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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, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's lives while driving organisational change.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience in fundraising and knowledge of women's rights issues.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to social justice and empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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.
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: As Director of Development and Engagement, 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 in England 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 in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation 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.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Director of Development and Engagement. Highlight your fundraising successes and strategic leadership skills to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Of Development And Engagement in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in income generation and fundraising. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Advance, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Systems Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to connect the dots between different functions like fundraising, communications, and evidence. We’re looking for someone who can think holistically, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value openness and curiosity, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for women’s rights and social justice. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us, and you’ll find all the details you need about the role there. Plus, it shows you’re keen to engage with us right from the start!
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 that highlight your strategic leadership experience, especially in income generation and fundraising. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built relationships with funders and external partners, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Systems Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you see connections between different functions like business development, fundraising, and communications. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to hold complexity and nuance in your work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your curiosity about Advance’s future direction and how you can contribute. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and vision.
