At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and manage a high-performing team to achieve income targets.
- Company: Dynamic charity focused on education and child wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Direct reports: Grants and Trusts Manager, Grants and Trusts Senior Officer, Partnerships Senior
Location: Nailsworth
Purpose of the role:
The Head of Fundraising leads the development and delivery of the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring a robust, diverse, and sustainable income base. You are responsible for delivering and sustaining a significant income target, growing restricted and unrestricted income across multiple streams – including trusts and foundations, individual giving, community and corporate support – and ensuring our approach is strategic, integrated and aligned to our organisational goals. This is a senior role within the charity, providing both hands‑on fundraising and leadership across the team. You will lead a high‑performing team, oversee budgets and targets, support bid development, and be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), helping shape wider organisational planning and direction. You have cross‑organisation accountability for the organisation-wide approach to evaluation, academic research, supporting strong evidence‑based impact. You will also lead on data and fundraising compliance.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategy and delivery: Develop and implement a fundraising strategy that supports organisational impact and sustainability, aligned to organisational targets. Set, report and analyse performance across fundraising income streams, highlighting and managing risks. Oversee and contribute to high‑value fundraising bids and appeals, including proposal development, budget presentation and stewardship. Ensure a balanced, long‑term pipeline of income opportunities aligned with organisational mission and priorities. Oversee all supporter communications development and delivery.
- Leadership and development: Lead a high‑performing, motivated team, overseeing delivery and professional development. Set clear individual role expectations and team objectives and monitor performance. Work with your team to ensure consistency and best practice across the fundraising function, aligning with the wider organisation approach. Positively contribute within the SLT to cross‑organisational planning and strategic decision‑making. Proactively network and represent the organisation with professionalism and credibility, building strong relationships with stakeholders including significant funders.
- Compliance with internal policy and external regulations: Lead the charity’s approach to monitoring and evaluation, aligned with sector practice. Ensure consistent and robust gathering of compelling evidence of impact. Steer evidence‑based project/programme development to shape fundable, fully‑costed initiatives.
- Governance and compliance: Oversee GDPR‑related compliance across the organisation. Ensure all fundraising activity adheres to the Code of Fundraising Practice.
- Decision‑making and accountability: You are accountable to the CEO. Approved fundraising strategy, delivery and budgets. Team leadership, priorities and objective setting. Fundraising priorities and donor communications.
You collaborate or accelerate on:
- Future fundraising strategy and targets and budgets.
- Organisation‑wide planning, programme/project development and emerging priorities.
What success looks like:
- Meeting or exceeding income targets across funding streams.
- Fundraising strategy embedded and aligned with wider organisational priorities.
- Excellent supporter stewardship delivering sustained and reliable income.
- Motivated, well‑supported team, meeting their individual objectives and delivering high‑quality work with confidence and clarity.
- Clear, credible evidence of impact that drives programme/project development.
- Regular and accurate performance and budget reporting in place.
Person specification:
Experience:
- Proven track record of income generation across a range of fundraising areas.
- Strong leadership experience, including line management and team development.
- Experience of securing and stewarding five‑ and six‑figure grants.
- Adept with extracting and analysing data insights, and IT proficient.
- Solid understanding of individual/community giving campaigns and supporter journeys.
- Expertise in monitoring and evaluation in a fundraising or programme context.
- Understanding of fundraising Code of Practice, GDPR and related regulations.
- Experience of digital fundraising or comms‑led income generation.
Personal skills and qualities:
- Strategic thinker with strong planning and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including bid writing and impact reporting.
- Positive, inclusive leadership style with a focus on collaboration and development.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Confident working with data and income reporting, able to adapt to new tools and systems.
- Committed to the values of reading, oracy, education and child wellbeing.
- A team player who supports others and contributes to a positive working culture.
Head of Fundraising and Impact in Nailsworth employer: Read for Good
As a leading charity based in Nailsworth, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive leadership and professional development opportunities, ensuring that our team is motivated and equipped to achieve their best. With a focus on meaningful impact and a diverse fundraising strategy, we offer a rewarding environment where your contributions directly support our mission and the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising and Impact in Nailsworth
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Read for Good.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Read for Good, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Read for Good. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising and Impact in Nailsworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Read for Good supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Read for Good. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Head of Fundraising and Impact role at Read for Good. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Read for Good
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Read for Good. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Read for Good.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Read for Good. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
