At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies to secure income for a life-saving charity.
- Company: Join Maytree, a respected charity focused on suicide prevention.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a values-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health and help save lives.
- Qualifications: Senior-level fundraising experience and strong relationship-building skills.
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Maytree to recruit their new Fundraising Lead. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, values-led relationship fundraiser to lead on income generation for Maytree, a unique and internationally respected charity offering life-saving sanctuary to people in suicidal crisis.
Salary: 45,000-55,000 per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent, Part-time (3-4 days per week, 0.6-0.8 FTE)
Location: Hybrid working with regular presence at Maytree in London
Additional: Occasional evening meetings and donor events
Closing date: 9am Monday 22 June
Interviews: w/c 29 June and w/c 6 July
About Maytree: Maytree offers time, sanctuary and compassionate presence to people in suicidal crisis. Through short residential stays and non-judgemental listening, Maytree provides a rare, non-medical alternative to crisis-led interventions. Nationally recognised and internationally respected, Maytree's relational model of suicide prevention has a profound, life-saving impact. Following a period of redevelopment and reopening, Maytree is entering an exciting new phase focused on sustainability, growth and deeper philanthropic engagement.
About the role: This is a senior, strategic and highly relational fundraising role. Working closely with the Managing Director and Trustees, the Fundraising Lead will develop and deliver an ambitious, multi-stream fundraising strategy to secure Maytree's long-term future. You will lead income generation across trusts and foundations, major donors and philanthropy, alongside ethically grounded individual giving. This role offers real autonomy, senior-level influence and the opportunity to fundraise in a values-led, emotionally intelligent way.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned with Maytree's mission
- Secure income from trusts, foundations, major donors and philanthropists
- Build and steward long-term, values-aligned funder relationships
- Work closely with the Managing Director and Trustees on donor engagement
- Develop compelling cases for support and high-quality applications and reports
- Ensure ethical, sensitive and trauma-informed fundraising practice
About you: You will bring:
- Senior-level fundraising experience with a strong income track record
- Expertise in trusts, foundations and/or major donor fundraising
- Experience developing fundraising strategy, not just delivery
- Excellent written communication and relationship-building skills
- High emotional intelligence and confidence working in sensitive contexts
Desirable: experience in mental health or crisis services; major donor strategy development; knowledge of the UK funding landscape.
Why join Maytree? This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's most distinctive suicide prevention charities, funding work that is quietly powerful, deeply human and genuinely life-saving.
Recruitment Timeline: To ensure equitable access to information and uphold Maytree's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar at 6-7pm on Tuesday 16 June. This is in place of individual informal calls with the Managing Director. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Your identity will remain anonymous throughout the session. Please register your interest via email in attending this webinar by contacting Charity People.
Information webinar: 6-7pm on Tuesday 16 June
Application deadline: 9am on Monday 22 June
1st stage Interviews: w/c 29 June
2nd stage interviews: w/c 6 July. Exact dates TBC
How to Apply: In the first instance, please send your up-to-date CV to Philippa at Charity People. If your CV matches what our client is looking for, we will be in touch with the full candidate pack and lots more details. Formal application is via CV and supporting statement, answering the questions outlined in the candidate pack. We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.
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.
Fundraising Lead employer: Charity People
Maytree is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead fundraising efforts for a nationally recognised charity dedicated to suicide prevention. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Maytree fosters a supportive work culture that values emotional intelligence and ethical practices, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and meaningful engagement in a hybrid working environment in London. Join us to make a profound impact on lives through compassionate fundraising in a role that truly aligns with your values.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone at Maytree.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant events! Attend fundraising workshops, webinars, or charity events where you can meet potential employers and showcase your passion for the cause. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Maytree's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their fundraising strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Fundraising Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising, especially with trusts and major donors, and showcase your strategic thinking skills. We want to see how your background aligns with Maytree's mission!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Answer the questions outlined in the candidate pack clearly and passionately. Use this space to demonstrate your emotional intelligence and how you can contribute to Maytree’s values-led approach.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:Since this role is all about building long-term relationships, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully engaged with funders in the past. We love seeing how you’ve nurtured those connections and secured funding!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you get all the updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Maytree team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with Maytree's mission. Be ready to discuss how your personal beliefs can contribute to their work in suicide prevention and fundraising.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially those involving trusts, foundations, or major donors. Quantify your successes where possible, as this will demonstrate your capability and experience in generating income.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role is highly relational, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage in meaningful conversation about their experiences at Maytree, showing genuine interest in their work and culture.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Given the sensitive nature of the role, be prepared to discuss ethical fundraising practices. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed approaches and be ready to share your thoughts on how to maintain integrity while engaging with donors.
