Head of Fundraising

Head of Fundraising

Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative fundraising strategies and inspire a talented team to drive real change.
  • Company: Join Racing Welfare, a respected charity supporting British horseracing's workforce.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a vital sector while shaping the future of horseracing support.
  • Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for innovation.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and professional development.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Join Racing Welfare as Head of Fundraising and make a lasting impact! Are you an ambitious, results-driven fundraising leader with a passion for making a difference? Racing Welfare is looking for an exceptional Head of Fundraising to join our senior management team and take the helm of a thriving, high-performance fundraising operation. This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of British horseracing’s charitable support, driving growth and innovation in a vital sector.

About Racing Welfare: Racing Welfare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing – from stud, stable, and racecourse staff to those in related professions. Our mission is to help these dedicated individuals thrive in their careers and lives, offering guidance, practical assistance, and support throughout their journey – from recruitment to retirement.

The Role: As Head of Fundraising, you will play a central role in Racing Welfare’s strategic direction and growth. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer to craft and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that delivers innovative income streams to fund our vital services. You’ll lead, inspire, and develop a talented team, empowering them to deliver outstanding fundraising initiatives and events that drive real change.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop & Deliver Fundraising Strategy: Work with senior leadership to shape the charity’s fundraising vision, ensuring the strategy aligns with our wider goals and drives long-term sustainability.
  • Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Create and implement engaging campaigns, managing budgets and evaluating performance to optimise success.
  • Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing fundraising team, supporting their professional growth and achieving collective goals.
  • Building Strategic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners to build lasting, mutually beneficial collaborations.
  • Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day fundraising operations, ensuring smooth management of income, expenditure, and compliance.

You Will Bring:

  • Proven experience in fundraising or commercial management, with a track record of successfully recruiting donors and sponsors.
  • A natural leader with exceptional people management skills, able to inspire and empower teams to excel.
  • Solid experience in budgeting, financial planning, and performance management.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.
  • A passion for innovation and the ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities.

Bonus: Experience in the horseracing industry is desirable, but not essential.

Why Racing Welfare? This is your chance to take on a leadership role in a respected and impactful charity. You’ll be part of a passionate team, working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role offers flexibility with the option to work from home or our Newmarket office, alongside occasional travel across the UK (including evenings and weekends). As a charity, wellbeing is at the forefront of all we do. We aim to be a leading employer in the industry and make sure everyone at Racing Welfare has the opportunity to thrive.

If you’re ready to make a significant contribution to the future of Racing Welfare and help improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to British horseracing, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today: Submit your CV and covering letter to join Racing Welfare and lead our fundraising efforts to new heights. We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. The closing date for this role is 16 February 2026. First stage interviews will be held the week commencing 23 February 2026 in person in Newmarket. We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a large number of suitable applications.

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 DOE

Racing Welfare is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, and the Charity Commission’s best practice guidance. This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We only ask applicants to disclose convictions which are not yet spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Racing Welfare’s Safeguarding Statement of Intent can be found on our website.

Head of Fundraising employer: Racing Welfare

Racing Welfare is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful fundraising initiatives within a respected charity dedicated to supporting the workforce of British horseracing. With a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, you will be part of a passionate team in Newmarket, enjoying flexibility in your role and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who dedicate themselves to this vital industry.
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Contact Detail:

Racing Welfare Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨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 the mission of Racing Welfare. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s recent campaigns and initiatives. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!

✨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 at Racing Welfare. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started on this journey together!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising

Fundraising Strategy Development
Team Leadership
People Management
Budgeting
Financial Planning
Performance Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Innovative Campaign Creation
Operational Excellence
Relationship Building
Strategic Thinking
Results-Driven Approach
Passion for Charitable Work

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Fundraising role. Highlight your fundraising achievements and leadership experience to show us you’re the perfect fit!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for fundraising and how you can make a difference at Racing Welfare. Be sure to connect your vision with our mission to support the horseracing workforce.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a leader, it’s important to convey how you inspire and develop teams. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach to team management and how you’ve driven successful fundraising initiatives.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the recruitment process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Racing Welfare

✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies

Before the interview, brush up on innovative fundraising strategies that align with Racing Welfare's mission. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've led or ideas you have for future initiatives. This shows your passion and strategic thinking.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your mentoring style and how you've empowered others to achieve their goals. This will demonstrate your fit for a leadership position.

✨Understand the Charity Sector

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the charity sector, especially within horseracing. Being able to discuss these topics will show your commitment and understanding of the environment Racing Welfare operates in.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their experiences and the organisation's future. Building a connection can leave a lasting impression and show your genuine interest in the role.

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