Head of Fundraising and Communications

We are Caxton Youth Organisation, a specialist youth club creating community, breaking barriers and empowering learning disabled and autistic young people. At Caxton, we aim to shape a more inclusive society free from disabling barriers where all young people can lead happy, healthy and more independent lives. Our team of qualified youth workers create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space in the community where disabled and autistic young people can make friends, learn new skills, build confidence, and be themselves.

Your role would play a big part in the organisation. Caxton currently aims to raise circa £600k per year. This role is hands-on and different from one day to the next. One day you might be writing a grant application; the next organising some corporate volunteers to do gardening; or meeting our young people to learn about and understand our impact.

We are seeking a Fundraiser who can steward and communicate well with funders, and has experience in Trusts and Grants fundraising.

Application process: Please submit a CV and cover letter highlighting how your experience aligns with the expectations.

Main tasks

• Fundraising and Comms Strategy: To develop and implement a fundraising strategy, including fundraising targets, in line with the charity’s business plan. To develop the communications strategy and oversee the implementation.
• Management: To lead and manage all fundraising and the fundraising team. To contribute to the overall organisational direction as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. To gain an excellent understanding of Caxton and how to appropriately involve Board members, staff, volunteers and young people in fundraising. To occasionally deputise for CEO on operational level decision making when they are on annual or sick leave. Line manage the fundraising and communications team with regular 1:1s, performance reviews and personal development. Communicate effectively with youth workers about what is funded and what is fundable.
• Fundraising: To manage and track each income stream in the fundraising portfolio including: Trusts and Foundations, Corporate, Major Donor, Community, and Individual. To broaden the mix of income streams through developing new sources of income including new major donors; both high net worth individuals and corporates, events, community fundraising and other opportunities. To manage the use of Beacon as a fundraising tracking, stewardship and reporting tool. To further develop our case for support for potential donors and supporters, working with youth workers on programme outlines. To research and prepare five-six figure grant applications. To maintain and build on existing relationships with supporters of Caxton. To work with the Fundraising and Communications Officer on developing relevant case studies, and highlighting young people’s stories with appropriate permissions. To organise and deliver suitable events and activities to cultivate relationships with potential donors and to steward relationships with current donors. To ensure there are systematic procedures for accurate, timely and effective acknowledgement, recording and banking of pledges and donations on Beacon.
• Data, Reporting and Compliance: To maintain up-to-date knowledge of new developments, relevant legislation and codes of practice on fundraising, and ensure compliance with procedures including Charity Commission guidance as applicable. In partnership with the accountant, to provide accurate income data for Board. To produce quarterly income KPIs and narrative in fundraising reports. To oversee reporting to funders and the creation of Caxton’s impact report, working with youth workers to get evaluation and reporting done in a timely way. Ensure that the fundraising and supporter information on Beacon is up to date and accurate.
• General requirements: To amplify the voices of learning disabled and autistic young people. To ensure that no young person suffers discrimination in access to provision as a result of their gender, ethnic identity, sexuality, disability and/or social background. To work within and according to Caxton Youth Organisation’s policies and procedures. To work in a supportive manner with the staff team, volunteers, and trainees. To undertake training relevant to the post, as identified through supervision.