Head of Fundraising

Head of Fundraising

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies to support people affected by self-harm.
  • Company: Values-led organisation focused on compassionate support and community impact.
  • Benefits: Flexible part-time role with autonomy and a purpose-driven culture.
  • Other info: Join a small, collaborative team at a pivotal moment in our growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of our organisation.
  • Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, strong writing skills, and relationship-building abilities.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Help shape the future of a growing, values-led organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping Sift's future at a pivotal moment in our journey. We support people affected by self-harm with compassionate, non-judgemental services, and demand for our work is growing. As we look ahead to the next phase of development, we are investing in fundraising to help us reach more people who need support. We are looking for an experienced, values-led fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to build, influence, and make a tangible difference.

Working closely with the CEO, you will lead our fundraising efforts and help us move from a reactive to a more proactive, strategic approach to income generation.

What you’ll do

  • Leading on fundraising for trusts and foundations
  • Building and managing a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
  • Supporting the development of a major donor pipeline
  • Overseeing delivery of targeted appeals and up to two campaigns per year
  • Strengthening funder relationships and long-term stewardship

Why this role matters

This role is central to our future. Your work will directly increase access to safe, compassionate support for people affected by self-harm and enable us to widen our influence across systems and communities.

Why join us?

  • Real impact: Work that makes a tangible impact
  • Flexibility: A part-time role with flexibility
  • Autonomy: Scope to shape and develop our fundraising approach
  • Purpose-driven culture: A small, collaborative team that puts people first
  • A pivotal moment: Be part of an organisation evolving and growing its reach

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings both experience and a strong alignment with our values:

  • Proven fundraising experience (particularly trusts and foundations)
  • Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively
  • Strong writing skills and the ability to tell compelling stories
  • Confidence in building and managing relationships
  • A thoughtful, proactive approach with a high level of self-direction

If you’re looking for a role where you can shape strategy, work with purpose, and see the real-world impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you. Download our recruitment pack for more details.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to deelalljee@sift.org.uk. Please answer the following questions within your covering letter:

  • What motivates you to apply and why you are so well suited to this position?
  • The fundraising environment for small charities has become increasingly challenging. In this context, what do you think we need to prioritise to develop a successful fundraising pipeline?
  • What might you find most challenging in this role? Please explain why and tell us your strategies to address and overcome potential challenges.

Head of Fundraising employer: Sift UK

Sift is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of those affected by self-harm. With a purpose-driven culture and a collaborative team, employees enjoy flexibility and autonomy in their roles, particularly in this pivotal Head of Fundraising position. As we grow, we are committed to investing in our staff's development, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission while shaping the future of our organisation.
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Contact Detail:

Sift UK 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 world. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for the cause shine through. Talk about why you care about supporting people affected by self-harm and how you can make a difference.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Know their mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.

✨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 our team and making a real impact in the fundraising space.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising

Fundraising Experience
Trusts and Foundations Fundraising
Pipeline Management
Major Donor Development
Campaign Management
Funder Relationship Management
Storytelling Skills
Writing Skills
Strategic Thinking
Self-Direction
Proactive Approach
Independence
Prioritisation Skills
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer the specific questions in the job description. Share your motivations and how your experience aligns with our values. We want to see your passion for fundraising and how you can make a difference.

Showcase Your Fundraising Experience: Highlight your proven fundraising experience, especially with trusts and foundations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in building relationships and managing funding opportunities. We love seeing real-world impact!

Be Authentic and Values-Led: We’re all about values here at StudySmarter. Make sure your application reflects your alignment with our mission. Share stories that showcase your commitment to compassionate support and how you’ve made a difference in similar roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sift UK

✨Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on the values of the organisation. Understand how your personal values align with theirs. This will not only help you answer questions more authentically but also show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.

✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience

Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your fundraising successes, especially with trusts and foundations. Highlight your strategic approach and any innovative methods you've used to build relationships and secure funding. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can, quantify your achievements!

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about their current fundraising strategies and future goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term vision. It’s a great way to demonstrate your proactive mindset.

✨Address Potential Challenges

In your covering letter, be honest about what you might find challenging in this role. Then, outline your strategies for overcoming these challenges. This demonstrates self-awareness and a thoughtful approach, which are key traits for a leadership position in fundraising.

Head of Fundraising
Sift UK
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