Head of Development

Colchester united Community Foundation is the official charity of Colchester United Football Club, we provide high quality Participation, Health & Inclusion, and Education Programmes to 10,000 children, young people, and adults from across the region each week.

CUCF are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, creative, and skilled Head of Development & Investment with high standards and strong work ethic on a full-time basis. The post holder will be a key part of our Senior Leadership Team, with experience, ideally in sports, education heath or charity sector to fulfil this vital position.

CUCF currently employs circa 60 members of staff and has a turnover of £1.8m. We have ambitious plans for the development of the organisation and require resilient, innovative, and driven staff to assist with the implementation of our strategic objectives and vison.

This position is based at The Shrub End Community & Sports Centre, Colchester, CO2 9BG.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

This is a unique role that requires a wide range of experience, knowledge and skills and we are interested in individuals with expertise in the following areas:

· Fundraising experiences including funding applications

· Strategic planning and implementation experience

· Business Development

· Networking and Partnerships

· Public relations and understanding key social & political environments

· Community Development

· Presentation and public speaking

· Willing to undertake a CUFC Enhanced DBS Check.

· Full UK Driving License.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• University level standard of education (GCSE English & Maths or equivalent)

· Previous experience in charity and or football club sector

• FA Safeguarding Qualification (Willing to undertake prior to role)
• FA First Aid Qualification (Willing to undertake prior to role)

Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic & Organisational Development

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the overall growth, strategy and direction of the organisation.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for organisational growth and innovation.
• Represent the Foundation at key local, regional and national meetings, forums and events.
• Lead on areas of organisational development.
• Promote the Foundation\’s work to raise awareness and strengthen its presence within the community and wider football and charity sectors.

Fundraising & Investment

• Lead and oversee the organisation\’s fundraising strategy, including income generation through grants, sponsorships and partnerships.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to grow the organisation\’s unrestricted income and resources.
• Identify, research and pursue new funding opportunities to support programme and organisational sustainability.
• Manage relationships with funders and sponsors, ensuring timely reporting, compliance and stewardship.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Engage with and respond to community needs, particularly among underrepresented and hard-to-reach groups.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments and external partners, including local authorities, health agencies and community organisations.
• Support collaborative delivery and cross-departmental working to maximise impact and reach.
• Represent the organisation in community forums and stakeholder networks to strengthen partnerships and promote shared outcomes.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of programmes to measure impact, ensure quality and inform future delivery.
• Produce high-quality funding reports and impact reports to demonstrate outcomes and value to stakeholders.
• Ensure data collection and reporting processes align with funder requirements and organisational standards.

All CUCF positions adhere to:

Safeguarding

• Colchester United Community Foundation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We expect all our staff and volunteers to fully support and promote this commitment.
• In line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Exceptions Order 1975, as this role involves working with vulnerable groups, Pre-Employment checks will include a satisfactorily completed Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Health & Safety

• Fully endorse, demonstrate, and carry out the company\’s health and safety policy.
• Comply with all company policies and statutory regulations.
• Have a full knowledge of procedures for evacuation regarding fire.

CUCF Employee Benefits:

• 20 days Annual leave per year (plus 8