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- Tasks: Lead strategic growth and engagement initiatives for a leading women's organisation.
- Company: Advance, a pioneering organisation supporting women and girls affected by violence.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, employee discounts, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's lives while driving organisational change and growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising, strategic leadership, and understanding of women's rights issues.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed to social justice and empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 (depending on experience).
Location: Hammersmith, London (hybrid working, up to 3 days WFH).
Contract: Full time, Permanent.
Travel: Some travel across London and Southeast England required.
Eligibility: This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Pre-employment checks: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.
About us: Advance is a leading women’s organisation with over 25 years of delivering systems change and community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of violence and supporting women in contact with the criminal justice system. We also deliver specialist support and interventions to young women and girls in their own right. Our work is grounded in our values of listening, empowerment, collaboration, innovation and accountability, which shape how we work with women and girls, partners, and each other. Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just, and equal lives.
About the role: You’ll sit on Advance’s Senior Leadership Team and report to the CEO, working closely with the Board of Trustees. You’ll lead the organisational realisation of our strategic vision through the lens of growth, income generation, communications, external affairs and influence. At Advance, fundraising, bids, evidence, communications and external affairs aren’t separate lanes. They’re an interdependent ecosystem that either reinforces or undermines strategic direction. We’re looking for a leader who can make these connections and ensure these functions work in synergy. You’ll provide strategic leadership and oversight across:
- Business Development (including statutory funding and tenders)
- Fundraising (corporate, trusts & foundations, major donors, individual giving, partnerships)
- Communications & External Affairs (profile, influence, positioning, stakeholder relationships)
- Evidence, Development & Insights (evaluation systems, impact reporting, research strategy)
About you: You’re a systems thinker who spots connections others miss between what we say externally, what we bid for, what evidence tells us, and how we communicate impact. You’re comfortable holding complexity and nuance, particularly within women-centred, rights-based work. You understand the voluntary sector context and can balance collaboration, partnership and sustainability without losing sight of the end beneficiary. You bring a collaborative, proactive mindset, showing openness to challenge, curiosity about others’ views, and a commitment to shared success. Strong experience in income generation and fundraising including bid writing - this is the key non-negotiable. A thorough knowledge of issues relating to women experiencing violence and abuse and/or in the criminal justice system, or wider relevant social justice issues. Significant experience in a senior strategic leadership role, ideally at Director or equivalent level. Experience of building and sustaining high-level relationships with funders, statutory bodies and external partners. Experience of contributing to organisational strategy and translating strategy into operational plans.
If you’re values-led, future-focused, and motivated by both systems change and real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.
What we can offer you – Employee Benefits:
- A 35-hour working week
- An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that’s nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
- Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
- Perkbox – an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
- Pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee eye-care scheme
- Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
- Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
Director of Development and Engagement employer: Advance Charity
Contact Detail:
Advance Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development and Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Development and Engagement role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Advance thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact in women's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around income generation and strategic leadership. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Advance.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development and Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Development and Engagement role. Highlight your experience in income generation and fundraising, as well as your understanding of issues related to women experiencing violence and abuse. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your strategic leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in a senior role. We’re looking for someone who can connect the dots between different functions, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for women's rights and social justice, and how it drives your work. We want to know what motivates you and how you can contribute to our vision at Advance.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Advance’s mission and values. Understand the issues surrounding women experiencing violence and abuse, as well as the voluntary sector context. This will help you connect your experience to their needs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in income generation and fundraising, especially bid writing, as this is a key requirement for the role. Be ready to discuss how you can translate strategic vision into operational plans.
✨Demonstrate Systems Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you spot connections between different functions like fundraising, communications, and evidence development. Show that you can hold complexity and nuance, particularly in women-centred work, and explain how you would ensure these areas work in synergy.
✨Engage with Curiosity
Approach the interview with an open mind and a willingness to engage in dialogue. Ask insightful questions about the organisation's current challenges and future goals. This shows your commitment to collaboration and shared success, which aligns with Advance’s values.
