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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate fundraising strategies to support British horseracing's workforce.
- Company: Join Racing Welfare, a respected charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, personal growth opportunities, and a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a vital sector while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and exceptional leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for travel across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Based at: Homebased and Travel throughout the UK
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent
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.
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: The Jockey Club
Contact Detail:
The Jockey Club 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 and horseracing sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or collaborators. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for fundraising and supporting the horseracing community shine through. Share your ideas on innovative campaigns and how you can make a difference at Racing Welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Racing Welfare inside out. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a real impact in the world of horseracing fundraising.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising
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! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about fundraising and how you can make a difference at Racing Welfare. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about fundraising opportunities. Share examples of innovative campaigns you've led or ideas you have for future initiatives that could benefit Racing Welfare.
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 process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Jockey Club
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the current fundraising landscape and have a clear vision of how you would develop and deliver a successful strategy for Racing Welfare. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas that align with their mission and demonstrate your passion for making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Fundraising, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Prepare examples of how you've inspired your team in previous roles, focusing on specific outcomes and how you supported their professional growth.
✨Build Connections
Racing Welfare values strategic partnerships, so come prepared with insights on how you would cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners. Think about past experiences where you've successfully built collaborations and be ready to share those stories.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your fundraising campaigns and how you engage diverse stakeholders. Consider preparing a few impactful anecdotes that showcase your ability to motivate and connect with others.
