Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to empower women and influence national policy.
- Company: Advance, a leading women's organisation dedicated to social change.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, employee discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's lives while shaping the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising, strategic leadership, and knowledge of women's issues.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and collaborative team environment.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Practicus has been appointed by Advance to recruit their new Director of Development and Engagement. “This is not just a leadership role — it’s a chance to influence national policy and transform women’s lives”. — Liz Mack, CEO
Salary: ÂŁ70,000 - ÂŁ80,000 (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 - ÂŁ250 for each referral who passes probation
- Organisation wide away days
- Thorough induction and training
- Career development pathways
How to apply: We are exclusively partnered with Practicus for this search. Your application will be directed to LinkedIn and reviewed by them.
Director of Development and Engagement in Slough employer: Advance
Contact Detail:
Advance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development and Engagement in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to women’s organisations or social justice. Attend events, webinars, and workshops to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Advance and their mission. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision of empowering women and girls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your fundraising skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful bids or partnerships you've led. Highlight how your strategic thinking has driven income generation in previous roles.
✨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 Slough
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! We value openness and collaboration, so don’t be afraid to express your views and experiences. Share what motivates you to work in women-centred, rights-based roles — we want to know what drives you!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the issues surrounding women experiencing violence and abuse, as well as the criminal justice system. Familiarise yourself with Advance’s mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Director, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led teams, influenced policy, or driven organisational change in previous roles. Highlight your experience in income generation and fundraising, as this is key for the position.
✨Connect the Dots
This role requires a systems thinker who can see connections between various functions. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve integrated business development, fundraising, and communications in past roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to create synergy across different areas.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that show your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges in fundraising or how they measure impact, which will demonstrate your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
