At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy to grow income and impact for a national charity.
- Company: Join Back Up, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by spinal cord injury.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fundraising and help change lives through impactful services.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 80000 £ per year.
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Back Up, a national charity supporting people affected by spinal cord injury, to recruit their new Director of Fundraising. This is a pivotal, senior leadership role at an exciting point in Back Up’s journey. With income at £3.6m and ambitious plans to reach £5m by 2030, the Director of Fundraising will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving sustainable growth and building a high‑performing, values‑led fundraising function.
About Back Up
Founded in 1986, Back Up exists to ensure that no one faces spinal cord injury alone. Every two hours, someone in the UK sustains a spinal cord injury. Back Up provides life‑changing services including mentoring, wheelchair skills training, family support, residential courses and return‑to‑work education. Their Limitless Ambition strategy (2025–2030) sets out bold plans to expand reach, deepen impact and strengthen the organisation for the future.
As Director of Fundraising, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO and leading income growth across a broad and diversified fundraising portfolio. You will:
- Lead delivery of Back Up’s 2025–2030 fundraising strategy, growing income from £3.6m to £5m+
- Provide inspiring leadership to senior fundraising leaders and teams
- Strengthen fundraising systems, performance frameworks and governance
- Build strong relationships with trustees, the Fundraising Development Board, major donors, corporates, trusts and foundations
- Champion ethical, values‑led and inclusive fundraising practice
- Use insight, data and innovation (including responsible use of new technologies) to improve performance and decision‑making
This is a role for a strategic, credible leader who enjoys translating ambition into income and impact.
About you
You will bring a strong track record of leading and delivering significant fundraising growth, alongside:
- Senior leadership experience within fundraising
- Expertise across high‑value income streams (corporate partnerships, major gifts, trusts/foundations)
- Experience working with boards, senior volunteers and high‑level stakeholders
- Strong strategic thinking, financial awareness and communication skills
- A leadership style that is collaborative, values‑driven and inclusive
- Alignment with Back Up’s values and mission
- Experience in health, disability or adjacent sectors is welcome, but not essential.
How to apply
To request a full application pack, please contact with your updated CV.
Key dates
Closing date: Wednesday 13th May
Invitations to interview: 18th May
First stage interviews (online): 25th May
Second stage interviews (in person): 2nd June
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Director of Fundraising in Slough employer: Back-Up
Contact Detail:
Back-Up Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Fundraising in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you’re excited about their mission. For a role like Director of Fundraising, demonstrating your alignment with Back Up’s values can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current fundraising strategies and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their Limitless Ambition strategy!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so take advantage of all the resources we offer to help you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Fundraising in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Fundraising role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading fundraising strategies and managing high-value income streams. We want to see how your skills align with Back Up's mission and values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about fundraising and how you can contribute to Back Up’s ambitious plans. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes in fundraising.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a senior leader, we’re keen to understand your leadership style. Share how you've inspired teams and built strong relationships with stakeholders in your previous roles. This will help us see how you can lead Back Up’s fundraising function.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Back-Up
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Fundraising, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial growth. Brush up on Back Up's current income figures and their ambitious targets. Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences can help achieve those goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspiring leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in fundraising contexts. Highlight your collaborative and values-driven approach to leadership, as this aligns with Back Up’s mission.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships are key in fundraising. Think about how you’ve engaged with trustees, major donors, and corporate partners before. Be prepared to share specific strategies you’ve used to build and maintain these connections.
✨Emphasise Ethical Fundraising
Back Up champions ethical and inclusive fundraising practices. Familiarise yourself with their values and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented similar practices in your previous roles. This will show that you align with their mission and culture.