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- Tasks: Lead growth and influence in a charitable organisation, shaping income strategy and community impact.
- Company: A historic charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Gloucestershire.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, wellbeing days, discounts, pension, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in charity, fundraising expertise, and strong partnership-building skills.
Do you have senior leadership experience in a charitable organisation? 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 include: 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: 25th 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. 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.
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 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
Qualifications
- Degree level education or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, business development, or a related field.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Experience
- Senior Leadership in a charitable organisation.
- Raising significant sums (min of £2m).
- Strong bid writing and tendering experience.
- 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.
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.
Please note that we can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK. 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 organisation's values.
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.
Head of Development and Engagement in Cheltenham employer: YMCA Cheltenham
Contact Detail:
YMCA Cheltenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development and Engagement in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charitable sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Development and Engagement. Highlight your successes in fundraising and partnership building to demonstrate your potential value.
✨Tip Number 4
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 our mission to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development and Engagement in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in senior leadership roles within charitable organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Head of Development and Engagement position.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to know about your successes! Include specific examples of how you've raised significant funds or built strategic partnerships. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve secured contracts worth millions, let us know!
Be Authentic: We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about making a difference. Use your application to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the role and the impact you hope to have. Share your vision for how you can shape our organisation's future.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of all applications and makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Cheltenham
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your past achievements in fundraising and engagement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've raised significant sums and built strategic partnerships. This will show your potential employer that you understand the importance of impact and can deliver results.
✨Articulate Your Vision
As a candidate for a senior leadership role, it's crucial to have a clear vision for the organisation's future. Think about how you would develop and deliver a long-term strategy for income generation and engagement. Be prepared to discuss your ideas and how they align with the organisation's mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills
This role involves building and leading a Development and Engagement Team, so be ready to talk about your experience in managing and motivating teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to fostering collaboration and achieving shared goals.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's history, values, and current initiatives. Understanding their work and the communities they serve will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and committed to making a difference.