A senior leadership opportunity to drive growth, build influence and secure the resources needed to tackle poverty and homelessness through access to safe, decent housing in the UK and around the world.
Location: Home-based with frequent travel to internal and external events, networking and other meetings in London and occasionally across the UK. Occasional international travel will also be required. All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.
About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.
Habitat GB mobilises resources, partnerships, public engagement and advocacy to support high‑impact housing solutions in the UK and internationally, working closely with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and the wider Habitat network.
Job Purpose
The Director of Fundraising & Partnerships is accountable for leading the vision, strategy and performance of Habitat GB’s fundraising, partnerships, engagement and resource mobilisation activity.
This role combines senior‑level engagement and income generation leadership with organisational and strategic responsibility. The postholder will design and deliver ambitious, sustainable income and partnership strategies; strengthen Habitat GB’s profile and positioning; and lead a high‑performing, values‑led team.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships plays a key role in organisational leadership, transformation, and long‑term sustainability, working collaboratively across Habitat GB, the international Habitat network and with a wide range of external partners. This role has 4 direct reports, and an overall team of 10.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising, Partnerships & Engagement
- Design, deliver and adapt an integrated multi‑year fundraising and partnerships strategy, setting ambitious and achievable targets that increase income, engagement and impact.
- Lead the organisation’s approach to partnerships, philanthropy, fundraising and resource mobilisation across all non-institutional income streams, including:
- Trusts and foundations (UK and international)
- Corporate partnerships and strategic alliances
- High‑net‑worth individuals and philanthropic supporters
- Blended funding, including institutional and investment‑linked income where appropriate
- Shape and deliver Habitat GB’s positioning as a credible, innovative and impactful development and housing partner.
- Lead the development and delivery of communication and engagement strategies that increase profile, visibility, audience engagement and supporter commitment.
- Draw on learning from the wider Habitat network and sector trends to inform strategy, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, ethical standards, safeguarding and best practice, including oversight of relevant policies, due diligence and risk.
Income Management, Forecasting & Performance
- Hold accountability for all non-institutional fundraising income targets and performance against agreed budgets, with responsibility for year-on- year growth and diversification of income streams.
- Set clear quality standards, KPIs and expectations to promote accountability, ownership and high performance within the team.
- Oversee active management of a robust, strategically aligned prospect and partnership pipeline.
- Work collaboratively with the Director of Impact & Influence to align opportunities, approaches and targets across non-institutional and institutional partnerships and fundraising pipelines.
- Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance on income forecasting, financial planning, reporting and budget management.
- Ensure high-quality impact, financial and narrative reporting to funders, partners, the SLT and Trustees.
Senior Partnerships, Stewardship & External Profile
- Lead and model relationship-based development with priority prospects, partners and influencers.
- Act as senior relationship lead for key high value corporate partners, donors and funders, ensuring excellent stewardship and long‑term engagement.
- Support and enhance relationship building with High‑Net‑Worth Individuals, Trusts and Foundations.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop compelling proposals, propositions and reports across funding opportunities, positioning Habitat GB as a partner of choice across all priority audiences.
- Raise the profile and positioning of HFHGB through public engagement, media opportunities, online presence and attendance at relevant networks and events.
- Respond strategically to external opportunities and challenges, protecting and enhancing Habitat GB’s reputation and impact.
Leadership & Management of the Fundraising & Partnerships Team
- Lead, inspire and develop a high performing, ambitious team focussed on fundraising, partnerships, communications and brand marketing.
- Provide clear direction, prioritisation and performance management through regular 1‑to‑1s, objective setting, feedback and development.
- Ensure effective planning, resourcing and deployment of team capacity and budget.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive and learning led team culture, role‑modelling Habitat GB’s values and behaviours.
Organisational & Executive Leadership
- Act as a collaborative senior leader, supporting the National Director in delivering HFHGB’s strategy and vision.
- Actively shape and influence organisational strategy, ensuring income generation and partnerships are fully integrated into strategic planning and decision making.
- Contribute to organisational wide leadership on performance, productivity, risk, diligence and transformation.
- Work effectively across teams and functions to deliver integrated, organisation wide outcomes.
- Support Trustees in fulfilling their governance, ambassadorial and fundraising responsibilities.
- Represent Habitat GB at national and international meetings, forums and events, deputising for the National Director where required.
We are looking for someone with:
- Substantial senior level experience in fundraising, development and partnership leadership.
- Proven track record of designing and delivering ambitious income strategies.
- Expert knowledge of fundraising best practice, partnership development and donor stewardship.
- Significant experience of leading and developing high performing teams.
- Experience and awareness of communication and brand marketing in a relevant context.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership, income forecasting and performance management.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse senior stakeholders.
- Experience working collaboratively within complex or networked organisational structures.
- Strong alignment with Habitat GB’s mission, values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Experience working closely with Boards and Trustees.
- Knowledge of UK charity governance, fundraising regulation and compliance.
- Experience of organisational growth, change or transformation.
- Experience within housing, international development, humanitarian or social justice contexts would b
Flexibility:
Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This requires adaptability and an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team. The post holder is expected to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.
Application Process:
We want our recruitment process to give you an opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat for Humanity GB in return.
To apply for the role please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying, using the link found on our website.
Deadline for applications is Monday 25th May 2026 (at 11:59 pm).
We plan for first stage interviews to take place w/b 1st June 2026. Interviews may be held online, or in person in London (please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews).
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network, tackling housing poverty around the world.
Thank you!
Why we’re needed
Across the UK, over 4 million children are currently living in poverty, driving increasing demand for essential items and support for families with young children. In 2024 alone, baby banks supported over 219,000 families, a 35% increase on the previous year.
And demand is outpacing supply. Many baby banks are being forced to turn families away.
