At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and secure transformational partnerships to drive income growth.
- Company: Join the National Literacy Trust, a leading charity empowering literacy for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of literacy and transform lives through impactful fundraising.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
National Literacy Trust
Hybrid working with regular attendance in London
£90,000 per annum | Permanent | Full Time (35 hours per week)
Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust to recruit an exceptional Director of Development. This is an incredible opportunity to join the organisation at such a pivotal moment in its growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Director of Development will lead an established and high-performing fundraising function responsible for generating approximately £17m in annual income, while driving the next phase of growth and strengthening unrestricted income.
We're looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial fundraising leader who combines strategic vision and practical delivery. The successful candidate will be proactive and highly engaged, leading from the front to secure transformational partnerships, inspire teams and help shape the organisation's future.
About National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust empowers children, young people and adults from disadvantaged communities with the literacy skills they need to thrive. Working across schools, communities, prisons and workplaces, the organisation is the UK's leading authority on literacy. Its work is underpinned by robust research, powerful partnerships and an unwavering commitment to tackling the link between poverty and low literacy.
Following a period of significant growth, the charity is now seeking a new Director of Development to build on strong foundations, identify new opportunities, and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy that will expand impact and sustainability for years to come.
About the Role
As Director of Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the charity's fundraising and development activity. You will inherit an impressive portfolio of corporate, trust and statutory supporters, whilst also being tasked with identifying new opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and delivering the National Literacy Trust's fundraising strategy and income growth plans
- Driving the acquisition and stewardship of major corporate partnerships, trusts, foundations and major donors
- Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to position the organisation for new funding opportunities
- Strengthening unrestricted income and expanding the charity's supporter base
- Leading, motivating and developing a talented fundraising team
- Building relationships with influential supporters, partners, senior business leaders and trustees
- Ensuring robust pipeline management, forecasting and income planning
- Acting as an inspiring ambassador for the organisation externally and internally
This is a high-profile leadership role offering significant scope to shape strategy, culture and long-term organisational success.
About You
We're keen to hear from ambitious fundraising leaders who bring a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth and building high-value relationships. You will likely bring:
- Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
- A demonstrable track record of securing and growing high-value income
- Experience leading corporate partnerships and strategic fundraising programmes
- Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities
- The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Experience working with senior leaders, trustees and external partners
- A hands-on leadership style, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery
Most importantly, you'll be someone who relishes building momentum, thrives in ambitious environments and is excited by the opportunity to help transform lives through literacy.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV to Philippa@charitypeople.co.uk. Should your experience align with the requirements of the role, a member of the Charity People team will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation, discuss the opportunity in more detail and explain the full application process.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
First Round Interviews (online): Week commencing 7 September 2026
Second Round Interviews (in person): Week commencing 14 September 2026
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 are committed to presenting opportunities to candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation because we believe diverse teams create stronger organisations and greater impact.
Director of Development in London employer: Charity People
Maudsley Charity is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises mental health advocacy and community impact. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to meaningful initiatives that shape mental health care across the UK. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, and the collaborative culture fosters innovation and engagement with key stakeholders in the sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Charity People.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Charity People.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Charity People.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Charity People. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Charity People. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Director of Development, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Charity People. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
