time and home-working options
• Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, available 24/7)
• Access to retail discount portal
• Training and development programme
• A values-led team committed to mission, integrity, and compassion

About the Role

Working with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will lead the development and delivery of Embrace’s supporter retention and donor development strategy, building deep and lasting relationships with individuals, churches, and communities. You’ll be responsible for shaping the full supporter lifecycle, from onboarding and ongoing relationship building to reactivation, cross-engagement, and long-term value growth. This is a role that blends strategy, creativity, and data insight, requiring someone who can hold the big picture while empowering a diverse team of fundraising and subject matter experts.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in supporter engagement, donor retention, and income growth strategies.
• Strong analytical skills, experience using data for segmentation, trend analysis,
• and performance optimisation.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to innovate and diversify income streams.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with an ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams in hybrid/remote settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from planning to delivery.
• Knowledge of UK fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical practice.

Role Requirements

• Commitment to Embrace’s Christian mission and values (as a practising Christian or someone supportive of our ethos).
• Willingness to travel occasionally to the Middle East (every 2–3 years).
• Right to work in the UK.

About Embrace the Middle East

At Embrace the Middle East, we believe in hope, dignity, and partnership. For over 170 years, we’ve worked with local Christian partners to bring healthcare, education, and opportunity to vulnerable and marginalised communities.

We are strengthening our marketing to deepen engagement and expand our supporter base. We are now seeking an experienced, visionary Head of Marketing & Acquisition to lead multi‑channel supporter and donor growth, build a digital‑first marketing strategy, and drive sustainable organisational impact.

Embrace the Middle East is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. If you require adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know in your online response.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and undertake a disclosure check as part of our safer recruitment policy.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement.

Key dates:

Closing date: Tuesday 28th April 2026

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: Tuesday 5th May 2026

Interviews with Embrace the Middle East: w/c 11th May 2026

Please refer to the candidate pack for more comprehensive information.