Director of Fundraising and Communications

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) are the only major UK charity focused specifically on the health and wellbeing benefits of bringing people and horses together.

They are pioneers in the therapeutic use of horses and their innovative programmes improve mobility, boost physical health and mental wellbeing, build confidence, and teach new skills. People of all ages and abilities are welcome at RDA, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.

Each year, RDA support over 25,000 disabled children and adults with the help of 2,800 equines, 1,700 coaches and 13,700 volunteers. They operate 400+ RDA centres across the UK and have 57+ accredited riding schools. Its commitment to para-equestrian sport has contributed to a strong Paralympic legacy, ensuring riders at all levels can achieve their potential.

RDA UK is at a pivotal moment, with a relatively new leadership team and ambitious plans to strengthen support for its network of member groups.

About the role

The Director of Fundraising & Communications is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading an integrated strategy across RDA UK’s income generation and communications functions.

With a stable annual voluntary income of £2m, this role is about unlocking RDA UK’s full potential—diversifying income streams, refining cases for support, and ensuring a strong, cohesive approach between fundraising and communications. It is an opportunity to drive long-term sustainability, elevate RDA UK’s national profile, and strengthen external engagement through strategic leadership and collaboration.

As Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will: 

• Lead the strategic direction for fundraising and communications, ensuring both functions work in alignment to maximise income and engagement.
• Oversee fundraising strategy, supporting the Head of Fundraising in strengthening income streams, particularly in major gifts, corporate partnerships, trusts, and legacies.
• Ensure RDA UK’s brand and communications strategy enhances fundraising, advocacy, and supporter engagement, working closely with the Head of Communications.
• Guide the development of compelling cases for support, positioning RDA UK as a leading force in health, wellbeing, disability, and sport.
• Represent RDA UK at a senior level, engaging major funders, corporate partners, and key stakeholders to unlock new opportunities.
• Support and develop the Heads of Fundraising and Communications, ensuring they are empowered to lead their teams effectively and drive success.

About you

This role will suit a strategic and hands-on leader, comfortable balancing income growth, team leadership, and external engagement. We’re open to a range of backgrounds, but you’ll likely be:

• An experienced fundraising leader with expertise across multiple income streams, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, trusts, and legacies.
• A strong team builder, adept at developing leaders and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Confident in evolving a case for support, developing fundable propositions, and engaging new funders.
• Ability to oversee and strengthen communications strategies, ensuring integration with fundraising
• Familiar with federated structures or excited by the challenge of maximising the impact of a network of independent organisations.
• An engaging advocate for RDA UK, able to build relationships across funders, partners, and the wider equestrian and disability communities.

RDA are partnering with Ed Cherry at QuarterFive for this appointment. A detailed brief and support with formal application will be provided to suitable candidates. Please apply via CharityJob ASAP, including a copy of your latest CV. 

This is a hybrid working role, with ideally 3 days per week at RDA HQ, Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Warwickshire. Please discuss hybrid working arrangements and related flexibility with Ed. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 7th March 2025.

• First round interviews (online): w/c 17th March
• Second round interviews (in-person at RDA UK’s Warwickshire HQ, with travel expenses covered): late March/early April