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- Tasks: Lead fundraising and communications for a new youth charity, building community support from the ground up.
- Company: Join Wakefield Youth Zone, part of OnSide's innovative network of youth centres.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young people's lives while shaping a vital community resource.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising, relationship-building, and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join a charity at the very start of its journey.
Salary: £60,000-£65,000
Location: Initially from home until opening with travel for prospect meetings primarily in Wakefield and the surrounding area. Once open, hybrid, with 3 days per week on site.
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours (open to flexible working requests)
Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension, professional development
Wakefield Youth Zone will be the newest member of OnSide's growing network of state-of-the-art youth centres, giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to when school is out. With capital funding secured and construction about to begin, the next critical phase is revenue fundraising.
This is more than a fundraising leadership role. It’s an opportunity to build the fundraising and communications function from day one. Initially, you’ll be the driving force behind building a community of around 34 Founder Patrons, each giving £25,000 per year for four years, creating the financial foundation for the Youth Zone's first years of operation. As opening approaches, you’ll recruit and lead your own team, shaping strategy, culture, and long-term sustainability.
We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial, relationship-led and comfortable working independently. You’ll be supported by the national OnSide network, an exceptionally successful proven model, and a growing Yorkshire partnership with Barnsley Youth Zone.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the Founder Patron campaign, securing multi-year major/corporate gifts
- Build and lead the fundraising and communications function
- Develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising strategy
- Personally manage key donor and corporate relationships
- Work collaboratively across the OnSide network and region
- Sit on the future Senior Leadership Team
- Oversee the Youth Zone's communications function, supported initially by a regional comms manager, and later by a dedicated local comms hire.
What we’re looking for:
- You will be an ambitious and relationship-driven senior fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major relationships
- Experience working with corporates and/or high-net-worth individuals
- Strategic thinking alongside hands-on delivery
- Confidence in building partnerships and making the ask
- Entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach
This is a career-defining opportunity to build something from the ground up and create lasting impact for young people in Wakefield.
How to Apply
If you’re as excited about this role as we are, please send your CV or profile to Ellen Drummond at Charity People to start the conversation. If your experience aligns with the brief, we’ll be in touch with next steps on how to make your formal application.
Closing: 9am, on Friday, 15th of May
First stage virtual interviews: 21st & 22nd of May
Second stage in-person interviews: W/C the 1st of 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.
Head of Fundraising and Communications in Wakefield employer: Charity People
Contact Detail:
Charity People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising and Communications in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the charity inside out! Research Wakefield Youth Zone and its mission. This will help us tailor our conversations and show genuine interest when we connect with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fundraising and communications field. We can use platforms like LinkedIn to find connections who might have insights or even know someone at the charity.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! We should practice common questions and think about how our experiences align with their needs. Being confident and clear about our vision will set us apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and making a difference from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising and Communications in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Fundraising and Communications role. Highlight your experience in securing major relationships and any entrepreneurial projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to building the fundraising and communications function from scratch. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully built partnerships or secured funding in the past. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the necessary updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Wakefield Youth Zone!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into the mission of Wakefield Youth Zone and OnSide. Understand how your role as Head of Fundraising and Communications can directly impact the community. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you would engage potential Founder Patrons and secure their support.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
This role is all about building relationships, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully secured major gifts in the past. Highlight your experience with corporates and high-net-worth individuals, and be ready to discuss your approach to making 'the ask' in a way that resonates with them.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about the long-term sustainability of fundraising efforts. Prepare to discuss your vision for developing a sustainable fundraising strategy. Share insights on how you would lead the fundraising and communications function, and how you plan to recruit and shape your future team.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Collaboration is key in this role. Think about how you would work with the OnSide network and other regional partners. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a collaborative culture within your team and across the organisation, ensuring everyone is aligned towards the common goal of supporting young people in Wakefield.