Head of Fundraising and Communications
Head of Fundraising and Communications

Head of Fundraising and Communications

Preston Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising and communications to support youth activities and development.
  • Company: Join Vault YouthZone, a vibrant community hub for young people in Preston.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent, full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and impact.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of youth provision while inspiring change in young lives.
  • Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Percival is excited to be working exclusively with Vault YouthZone, which is recruiting a new Head of Fundraising and Communications to join their team! This is an incredibly exciting time to join Vault as they prepare to open their doors to young people in late 2025. The state-of-the-art Youth Zone will provide young people aged 8 to 19 with a wide range of activities—from football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and employability training. Vault Youth Zone is part of a growing network of Youth Zones across the UK, supported by the national charity OnSide.

This is the final senior leadership team appointment, and they are seeking an experienced and ambitious fundraiser to lead the development and implementation of a new fundraising strategy.

About the Role

Are you an ambitious, strategic fundraiser with a passion for transforming young lives? Vault is looking for a dynamic Head of Fundraising and Communications to lead income generation for the youth zone. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a £1.4m+ annual fundraising strategy, build a high-performing team, lead communications, and personally steward major donors—all while shaping the future of youth provision in Preston.

To succeed in this role, you will need to:

  • Have a proven track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs and/or corporates
  • Be confident developing and leading multi-year fundraising and communications strategies
  • Be an excellent communicator with the ability to inspire individuals, businesses, and the wider community
  • Be experienced in team leadership, with the ability to recruit, support, and motivate others to meet targets
  • Bring knowledge of stewardship and donor journeys, and apply best practices in relationship management
  • Be results-driven, resilient, and comfortable managing a personal fundraising portfolio
  • Be strategic, creative, and collaborative, with experience working with senior leaders or trustees
  • Be aligned with Vault’s mission to transform young lives through opportunity, support, and aspiration

Stage 1 Interviews: Week commencing 2nd June

The team at Percival is committed to supporting you throughout the application process. If you require assistance completing your application or need adjustments, please contact Madeleine at Percival. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. To apply, submit your CV. If you meet the requirements, we will provide the full job description and arrange a call or meeting to discuss next steps. Please note you may need to include a cover letter as part of your application. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Head of Fundraising and Communications employer: Whatsoninwigan

Vault YouthZone is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in Preston. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to lead innovative fundraising initiatives, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming youth provision. As we prepare to open our state-of-the-art facility in late 2025, you'll enjoy the benefits of working in a vibrant city centre location, surrounded by a supportive network that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
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Contact Detail:

Whatsoninwigan Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising and Communications

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the fundraising and communications sector. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles, as they might provide insights or even referrals that could help you land this position.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Vault YouthZone thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current initiatives. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous fundraising successes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've secured significant donations and led successful campaigns, as this will showcase your capability to meet their £1.4m+ annual fundraising strategy.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage with the community around Vault YouthZone. Follow them on social media, participate in discussions, and show your support for their initiatives. This will help you build rapport and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising and Communications

Fundraising Strategy Development
Major Donor Stewardship
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Strategic Planning
Creative Problem Solving
Results-Driven Mindset
Community Engagement
Networking Skills
Resilience
Motivational Skills
Experience with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
Collaboration with Senior Leaders

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Head of Fundraising and Communications position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your fundraising achievements, particularly any experience securing significant donations. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant strategic initiatives you've led in previous roles.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: If required, write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for transforming young lives. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to inspire and lead teams.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Whatsoninwigan

✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially those involving five-figure gifts. Highlight your strategies and the impact they had on previous organisations.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be ready to articulate your vision for a multi-year fundraising strategy. Discuss how you would approach developing this strategy for Vault YouthZone, considering their mission and community needs.

✨Communicate with Passion

As an excellent communicator, convey your passion for transforming young lives. Use storytelling to connect emotionally with the interviewers, illustrating how your work has made a difference in the community.

✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills

Discuss your experience in leading teams, focusing on how you've motivated and supported team members to achieve targets. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully recruited and developed talent.

Head of Fundraising and Communications
Whatsoninwigan
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  • Head of Fundraising and Communications

    Preston
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-26

  • W

    Whatsoninwigan

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