Head of Fundraising

Head of Fundraising

Full-Time 42000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic fundraising team and develop innovative strategies to secure corporate partnerships.
  • Company: Join the UK's leading charity supporting people affected by migraine, advocating for awareness and research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training budgets, and an 8% employer pension contribution.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on lives while shaping the future of fundraising in a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in corporate fundraising, team leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
  • Other info: Hybrid work options available; apply by 22nd August for a chance to lead with purpose.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you a strategic fundraiser who loves building something meaningful from the ground up? Would you like to use your skills to help shape the future of a place that sits at the heart of its community – spiritually, culturally and historically?

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with an ambitious Cathedral to recruit their first ever Head of Fundraising. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to design and deliver the fundraising strategy, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the Cathedral\’s long‑term sustainability as it approaches its centenary year in 2027.

Salary: £40,000‑£45,000 per annum
Contract: Three‑year fixed term (funded by the Church Commissioners\’ Cathedral Sustainability Fund), with the clear ambition for the role to become self‑sustaining. Full time (0.8 considered)
Location: Hybrid – Derby and home
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, up to 9% employer pension contribution
Culture: A warm, ambitious and values‑driven team, with autonomy and trust to lead your work

About the Cathedral

The first church on the site of this Cathedral was founded in 943, with parts of the current building dating back to 1530. Today, this Grade I listed landmark remains a vibrant place of worship and a hub for the local community, welcoming people for services, music, events and moments of reflection.

Since being hallowed as a cathedral in 1927, the Cathedral has grown into a spiritual, cultural and community beacon for the city and county. With the 100‑year anniversary on the horizon, the Cathedral has ambitious plans to strengthen its financial resilience and ensure it can continue serving future generations.

About the role

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Fundraising will lead the creation and delivery of a bold, sustainable fundraising strategy aligned with the Cathedral\’s Strategic Development Plan.

You will:

  • Build and nurture relationships with Trusts and Foundations, existing supporters and new funding partners
  • Design and deliver engaging fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives
  • Work closely with the Dean to identify and cultivate relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals and secure major gifts
  • Lead on donor communications and stewardship, ensuring supporters feel valued and connected to the Cathedral\’s mission

This is a highly visible role with real influence, offering the chance to leave a lasting legacy in a historic institution.

About you

The Cathedral is looking for a proactive, thoughtful and ambitious fundraiser who brings both strategic insight and warmth to their work.

You will bring:

  • Experience of securing significant gifts, including Trusts, Foundations and/or major donors
  • A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising income streams
  • A strategic, collaborative approach, with the ability to manage a funding pipeline and work towards ambitious goals
  • A genuine passion for donor care, stewardship and relationship‑building

You will also actively support the Cathedral\’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, bringing cultural awareness, openness and a willingness to engage with its increasingly diverse communities and congregations.

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand‑new fundraising function within one of Derby\’s most iconic institutions. You\’ll be joining a committed, welcoming team and playing a central role in securing the future of a place that means so much to so many.

If you\’re excited by the idea of building something purposeful, meaningful and enduring, we\’d love to hear from you.

Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People as the first step.

Deadline: 9am on Thursday the 12th of February
Interviews: One stage, in person on the 26th or 27th of February

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.

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Head of Fundraising employer: Charity People

Charity People is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of those affected by migraine. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous training budgets, and a flexible working culture, you will thrive in a role that champions creativity and collaboration while leading a passionate fundraising team. Join us in making a meaningful difference, with the added benefit of a supportive workplace that prioritises wellbeing and diversity.
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Contact Detail:

Charity People Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the charity's current fundraising strategies and recent campaigns. Understanding their approach will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous successes in corporate fundraising and major donor development. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships and secured funding, as this will showcase your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in fundraising, particularly in the charity sector. Being knowledgeable about innovative fundraising techniques will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can contribute to the charity's growth.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising

Corporate Fundraising Expertise
Major Donor Development
Team Leadership
Income Target Management
Strategic Partnership Building
Multi-Channel Fundraising Strategy
Relationship-Building Skills
Excellent Communication Skills
Knowledge of Trusts and Foundations
Understanding of Charity Law
GDPR Compliance
Code of Fundraising Practice Knowledge
Creative Problem-Solving
Collaborative Mindset
Experience with Beacon CRM

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Head of Fundraising position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your relevant experience in corporate fundraising and major donor development. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, particularly in leading teams and managing income targets.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the charity's mission and your strategic vision for fundraising. Highlight specific examples of successful partnerships you've developed and how you can contribute to their goals.

Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, mention your understanding of charity law, GDPR, and the Code of Fundraising Practice. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role and your commitment to compliance and best practices.

How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People

✨Research the Charity's Mission

Before your interview, take the time to understand the charity's mission and vision. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting people affected by migraine, as this will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Fundraising Successes

Prepare specific examples of your past successes in corporate fundraising and major donor development. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented and the impact they had on income generation, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills

As a Head of Fundraising, you'll be leading a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. This will show that you can foster a high-performing environment.

✨Prepare Questions About Future Strategies

Think about the future of fundraising in the charity sector and prepare insightful questions regarding their current strategies and challenges. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in shaping the future of their fundraising efforts.

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