Development Manager (maternity cover to March 2027) in Hampshire

Are you an experienced fundraiser with a desire to make a difference to young people’s mental health? Are you self-motivated and a collaborative team player, eager to contribute your unique perspective in a supportive environment? If so, we encourage you to apply for the exciting opportunity to become the Maternity Cover for our Development Manager at Winchester Youth Counselling, a leading local youth mental health charity.

About Winchester Youth Counselling ("WYC"): At WYC our mission is to provide counselling, therapy and mental health support to young people aged 11-25 in Hampshire, as well as support and advice for parents and families, so that young people are supported to thrive and live happier lives. Our services include one to one counselling, walk and talk, and nature therapy sessions to local children and young people who are facing difficulties with their mental health. We also run a youth drop-in service in Winchester Town Centre. We offer support to parents and carers too with parent consultations and parent workshops.

About the Role: The Development Manager role is a crucial role responsible for securing funding from a variety of sources in order to support the charity’s mission and financial stability. This position involves a blend of research, relationship building, and persuasive writing to secure grants from foundations, trusts and statutory funders; maintaining and developing strong relationships with local companies and HNW individuals, and helping to organise a varied portfolio of fundraising events. You will work closely with the senior management team and will play a strategic role in shaping the charity’s fundraising goals and fulfilling its mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grants and Trusts: Hold ownership of the Grants and Trusts pipeline to ensure that all planned Grants are submitted in a timely manner. Track applications and success/failures, reporting these to management and Board. Hold responsibility for ensuring that reporting requirements are adhered to. Conduct thorough research to identify potential grant opportunities aligned with the charity’s goals and priorities. Analyse grant guidelines and eligibility requirements to ensure strong applications. Lead the development of compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate the charity’s impact and need for funding.
• Relationship management: Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders and corporate partners, including attending meetings and events on behalf of the charity. Plan and facilitate corporate engagement events and trainings to build engagement. Approach and secure Charity of the Year funding for 2027. Attend networking events and make introductions and connections to further the charity's aims.
• Event and Campaign management: Hold responsibility for several events across the year including: WYC 25-year Anniversary Crowdfunder Campaign, the inaugural Winchester Youth Awards, Community Christmas Fundraiser, Children’s Mental Health Week Campaign and Networking events throughout the year. Work with the wider team to bring these events to fruition, including working with our partner organisations. Ensure that wrap-up is completed effectively and events/campaigns are evaluated.
• Community Engagement Management: Work with the Community and Youth Engagement Officer to facilitate community-based campaigns and our challenge events programme. Support the CYEO in managing the WYC Community Champions group of volunteers. Assist the CYEO in undertaking leafletting, collections, prize donations and other community initiatives, ensuring the correct permissions, licensing and reporting are in place. Work with the Youth Board to keep youth voice at the centre of our planning.
• Line Management: Co-manage the CYEO and ensure that they feel supported and have clarity in their role. Assign and monitor income to project and core costs, identifying where funding gaps exist and applying this analysis to grant prospecting. Regularly monitor fundraising income against the current fundraising strategy, adjusting plans and reforecasting in collaboration with the CEO.

Contributing to the development and implementation of the charity’s long-term financial sustainability plan. Assisting the CEO to develop a detailed Fundraising Strategy for 2027/28 aligned to an agreed organisational budget.