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, personal growth opportunities, and a chance to impact lives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of horseracing support while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work from home or our Newmarket office with occasional UK travel.
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 in London 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 in London
✨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 have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of Racing Welfare. Share your ideas on innovative fundraising strategies and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s past campaigns and current initiatives. This will not only help you understand their work better but also allow you to ask insightful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Racing Welfare and making a lasting impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising in London
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 Racing Welfare’s future fundraising efforts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 Racing Welfare's mission. Be ready to discuss innovative fundraising strategies you've implemented in the past and how they could apply to this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Fundraising, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles, focusing on mentoring and developing talent. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to motivate others.
✨Build Connections
Racing Welfare values partnerships, so think about how you can leverage your existing network. Be prepared to discuss potential collaborations with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners that could benefit the charity.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since budgeting and financial planning are key aspects of this role, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to talk about how you've managed budgets in the past and how you evaluate the performance of fundraising campaigns.