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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to transform children's lives across Scotland.
- Company: Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity dedicated to child safety and support.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a supportive team and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fundraising and empower a talented team for impactful change.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for child welfare.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to ethical practices and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Do you want to use your fundraising skills to help transform children’s lives across Scotland? Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood. We protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national and local services. We help children, their families and the people who care for them by offering emotional, practical and financial support. We give children hope and a safer, brighter future.
We are now seeking a dynamic and inspiring head of fundraising to grow the vital income that enables this life‑changing work. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at First - driving strategy, championing innovation and ensuring our decisions are guided by insight, purpose and compassion. In this role, you will lead with vision and heart. You will support and empower a talented fundraising team, nurturing a culture where creativity thrives, supporter journeys deepen and donors feel genuinely valued.
You will build meaningful, values‑led relationships with individuals, funders and corporate partners, inspiring them to stand with us so that more children can be protected, nurtured and given the futures they deserve. You will bring strategic clarity and strong financial stewardship - overseeing budgets, forecasting and compliance - while ensuring everything we do reflects fundraising best practice and our commitment to ethical, trauma‑informed work. Your leadership will help unlock new opportunities, strengthen performance and drive growth across all income streams.
We are looking for an experienced, passionate fundraising leader with a proven track record of success, a collaborative spirit and the confidence to be bold. You will be an exceptional communicator, a thoughtful relationship‑builder and someone motivated by impact. Most importantly, you will bring absolute dedication to keeping children safe and transforming their lives for the better.
At Children First, our values guide everything we do. With love, we put children first. With purpose, we transform children’s lives together. With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children. If you share these values and want to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you!
Head of Fundraising employer: Children 1st
Contact Detail:
Children 1st Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fundraising sector, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Children First thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've empowered teams in the past and how you plan to inspire others at Children First. Highlighting your collaborative spirit can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows that you value the time they took to meet with you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for fundraising and helping children shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at Children First, so share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Head of Fundraising role. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategy and lead a team. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine and articulate your vision for fundraising at Children First. We appreciate creativity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children 1st
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, take some time to research Children First and understand their mission. Be ready to discuss how your fundraising experience can directly contribute to transforming children's lives in Scotland. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but genuinely passionate about their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a head of fundraising, your leadership will be crucial. Prepare examples of how you've empowered teams in the past, nurtured creativity, and built strong relationships with donors. Highlight your collaborative spirit and how you’ve driven successful fundraising strategies.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Brush up on your financial stewardship skills. Be prepared to discuss budgeting, forecasting, and compliance in fundraising. They’ll want to know you can oversee finances while ensuring ethical practices are followed. Bring specific examples of how you’ve managed budgets effectively in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Values Alignment
Children First values love, purpose, and strength. Reflect on these values and think about how they resonate with your own beliefs. During the interview, share personal stories that demonstrate your dedication to keeping children safe and making a meaningful impact in their lives.
