At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and engage with donors to create social impact through rugby.
- Company: Join the Harlequins Foundation, a respected sports charity making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for growth, and a chance to transform lives.
- Other info: Inclusive environment committed to diversity and creating opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity and build meaningful relationships that matter.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising success and excellent relationship-building skills required.
The Harlequins Foundation is entering an exciting phase of growth and ambition. This newly created senior role offers the opportunity to shape and lead fundraising strategy for a well-respected sports charity that uses the power of rugby to improve lives, develop essential skills and create lasting social impact across communities.
About the charity
The Harlequins Foundation is the charitable arm of Harlequins Rugby Club, delivering programmes that help young people and communities develop the essential skills needed to thrive both on and off the pitch. Established in 2015, the Foundation works across three key areas: wellbeing, education and employability, and inclusion, creating opportunities that remove barriers and improve outcomes for people of all backgrounds.
Leveraging warm connections and using our regular events and fixtures to engage potential donors, you'll work closely with the Head of the Foundation to develop our fundraising strategy, establish pipelines and targets, and deliver income growth from the ground up.
About the role
As Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in building and growing key income streams, including Individual Giving, Major Donors, and Trusts & Foundations, while helping to shape the future of the Foundation's fundraising capability and supporter engagement strategy.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals
- Working closely with trustees to open up their networks
- Building the trusts and grants programme; prospecting, applications, and funder reporting
- Developing the Foundation's case for support and oversee how it's communicated across campaigns and channels
- Putting in place the data, systems and insight needed to run fundraising properly
- Sitting as a senior member of the Foundation team, with input into wider strategy
About you
We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:
- Proven success in senior fundraising
- Experience across major donors, trusts and/or individual giving
- Excellent relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking with strong delivery capability
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills
- A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and comfort working in evolving environments
- Excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate impact effectively
Why Join the Harlequins Foundation?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a charity with a powerful platform, strong heritage and ambitious plans for growth. You will have the chance to build meaningful supporter relationships, create sustainable income streams and contribute directly to programmes that transform lives across communities.
The Foundation values innovation, inclusion, collaboration and impact, and is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.
If you're a strong relationship fundraiser with a passion for changing the outcomes of young peoples' lives, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and creating social value that has a positive impact on individuals as well as society, then this is the perfect next step for you.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.
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.
Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager employer: The Harlequins Foundation
As a leading Foundation, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and strategic thinking. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and the chance to make a meaningful impact in fundraising and supporter engagement, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager
✨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 The Harlequins Foundation.
✨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 The Harlequins Foundation, 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 The Harlequins Foundation. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager
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 The Harlequins Foundation 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 The Harlequins Foundation. 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 Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager role at The Harlequins Foundation. 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 The Harlequins Foundation
✨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 The Harlequins Foundation. 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 The Harlequins Foundation.
✨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 The Harlequins Foundation. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
