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- 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, generous leave, flexible working, and a commitment to inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while leading innovative fundraising initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth in a values-driven environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 80000 £ per year.
Back Up is a national charity supporting people affected by spinal cord injury, and we are recruiting for a 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 plans to reach £5m by 2030, the Director of Fundraising will play a critical role in shaping strategy, driving sustainable growth and further developing Back Up's high-performing, values-led fundraising function.
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. Their Limitless Ambition strategy (2025-2030) sets out bold plans to expand reach, deepen impact and strengthen the organisation for the future.
The role
- Salary: £72,000 - £80,000 per annum
- Full-time, permanent role
- Generous annual leave and pension
- Strong commitment to flexible working and inclusion
- Disability Confident Leader (Level 3) employer
- Hybrid working, 2 office days per week (Wandsworth, South London)
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, commercial acumen, 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.
Location
Hybrid working, with offices based in Wandsworth, South London.
How to apply
To request a full application pack, please submit an application 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 employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Fundraising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Back Up's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your strategic vision for fundraising growth. We want to hear how you plan to help Back Up reach that £5m target by 2030.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Fundraising
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 your success in growing income. We want to see how your skills align with Back Up's mission!
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 goals. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership style and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you increase fundraising income by a certain percentage? Did you lead a successful campaign? Numbers speak volumes, so let us know how you've made an impact!
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨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 that £5m goal by 2030.
✨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, 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 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.