At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value fundraising strategies and develop impactful partnerships.
- Company: Join The Passage, a leading charity tackling homelessness in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of fundraising.
- Qualifications: Proven success in high-value fundraising and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 56960 - 56960 £ per year.
Employment status: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Salary: £56,960
Location: Office based (central London) with some flexible working from home
Benefits: 35 Days annual leave including bank holiday
Charity People are delighted to be partnering with The Passage to recruit a Head of Development to join their senior management team. The Passage is a leading London homelessness charity, supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to transform their lives. Their vision is of a society where homelessness no longer exists and everyone has a place to call home. The Passage has built a reputation for high-quality services and impactful fundraising, with voluntary income exceeding £5m in recent years. This is a rare opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role at a pivotal moment, shaping and growing a diverse high-value fundraising portfolio while leading and developing an ambitious team.
About the Role
This is a key senior position, responsible for leading and growing The Passage’s high-value income streams, including corporate partnerships, philanthropy (major donors), trusts & foundations, and commercial/trading activity. Reporting to the Director of Income Generation and Communications, you’ll lead a committed and talented team to deliver sustainable income growth, while ensuring first-class stewardship is provided across all touchpoints. You’ll play a central role in developing and delivering strategy, driving new business, and building long-term, high-value relationships with donors and partners. As part of the Senior Management Group, you’ll also contribute to organisational leadership and strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver a high-value income strategy across corporate, philanthropy, trusts and commercial streams
- Drive new business, identifying and securing six-figure+ partnerships and donations
- Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and senior corporate relationships
- Oversee and grow commercial and trading opportunities, ensuring strong performance and sustainability
- Lead, coach, and develop the Development team to achieve ambitious income targets
- Work collaboratively across teams to develop compelling propositions, proposals, and donor journeys
- Monitor performance, budgets, and pipelines to ensure delivery against KPIs and forecasts
- Represent The Passage externally, acting as an ambassador with senior stakeholders and partners
About You
We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader with a strong track record in high-value fundraising and income generation. You will bring:
- Proven success in developing and delivering high-value fundraising strategies
- A track record of securing £100k+ gifts and partnerships
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong expertise across corporate partnerships, major donors, and/or trusts
- Commercial awareness, with experience or interest in trading and income diversification
- Excellent relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders
- Strong planning, budgeting, and pipeline management skills
- A collaborative and values-driven leadership style
Most importantly, you’ll be motivated by The Passage’s mission and committed to driving income that creates lasting impact for people experiencing homelessness.
Why This Role?
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of income generation at one of London’s most respected homelessness charities. You’ll join at an exciting point of growth, with the autonomy to innovate, the support of a strong leadership team, and the chance to make a tangible difference through strategic, high-value fundraising.
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 Development employer: The Passage
The Passage is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead high-value fundraising efforts within a respected London charity dedicated to ending homelessness. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, staff enjoy generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join a passionate team at a pivotal moment in the organisation's journey, where your strategic leadership can drive sustainable income growth and transform lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from The Passage or during interviews, make sure to express why you care about homelessness and how your skills can help. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Head of Development. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've secured high-value partnerships or led successful fundraising campaigns. Practice makes perfect!
✨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 Passage and making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Development role. Highlight your experience in high-value fundraising and how it aligns with The Passage's mission. We want to see how you can make a real impact!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in securing major donations or partnerships. Numbers speak volumes, so if you've secured six-figure gifts, let us know!
Be Authentic:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about tackling homelessness. Share your personal connection to the cause or any relevant experiences that motivate you to join The Passage. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Passage
✨Know The Passage Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research The Passage thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past successes in high-value fundraising. Be ready to share details about securing six-figure partnerships or major donations, as well as how you developed those relationships. This will demonstrate your capability to drive income growth for The Passage.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Head of Development, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully developed high-performing teams in the past. Share examples of how you've coached team members to achieve ambitious targets.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation's goals. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to The Passage's mission.
