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- Tasks: Lead growth and influence, developing income strategies for impactful community services.
- Company: Established charity with a rich history of supporting vulnerable communities.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, wellbeing days, discounts, pension, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on lives while shaping the future of a meaningful organisation.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, or business development.
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: 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
Qualifications
- Degree level education or equivalent experience in fundraising, marketing, business development, or a related field.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
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.
- 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.
You may have experience in other roles such as Deputy Head of Development and Engagement, Head of Development and Engagement, Head of Engagement, Head of Impact and Engagement, Director of Development and Engagement, Development and Engagement Manager.
Head of Development and Engagement 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation inside out, understand their mission, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Practise common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your commitment and makes it easier for us to spot your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development and Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Development and Engagement role. Highlight your achievements in fundraising, partnerships, and team leadership to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference! Use your application to express why you’re passionate about our mission and how you plan to lead with purpose. Let your personality shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and fit for the 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. 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 how your past experiences have made a difference in your previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven growth and engagement, as this role is all about shaping a legacy and making a lasting impact.
✨Master the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and values. Understand how they align with your own beliefs and experiences. During the interview, articulate how you can contribute to their goals and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing income strategies and building partnerships. Think of innovative ideas that could diversify income streams and strengthen financial resilience. This will show that you’re not just a leader but a visionary who can think outside the box.
✨Engage with Empathy
This role requires a balance of commercial acumen and social purpose. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with empathy and kindness, as these qualities are essential for inspiring others to invest in the organisation’s work.