Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 salary, 30 days holiday, remote work options, and employee discounts.
- 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 issues.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team committed 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 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
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 London 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 London
✨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 Advance and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own experiences. This will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the Director of Development and Engagement role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in income generation and fundraising. Highlight specific examples where you've made an impact, as this will show you’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk.
✨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 our mission at Advance.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development and Engagement in London
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 women's issues. 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, especially in a senior role. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change within our organisation.
Connect the Dots: Demonstrate your systems thinking by linking your past experiences to the responsibilities of this role. Show us how you can integrate business development, fundraising, and communications to create a cohesive strategy. We love seeing those connections!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand Advance's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting women and girls, especially in relation to domestic abuse and the criminal justice system. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Development and Engagement, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, and driven income generation. Be ready to discuss how you can translate strategic vision into operational plans.
✨Connect the Dots
Highlight your ability to see connections between different functions like fundraising, communications, and evidence development. Prepare to discuss how these areas can work together to enhance Advance's impact. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your systems thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in fundraising or how they measure impact. This not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your values and goals.
