At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a fundraising team while building strong donor relationships.
- Company: St Catherine’s Hospice, dedicated to improving quality of life for patients.
- Benefits: 36 days holiday, wellbeing day, pension contributions, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in hospice care and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior fundraising experience with a proven track record in income growth.
The predicted salary is between 44341 - 44341 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring senior fundraising leader who wants to use their skills to help people experience the best possible quality of life, to the end of life? As the new Head of Fundraising at St Catherine’s Hospice, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: leading and developing a growing team towards high performance, while remaining hands‑on in building and nurturing high‑value donor relationships.
Salary: £44,341 per annum
Contract: Full Time | 37.5 hours per week
Location: Preston, with hybrid option with up to 2 days homeworking
Benefits: Enjoy 36 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), an extra wellbeing day for your birthday, up to 8% employer pension contributions, Blue Light Card discounts, discounted on‑site meals, career development opportunities, life insurance, and an employee assistance programme.
Culture: Join a supportive and collaborative team, all located within a scenic working environment.
The Role: Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Engagement, you will lead, develop and inspire a dedicated fundraising team, creating a high‑performance culture that delivers ambitious income targets across a diverse portfolio. This is a strategic and hands‑on leadership role. You will be responsible for developing and delivering the hospice’s fundraising strategy, identifying new opportunities for growth, and personally supporting key relationships and fundraising initiatives. You will work closely with senior colleagues, trustees and external stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports to the Board on fundraising performance, opportunities and risks.
About You: We are seeking a confident and experienced fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands‑on approach. You will be an inspirational leader with a proven ability to deliver income growth, develop high‑performing teams and build strong relationships with supporters, partners and senior stakeholders. You will be comfortable operating both strategically and operationally, with the credibility and communication skills to influence at Board level and represent the hospice externally.
Your Experience:
- Significant senior fundraising experience across multiple income streams, with a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high‑performing fundraising teams, building a positive and ambitious culture.
- Demonstrable success in designing and delivering fundraising strategies that achieve measurable results and long‑term financial sustainability.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting, income forecasting, performance management, and driving return on investment across fundraising activity.
- Ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, alongside developing compelling cases for support, funding applications, and donor propositions that inspire giving and generate income.
- Experience of planning and delivering successful fundraising events, with responsibility for volunteer management and awareness of relevant health and safety requirements.
Why Join St Catherine’s Hospice? St Catherine’s cares for patients and their loved ones across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble who are affected by life‑shortening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure. Through specialist palliative and end‑of‑life care, delivered both at the hospice and in people’s own homes, the organisation helps individuals achieve the best possible quality of life and focus on what matters most to them in the time they have. A values‑led organisation, with care, compassion and commitment at the heart of everything it does, St Catherine’s is deeply valued by its local community. This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by leading a talented fundraising team, influencing strategic decision‑making and securing the resources needed to ensure exceptional hospice care remains available for those who need it most.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Head of Fundraising in Preston employer: St Catherine's Hospice
St Catherine’s Hospice is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the scenic surroundings of Preston. With generous benefits including 36 days of holiday, career development opportunities, and a commitment to equity and inclusion, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing life-limiting conditions while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising in Preston
✨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 St Catherine's Hospice.
✨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 St Catherine's Hospice, 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 St Catherine's Hospice. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising in Preston
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 St Catherine's Hospice 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 St Catherine's Hospice. 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 role at St Catherine's Hospice. 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 St Catherine's Hospice
✨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 St Catherine's Hospice. 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 St Catherine's Hospice.
✨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 St Catherine's Hospice. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
