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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support people with learning disabilities and drive organisational growth.
- Company: Join Mencap, a charity dedicated to improving lives for 1.5 million people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Be part of a mission-driven team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while shaping the future of fundraising in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on equity, diversity, and team wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Mencap is seeking an Executive Director, Fundraising to deliver ambitious fundraising goals and drive growth and impact, whilst ensuring that people with a learning disability are at the heart of their fundraising activities. Mencap’s vision is for the estimated 1.5 million people with a learning disability across the UK to get the best chance in life. This is a pivotal moment to join the charity as they launch their new five-year strategy, Mencap 2030, with this role central to delivering its ambitious vision in which people with a learning disability can live life to the full.
The Executive Director, Fundraising will play a key organisational leadership role - modelling Mencap’s values, contributing to cross‑organisational transformation and championing belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. With fundraising central to the charity’s future growth, the postholder will drive a strategy designed to increase annual income from an average of £14m to £20m and beyond, building on recent high‑profile partnerships and investment across all fundraising channels.
The role requires an inspiring leader who can galvanise 7,500 colleagues behind a shared fundraising mission and authentically involve people with a learning disability in shaping fundraising approaches. The successful candidate will lead and motivate a high‑performing team, steward major corporate and individual relationships and ensure innovation, strong forecasting and long‑term income growth.
As a full member of the Executive team, they will contribute to organisational leadership, governance and strategic decision‑making, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board. The role requires a values‑led, impact‑driven leader with a strong record of cross‑organisational leadership, a proven ability to deliver ambitious, sustained fundraising growth and experience of aligning fundraising goals with wider organisational strategy.
They must also be able to demonstrate values‑based leadership that promotes belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion, and which supports team wellbeing and drives high performance. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, skilled at building high‑value relationships and engaging wider audiences through excellent stewardship.
They will bring forward‑thinking insight into market trends, data‑driven decision‑making and the effective use of technology, including leading CRM implementation to enhance fundraising impact. Mencap is also seeking candidates who will strengthen or champion diversity within the Executive team, with a track record of nurturing inclusive teams and developing diverse talent.
Closing date: Monday 9th February 9.00am. PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest.
Executive Director of Fundraising employer: Mencap
Contact Detail:
Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Fundraising
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fundraising sector, especially those connected to Mencap. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Mencap or during an interview, make sure to express why supporting people with learning disabilities is important to you. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Mencap’s current fundraising strategies and their new five-year plan. We need to demonstrate that we’re not just interested in the role, but that we understand their mission and how we can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for fundraising and supporting people with learning disabilities shine through. We want to see how you connect with Mencap’s mission and values, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can drive growth, so share specific examples of how you've achieved ambitious goals in the past.
Be Authentic: Authenticity is key! We want to know the real you, so be honest about your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to fundraising. This role is all about building relationships, so let your personality come through.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We’ll be longlisting as soon as we receive applications, so get yours in early through our website to ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mencap
✨Know Mencap Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Mencap's mission and values. Understand their new five-year strategy, Mencap 2030, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements. Highlight how you've driven growth and built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss innovative strategies you've implemented and how they could apply to Mencap's ambitious targets.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Inclusion
As an Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership style. Share experiences where you've fostered belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion within teams. Mencap values these traits, so be sure to illustrate how you can inspire and motivate a diverse group of colleagues.
✨Engage with Data and Technology
Mencap is looking for someone who can leverage data-driven decision-making. Brush up on your knowledge of CRM systems and how technology can enhance fundraising efforts. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform strategies and improve outcomes in your previous roles.