Baby banks are community-led organisations that provide essential items such as clothing, nappies and equipment to families with young children experiencing poverty or crisis. They operate in diverse ways and often offer support and signposting in addition to the material goods, reflecting the needs of their local communities. Baby banks have grown rapidly over the past decade in response to rising levels of need. However, this growth has largely been organic and fragmented.
BBA exists to support, unite and advocate for baby banks: strengthening collective impact, unlocking national opportunities, and helping a fast-growing and diverse movement operate with greater voice, reach and resilience.
The Baby Bank Alliance (BBA) was co-founded by Purposeful Ventures, Save the Children UK, Little Village and the Bristol Baby Bank Network. Since its founding, BBA has built strong national partnerships, secured significant funding and goods for baby banks, and raised the profile of the sector through national media and corporate partnerships (including with organisations such as IKEA).
Currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures and Save the Children UK, BBA is now moving into its next phase: in Summer 2027 we will become an independent organisation and are on the journey to build the national recognition, scale and sustainability to meet growing need.
BBA continues to work closely with its co-founders and incubating partners, who are expected to remain important collaborators as the organisation transitions to independence.
The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact organisation at a pivotal moment.
BBA’s achievements to date:
- A national member network of 256+ baby banks
- Current income of ~£1m, with clear ambition to grow significantly
- Grants of >£650k in unrestricted funding to members, with more to follow in Summer 2026
- Distribution of significant gift-in-kind: 13 electric vans; 326 laptops; >£400k worth of toiletries; hundreds of pieces of equipment like prams and high chairs; thousands of toys, nappies, and books
- National media coverage, including features in the Independent, a leading segment on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, plus coverage on BBC News, BBC Breakfast, the One Show, ITV Calendar News, Radio 5 Live, Times Radio and local BBC radio stations
- Confirmed and in-principle support commitments from key partners, including support expected through the current strategy period, providing a strong platform for growth
We are looking for a CEO who can:
- Secure major income and strategic partnerships
- Build BBA’s profile and credibility as the national voice of baby banks
- Lead the successful transition to independence and long-term sustainability
- Keep baby banks and the families they support at the heart of BBA’s work
Job Description
Initially, this role will be employed by Purposeful Ventures. Once BBA becomes independent, the CEO and other members of the BBA team will transfer to direct BBA employment under TUPE. Your terms and conditions of employment will remain unchanged.
What success looks like:
- Income growth: 50% increase in income by 2028, enabling increased funding to member baby banks and investment in BBA’s own capability and resilience.
- Public awareness: increased awareness of baby banks, driving stronger partnerships, broader public support and greater ability to unlock income and influence.
- Independence: a successful transition to an independent organisation in Summer 2027, retaining strong relationships with co-founders and incubating partners.
-
Organisational leadership: a small but highly effective central team, operating in line with BBA’s principles and with the needs of baby banks at the heart of decision-making.
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will lead the Baby Bank Alliance through its transition to independence and into its next phase of growth.
This is a unique opportunity to shape a growing national organisation — building long-term sustainability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring BBA can continue to support baby banks across the UK.
The role is externally focused, with a strong emphasis on growing income, building partnerships and raising BBA’s profile, alongside leading a small, committed team. Working closely with the co-founders and incubating partners, drawing on their expertise and networks, will remain crucial in the transition to independence and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Income Growth
- Lead an ambitious approach to income growth, increasing and diversifying funding to support BBA’s long-term sustainability
- Build and secure high-value, multi-year partnerships across corporate, philanthropic and trust audiences
- Develop and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities, ensuring consistent progress from relationship-building to secured funding
- Oversee national funding and goods partnerships that unlock resources for baby banks at scale
Strategic Leadership & Independence
- Lead BBA’s transition from incubation to independence, shaping its future model, governance and direction
- Refine and deliver the organisation’s strategy, turning priorities into clear and achievable plans
- Ensure BBA has a clear and confident position within the child poverty and voluntary sector landscape
External Profile & Sector Leadership
- Build BBA’s reputation as the trusted national voice of baby banks
- Develop strong relationships with funders, partners, government and sector organisations
- Represent BBA externally, helping to grow awareness of baby banks and the role they play in supporting families
Governance & Board Partnership
- Work closely with the Chair and Board to ensure strong governance and accountability
- Support the Board’s development as BBA becomes independent
- Provide clear and useful insight to support good decision-making
Organisational Leadership & Delivery
- Provide clear, values-led leadership, creating a supportive and collaborative culture
- Work closely with the Exec Lead to ensure continuity and strong delivery during the transition period
- Put in place the systems, structures and ways of working needed for a growing organisation
Safeguarding, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Ensure safeguarding is appropriately embedded in BBA’s work, with clear oversight and proportionate approaches
- Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in how BBA works internally and supports baby banks across the UK
Financial Stewardship
- Hold overall responsibility for BBA’s financial sustainability
- Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation
- Ensure funds are used effectively to deliver the greatest possible impact
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience (CEO, Director or equivalent) within a charity or social impact organisation
- A strong track record of securing funding and building partnerships
- Experience of working with Boards and leading organisational growth or change
- Experience in child poverty, family support, community-based services, membership or network organisations, or closely related fields
Essential Skills & Attributes
- Strong strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused approach
- Confident and credible communicator, able to represent BBA externally
- Strong relationship builder, comfortable working across different stakeholders
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in leading budgeting, forecasting and strategic decision making
- Comfortable working in a developing organisation and able to bring structure, clarity and pace
- Collaborative, values-led leadership style
- Motivated by the impact of baby banks and the families they support
Desirable
- Experience of organisational spin-out or transition to independence
- Experience within a membership or network organisation
- Experience working in or alongside baby banks
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.