Director of Operations & Fundraising in Lancaster

• Working pattern: Full-time
• Applications close: 12pm Monday, 5 th October 2026
• Interview date: Monday, 26th October 2026
• An exceptional opportunity to help take a remarkable charity to its next stage

The Barrie Wells Trust is a children’s charity dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories for seriously ill and disabled children and their families.

The Trust has achieved an outstanding record of impact throughout the UK since its launch in 2008, with its work made possible through the vision and personal commitment of its

Executive Chairman, Barrie Wells MBE. Historically, Barrie has managed and personally funded 100% of the Trust’s operational activities.

The Trust’s largest and most successful initiative is Box4Kids. Dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to children living with serious illness and disability, Box4Kids provides access to

VIP experiences at major sporting and entertainment venues. Since 2010, the Trust has given over 29,000 guests VIP experiences through its Box4Kids initiative.

We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Operations & Fundraising to play a key role to take the Trust to its next phase. The successful candidate will work closely with Barrie, to build on the Trust’s considerable success whilst creating new opportunities to increase its reach and impact.

This is a senior, hands‑on role for an experienced charity professional who combines proven fundraising ability with exceptional relationship‑building and operational management skills.

The Trust’s events depend on bringing together three important groups of people:

Companies and high net worth individuals who are willing to donate hospitality boxes and other valuable experiences.

Hospitals, hospices and other charities who identify and nominate seriously ill and disabled children and their families who would benefit from the Trust’s support.

Volunteer hosts who generously give their time to attend events, ensuring that each family receives a warm, personal and memorable experience.

In‑house event management team with responsibility for organising the events.

The Director will be responsible for overseeing these relationships and ensuring that the whole process works seamlessly, whilst also building a successful fundraising function.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a fundraising strategy capable of establishing sustainable income for the Trust.
• Identify, approach and develop relationships with potential corporate supporters and high net worth individuals.
• Secure financial donations as well as donations of hospitality boxes, experiences and other support.
• Build long‑term relationships with donors and supporters and ensure they feel valued and engaged with the Trust’s work.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation and the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Event management & communications
• Lead the planning and delivery of the Trust’s programme of events, ensuring every
• event is professionally organised and delivers an exceptional experience for the
• children and their families.
• Oversee the development of strong relationships with hospitals, hospices and other
• appropriate organisations to encourage nominations of children and families.
• Oversee the recruitment and coordination of a strong network of reliable and
• enthusiastic hosts who give their time to attend events.
• Oversee the development of communications that engage different audiences
• including box and financial donors, beneficiaries, hospitals and hosts.
• Ensure the Trust’s information systems, website and social media are relevant and
• kept up to date.
• Leadership & Operations
• Work closely with Barrie Wells to turn the Trust’s vision and objectives into practical
• action.
• Line manage key members of the team and develop staff, creating a culture of
• creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets, expenditure and resources effectively.
• Ensure the Trust operates to appropriate standards of governance and best practice.

About you

We are looking for an experienced and highly personable charity professional with a proven track record of success.

You will have

• A successful career within the charity sector, with demonstrable fundraising
• achievement.
• Experience of creating and significantly growing fundraising income.
• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Experience of recruiting, managing and motivating staff and/or volunteers.

Excellent organisational and project management skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Sound commercial judgement and an entrepreneurial approach.

The personality and emotional intelligence to represent the Trust with warmth, enthusiasm and professionalism.

You will be someone who enjoys bringing people together to achieve something special.

You will understand that a donated box, a hospital nomination or a volunteer giving up their time is not simply an operational transaction – it is one of the essential ingredients in creating an extraordinary experience for a child and their family.

Why join the Barrie Wells Trust?

You will be joining a highly successful charity with an exceptional story and working directly with its founder and Executive Chairman, Barrie Wells.

You will have the opportunity to build the Trust’s fundraising capability virtually from the ground up, while helping to shape its future direction. For the right person, this is a role where your relationships, energy, fundraising ability and leadership can have a very tangible impact.

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