At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead relationship fundraising strategy and drive sustainable income growth for Duchenne UK.
- Company: Duchenne UK, a charity dedicated to improving lives affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, summer Fridays, wellness support, and team-building activities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of fundraising for a vital cause.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families affected by DMD while growing your fundraising expertise.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in relationship fundraising and managing complex supporter relationships.
Duchenne UK works tirelessly to challenge barriers, deliver practical solutions, and speed up progress for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The charity collaborates with leading researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners to deliver hope and measurable progress for people living with DMD in the UK. Founded by two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with DMD, the charity has raised more than £34 million to accelerate research, improve care and help transform outcomes for families affected by this life-limiting condition.
As the charity enters a new phase of growth, it is investing in the structures, stewardship and fundraising expertise needed to build on that success while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and close community connections that have made it so successful. A newly created role, the Head of Relationship Fundraising will lead a diverse portfolio spanning Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value and major donor relationships, charity partnerships and corporate fundraising opportunities. Reporting to the Director of Income Generation, you will inherit an established portfolio of supporters and partners while identifying new opportunities for growth across the Duchenne community and beyond.
A key focus will be Duchenne UK’s Family & Friends Funds programme, a nationwide network of more than 50 family-led funds. You will combine ambitious income generation with exceptional supporter care, building trusted relationships with families, supporters, partners and donors whose connection to DMD is often deeply personal. Working closely with the Director of Income Generation, CEO and co-founder Emily Reuben OBE, co-founder Alex Johnson OBE, and wider senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of relationship fundraising and helping to build a more strategic and sustainable fundraising programme for the years ahead.
As Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will:
- Lead delivery of Duchenne UK’s relationship fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth across multiple income streams
- Develop and grow Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value, major donor, partnership and corporate fundraising opportunities
- Build and steward a pipeline of supporters and prospects, developing meaningful long-term relationships
- Develop the Family & Friends Funds programme, ensuring excellent and compassionate supporter experiences
- Develop supporter journeys, stewardship plans and relationship management processes that increase engagement and retention
- Strengthen fundraising systems, processes and ways of working to support future growth
- Operationally lead relationships with charity partners and key stakeholders
- Monitor fundraising performance, pipeline activity and KPIs
- Line manage the Community & Events Fundraiser and help shape the wider fundraising function’s future direction, structure and growth
Essential skills and experience:
- Significant experience in relationship fundraising, with a track record of delivering sustainable income growth
- Experience managing complex supporter or donor relationships in emotionally sensitive or values-led environments
- Experience working with high-value supporters or philanthropy audiences
- Experience developing community, peer-to-peer, high-value or partnership fundraising relationships
- Demonstrable success in achieving income targets and building fundraising pipelines
- Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
- Experience developing supporter journeys and stewardship approaches that improve engagement and retention
- Strong financial awareness, including pipeline management and forecasting
- Excellent communication skills and experience using CRM systems effectively
- Exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy and a commitment to outstanding supporter care
- A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach
Desirable:
- Experience within a health, medical research or disability-related charity
- Experience of diagnosis-led, in-memory or bereavement-related fundraising
- Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and Gift Aid
- Experience using Salesforce
Employee benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Summer Fridays – half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
- Team wellness day and team away day
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
Head of Relationship Fundraising employer: Duchenne UK
Duchenne UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the charity offers generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, summer Fridays, and wellness support, all within a collaborative and entrepreneurial work culture that values personal connections and professional growth. As the Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fundraising while working alongside passionate leaders and a committed team, ensuring that your contributions directly enhance the lives of those impacted by DMD.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Relationship Fundraising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fundraising and charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and how you can contribute to their mission. Authenticity goes a long way in relationship fundraising.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s current projects and challenges. Bring ideas to the table on how you can help them grow their Family & Friends Funds programme or enhance supporter experiences. This shows initiative and that you’re already thinking strategically!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of families affected by DMD.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Relationship Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Relationship Fundraising role. Highlight your experience in relationship fundraising and any relevant achievements that align with Duchenne UK's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Show Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your passion for supporting families affected by DMD shine through. Share any personal connections or experiences that motivate you to work in this field. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for our cause!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make your skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and any additional information. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community at Duchenne UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at Duchenne UK
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into Duchenne UK’s mission and values. Understand the challenges faced by families affected by DMD and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in relationship fundraising. Highlight how you’ve built and maintained relationships with donors and supporters, especially in emotionally sensitive environments. Numbers speak volumes, so be ready to share your achievements.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Given the nature of the role, it’s crucial to exhibit empathy and understanding during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated complex supporter relationships and how you prioritise compassionate supporter care in your fundraising strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Duchenne UK’s current fundraising strategies and future goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge how you can contribute to their mission effectively.
