Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham
Head of Development and Engagement

Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 57000 - 57000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Y

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead growth and engagement strategies to transform lives and strengthen communities.
  • Company: A historic charity making a real difference in Gloucestershire since 1855.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, wellbeing days, discounts, pension, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to lead a passionate team.
  • Why this job: Shape a legacy and make a lasting impact on people's lives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, marketing, and building strategic partnerships.

The predicted salary is between 57000 - 57000 £ per year.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Development and Engagement to lead growth and influence, and to develop the income strategy at a defining moment in the organisation’s history. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership role where your expertise, ambition, and creativity will have a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives. Shape a legacy. Grow impact. Lead with purpose.

Location: Gloucestershire/Hybrid

Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 per week (flexible working)

Salary: £57,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, rising by up to 5 extra days with service, wellbeing days, retailer discounts and rewards, company pension and sick pay, life assurance, onsite sports facilities and a supportive, passionate and high‑performing team environment.

Closing Date: 8th May 2026

Interviews: 19th and 20th May 2026

About the Role: This role sits at the heart of the organisation’s future, shaping how it is seen, how it is supported, and how it can sustainably deliver life‑changing services for children, adults, and families across Gloucestershire. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape and lead the runway to the next 170 years. You will set the strategic direction for brand, engagement, partnerships, and income generation and ensure the mission is powerfully articulated, widely championed, and sustainably funded. You will cultivate influential relationships, unlock new opportunities for growth, and inspire others to invest in this work, not just financially, but also strategically and emotionally.

As Head of Development & Engagement, you will:

  • Lead the development and delivery of a long‑term strategy that diversifies income and strengthens financial resilience.
  • Drive the acquisition of new contracts and commissioned services.
  • Build and maintain high‑value partnerships with funders, commissioners, and corporate partners.
  • Grow and nurture a loyal donor base through innovative engagement and retention strategies.
  • Oversee all marketing, PR, and brand activity to raise our profile locally and regionally.
  • Build a Development and Engagement Team.

About You: This is a role for a leader who thinks boldly and acts collaboratively and can balance commercial acumen with deep social purpose. Someone who understands that strong brands change perceptions, strong partnerships accelerate impact, and strong income strategies create freedom to innovate. This role offers the chance to do work that truly matters, to use your skills and leadership to strengthen communities, transform lives, and steward an organisation with an exceptional past into an even stronger future.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Degree level education or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, business development, or a related field.
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  • Ability to build strategic partnerships with funders, commissioners, and corporate partners.
  • Experience managing brand development, media relations, and marketing campaigns.
  • Digital marketing and social media expertise.
  • Experience leading and motivating teams.
  • Budget management and financial forecasting skills.
  • Proven success delivering significant income growth across diverse fundraising streams.
  • Experience developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies.
  • Track record of securing contracts and commissioned services.
  • Strong bid writing and tendering experience.

If you are driven by impact, energised by influence, and motivated by the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy that changes lives for the better, we would love to hear from you.

Employees are not required to adhere to the Christian faith, nor any faith, and no such consideration is made by the organisation in employment choices nor in delivering its services, however, all employees are expected to demonstrate the list of Values shown while in the workplace.

  • OPERATE with Equity, Integrity, Openness and Honesty.
  • ENGAGE with Empathy, Kindness, Generosity and Grace.
  • BE Thoughtful, Discrete, Ethical and Respectful to all.

About the Organisation: Founded in 1855, this registered charity has become a leading provider of supported housing for the most vulnerable in Cheltenham and Gloucester, alongside other works including early‑years provision, sports facilities, community engagement and other charitable activities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their age, gender, disability, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith. The charity is committed to following safer recruitment guidelines. You must have the right to live and work in the UK. The team is wholly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham employer: YMCA Cheltenham

Join a passionate and high-performing team in Gloucestershire as the Head of Development and Engagement, where your leadership will directly impact the lives of children, adults, and families. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working hours, and generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, this role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and the chance to shape a legacy that transforms communities. Embrace a culture of equity, integrity, and empathy while driving innovative strategies that ensure sustainable funding and impactful partnerships.
Y

Contact Detail:

YMCA Cheltenham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in making an impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Development and Engagement. Highlight your past successes in building partnerships and driving income growth – this is your time to shine!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham

Strategic Direction Setting
Partnership Development
Income Generation
Fundraising Strategy Development
Brand Management
Marketing Campaign Management
Digital Marketing
Social Media Expertise
Team Leadership
Budget Management
Financial Forecasting
Bid Writing
Tendering Experience
Relationship Building
Innovative Engagement Strategies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission and how you can contribute to making a real impact.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising, marketing, and partnership building. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and engagement.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this leadership role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Cheltenham

✨Know Your Impact

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on how your previous experiences have led to tangible outcomes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven income growth or built strategic partnerships in your past roles. This will show that you understand the importance of impact and can articulate it well.

✨Research the Organisation

Dive deep into the organisation's history, mission, and current projects. Understanding their values and recent initiatives will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to ask insightful questions that show you’re engaged and ready to contribute.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a senior leader, your ability to inspire and motivate teams is crucial. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented to engage and retain donors or partners.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you've encountered in fundraising or partnership development and how you overcame them. This will showcase your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.

Head of Development and Engagement in Birmingham
YMCA Cheltenham
Location: Birmingham

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>