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- Tasks: Lead supporter retention and donor development strategies for a meaningful cause.
- Company: Join Embrace the Middle East, a charity dedicated to hope and dignity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while empowering communities and building lasting relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in donor engagement and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Senior supporter retention and donor development role with individuals, churches and charitable trusts at Christian charity Embrace the Middle East.
About the Role
Working with the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will lead the development and delivery of Embrace’s supporter retention and donor development strategy, building deep and lasting relationships with individuals, churches, and communities. You’ll be responsible for shaping the full supporter lifecycle, from onboarding and ongoing relationship building to reactivation, cross‑engagement, and long‑term value growth. This is a role that blends strategy, creativity, and data insight, requiring someone who can hold the big picture while empowering a diverse team of fundraising and subject matter experts.
Why work for Embrace the Middle East?
- Hybrid location: High Wycombe (minimum onsite twice a month)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, increasing to 25 days after 5 years and 26 days after 10 years. Plus 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
- Life Assurance: 3× salary
- Flexi‑time and home‑working options
- Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, available 24/7)
- Access to retail discount portal
- Training and development programme
- A values‑led team committed to mission, integrity, and compassion
You’ll have:
- Proven experience in supporter engagement, donor retention, and income growth strategies.
- Strong analytical skills, experience using data for segmentation, trend analysis and performance optimisation.
- Strategic thinking, with the ability to innovate and diversify income streams.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, with an ability to lead and develop high‑performing teams in hybrid/remote settings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from planning to delivery.
- Knowledge of UK fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical practice.
Role Requirements
- Commitment to Embrace’s Christian mission and values (as a practising Christian or someone supportive of our ethos).
- Willingness to travel occasionally to the Middle East (every 2–3 years).
- Right to work in the UK.
About Embrace the Middle East
At Embrace the Middle East, we believe in hope, dignity, and partnership. For over 170 years, we’ve worked with local Christian partners to bring healthcare, education, and opportunity to vulnerable and marginalised communities. We are strengthening our marketing to deepen engagement and expand our supporter base.
Embrace the Middle East is committed to equal opportunities and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. If you require adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know in your online response. The successful candidate will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and undertake a disclosure check as part of our safer recruitment policy. Your application should include a CV and supporting statement.
Key dates:
- Closing date: Tuesday 28th April 2026
- Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: Tuesday 5th May 2026
- Interviews with Embrace the Middle East: w/c 11th May 2026
Please refer to the candidate pack for more comprehensive information.
Head of Retention & Development - Embrace The Middle East employer: Charisma Charity Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charisma Charity Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retention & Development - Embrace The Middle East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with Embrace the Middle East. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Embrace’s mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals in supporter retention and donor development. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! Bring examples of past successes in donor engagement and retention strategies to the table. We want to see how you’ve made an impact before and how you can do it again with us.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Embrace the Middle East.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retention & Development - Embrace The Middle East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in supporter engagement and donor retention, and don’t forget to sprinkle in some of those analytical skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: This is your chance to shine! Use your supporting statement to tell us why you’re passionate about our mission and how your strategic thinking can help us grow. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve empowered others and managed complex projects. This will help us understand your leadership style and how it fits with our values.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Embrace the Middle East!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charisma Charity Recruitment
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to really understand Embrace the Middle East's mission and values. Reflect on how your personal beliefs align with theirs, as this role is deeply rooted in their Christian ethos. Being able to articulate this connection will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used data for segmentation and performance optimisation in past roles. Bring along any relevant metrics or case studies that demonstrate your success in donor retention and engagement strategies.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
This position involves leading a diverse team, so think about your leadership style and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in hybrid or remote settings. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken to empower your team and drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in supporter retention and development, and outline how you would approach these situations creatively and effectively.