Head of Fundraising and Communications

Overview:  

Spires supports homeless and vulnerably housed people in South London. Spires has undergone a period of rapid transformation, moving to a model of multi-site working across three London Boroughs. Our core services include, day centre style drop ins for homeless people, a Women’s drop in, a Refugee drop in and outreach targeted at supporting Women who are sex working.  
 
The Head of Fundraising and Communications will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. Recent successful funding outcomes provide a short period of relative funding stability and an opportunity for the post holder to develop our communications and community fundraising strategies.  

Part 1:  Job profile 

 
1.1 Purpose of job 

To generate income from a diverse funding pool that includes trusts and foundations, legacy and individual giving, community giving, government contracts and corporate support. Trusts and foundations remain the primary funding source for Spires so maintaining consistent application output is a core element of the role.  

Oversee Spires’ external relations and public profile. The post holder will be responsible for all communications and will look for areas to increase the organisations profile.  

Work with Spires CEO and the Head of Client Services to ensure that data and outcomes are being effectively captured in a way that is helpful for evidencing impact.   

1.2 Position in organisation 

The post holder joins Spires’ Senior Leadership Team and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The post holder will join the finance, fundraising and risk subcommittee which includes members of the board of trustees.  

The post holder will manage the Communications and Community Engagement Lead who currently leads on community fundraising, social media and volunteer recruitment.  

Part 2: Key duties and responsibilities 

2.1 Management Responsibilities 

• To manage the fundraising/communications staff and volunteers.  

• Hold and record regular staff supervisions.  

• Ensure that Spires’ policies are adhered to.  

• Attend Spires’ managers meetings.  

2.2 Income generation  

• Maximise existing and find new income to meet agreed income targets. 

• Research, write and present attractive propositions for a range of quality funding bids, proposals and documentation. 

• Produce and submit quality funding reports to meet deadlines.  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulations, networks and developments across the sector, advising on best practice 

2.3 Planning, monitoring and reporting  

• Contribute to the internal planning and budget setting, setting out clear plans for income generation. 

• Contribute to forecasting and regular reporting, producing verbal and written reports for the CEO and Board of Trustees. 

• Actively manage contracts to ensure that Spires is delivering agreed outcomes and spending restricted funds correctly.  

2.4 General 

• Review and update the fundraising strategy.  

• Undertaking other duties compatible with the level and nature of the post and/or reasonably required by more senior members of staff, including session cover 

• Attend and participate in staff and team meetings and other meetings as required 

This job description covers the current range of duties and will be reviewed from time to time. It is Spire’s aim to reach agreement on changes, but if an agreement is not possible, Spires’ reserves the right to change this job description.  

Part 3: Person specification 

3.1 Essential experience 

• Experience of working in the fundraising sector in a professional capacity 

• A demonstrable track record of successfully generating income and achieving targets 

• Producing impact and evaluation reports for funders  

• Writing for different audiences/contexts 

3.1.2 Desirable experience 

• Working in the homelessness or social care sector 

3.2 Knowledge 

• Understanding of the principles of effective fundraising 

• Understanding of the principles of effective marketing, communication and diverse donor motivations 

• Good financial acumen, including being able to produce budgets and forecasts.  

3.3 Essential skills and personal qualities 

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills  

• Information management skills (GDPR) 

• Good influencer and negotiator 

• Highly organised with attention to detail  

• Confident and enthusiastic with excellent interpersonal skills 

• IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and databases 

The following are required of all roles with Spires. However, you do not need to address these in your application: 

• Compassion for and awareness of issues facing our clients and service users 

• An understanding of and commitment to diversity and equality  

• Able to work in a flexible, approachable manner in response to changing organisational requirements 

• Willingness to develop personal competencies as appropriate to support objectives  

Part 4: Summary of terms and conditions of service 

Location: The postholder will be an employee of The Spires Centre. This post is based at 2nd Floor, Elmfield House, 5 Stockwell Mews, SW9 9GX This role will by hybrid with three days in the office and two days from home.  

Probation: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period.  

Notice: This post is subject to an 12 weeks’ notice period once confirmed in post. 

Annual leave: The annual leave entitlement is 35 days per year including 8 bank holidays. 

Pension: The Spires Centre will contribute 5% of annual salary for those who qualify for our group pension plan. 

Other benefits: The Spires Centre will provide life and income protection insurance for those who qualify for our group plans.  

Expenses: This role will require travel within the UK/London. Out-of-pocket expenses will be paid when incurred in accordance with our expenses policy. 

Safeguarding: The postholder will adhere to The Spires Centre’s safeguarding policy for vulnerable adults.  

DBS Check: Because of the need to interact with our vulnerable clients a satisfactory  enhanced DBS check will be required.