Head of Community & Events - Fundraising

Come and join us as our Head of Community & Events (maternity cover) for 12 months and be part of a Fundraising Team that is driven to raise as much money as possible so we can support people living with, and at risk of Diabetes now and in the future.

You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading the performance of Diabetes UK’s community and events fundraising portfolio, driving sustainable income growth, supporter engagement and long‑term value. You will provide senior leadership across a geographically dispersed team, ensuring a high‑performing, insight‑led function that delivers against ambitious income targets. You will oversee a diverse portfolio, including community fundraising, mass participation, bespoke and third‑party events, ensuring activity is aligned, scalable and delivering strong return on investment.

We’re looking for someone who is motivated by shaping and optimising acquisition strategies and working closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure activity is effective within a competitive and evolving market. You will also lead the development and evolution of fundraising products and campaigns, ensuring a strong and innovative portfolio that responds to supporter needs and market trends.

In this role as a senior leader, you will influence across the organisation, contribute to our Fundraising strategy and ensure Community and Events fundraising plays a leading role in delivering organisational income growth.

This role is office based and will require regular travel to team locations, events and key meetings.

For nearly 5 million people with diabetes in the UK, there’s no day off. At Diabetes UK, we fight day in, day out for better care, treatment and support. We won’t stop until diabetes can do no harm.

With more people than ever living with diabetes and millions more at risk of developing type 2, our work has never been more needed. We make sure they get the care and support needed to live well with diabetes and avoid devastating complications.

We fund critical research, which has led to life‑changing discoveries – like the first insulin pen and programmes to put type 2 diabetes into remission. Now, we want to do this for everyone and find a cure.

Our staff are passionate and determined about helping everyone affected by diabetes. For over 85 years, they’ve been behind vital policy changes, as well as new treatments and technologies to make living with diabetes easier every day.

Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Join us today, and together, we can make that a reality.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Diabetes does not affect everyone equally and as a charity we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We seek to better reflect those we serve. This means we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates in our recruitment processes and particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at senior level, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds. It also means if you have a disability or long‑term condition, we’re happy to consider any reasonable adjustments you might need to take part in the process and succeed in the role, just let our HR team know.

We have a friendly and inclusive working environment here at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.

Please note that all job offers are subject to you providing acceptable evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references and a DBS check if required.