At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop innovative strategies to support bereaved families.
- Company: A national charity dedicated to providing peer support for bereaved parents and siblings.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and personal development budgets.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while shaping the future of fundraising.
- Qualifications: Passion for the cause, strategic mindset, and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
This charity is the UK's only national charity providing peer support to bereaved parents and adult siblings following the death of a child of any age and from any cause. With over 300 trained volunteers and a reach of more than 25,000 parents annually, our work is life-changing - offering compassion, understanding, and hope where it's needed most.
Charity People is seeking a strategic, emotionally intelligent, and driven Head of Fundraising to lead our income generation at a pivotal moment in our journey. Having grown into a half-million-pound organisation, we are ready to diversify our fundraising streams and deepen our impact.
About the Role
This is a strategic leadership role with scope to shape the future of fundraising at The Compassionate Friends. You'll develop and deliver a new fundraising strategy aligned with our organisational goals, with a particular focus on individual giving and donor diversification. You'll lead and support a small team, including our Events & Community Fundraiser and Trusts Fundraiser, and work closely with the CEO, Trustees, and wider staff to embed fundraising across the organisation. You'll be joining a charity with a deeply personal mission and a collaborative culture. Our outgoing Head of Fundraising will remain in a part-time capacity to support your onboarding and ensure a smooth transition.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a new fundraising strategy, with clear KPIs and milestones.
- Lead on individual giving, donor acquisition, and stewardship.
- Explore new income streams including corporate partnerships and community fundraising.
- Collaborate with communications and support teams to maximise fundraising opportunities.
- Report regularly to the CEO and Board, and oversee CRM and supporter communications.
About You
We're open to both experienced fundraisers and those ready to step into a leadership role. What matters most is your passion for our cause, your strategic mindset, and your ability to inspire and deliver. You'll bring:
- A track record of generating income across multiple streams, especially individual giving.
- Track record of growth across income streams.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Strategic thinking and financial acumen.
- A collaborative, flexible approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- A deep empathy for our mission and the families we support.
Why Join Us?
- Salary of £50,000, rising to £55,000 after completion of probation.
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
- Personalised training and wellbeing budgets.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of bereaved families.
How to Apply
Please apply with CV initially, and we will be in touch with full job pack and more details and to set up a screening call.
Key Dates
- Applications close: Wednesday 7th January 2026
- Shortlist shared: Thursday 8th January 2026
- First stage interviews: w/c 12th January 2026
- Second stage interviews: TBC
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform Kevin 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.
Head of Fundraising in London employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about their mission. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to their cause. It’s all about making that emotional connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current fundraising strategies and think of innovative ideas you could bring to the table. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in their future.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Fundraising role. Highlight your track record in generating income and any relevant leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re passionate about our cause. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to our mission, and explain how your strategic mindset can help us grow.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about fundraising. Outline any previous strategies you've developed and how they led to successful outcomes, especially in individual giving and donor diversification.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the charity's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work supporting bereaved families. This will not only help you connect emotionally during the interview but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the cause.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially in individual giving and donor diversification. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully generated income across multiple streams and what strategies you used to build relationships with donors.
✨Be Strategic and Collaborative
Think about how you can contribute to developing a new fundraising strategy. During the interview, share your ideas on potential income streams and how you would collaborate with other teams. Highlight your strategic mindset and ability to inspire others to get on board with your vision.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current fundraising challenges or how they envision the future of fundraising at The Compassionate Friends. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to making a difference.