At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative fundraising strategies to empower local YMCAs and secure vital funding.
- Company: Join YMCA, the world's largest youth-focused charity, making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a mission to build 10,000 new homes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fundraising while supporting young people and communities across the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising expertise and strong collaboration skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 57574 - 57574 £ per year.
The Vacancy
Location: London/Hybrid with Tuesdays in the office
Salary: £57,574.79 per annum
Weekly Hours: 35
Reference: YMC1251225
About YMCA
YMCA was founded in 1844 and is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity. In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across 168 local authorities, helping young people and communities reach their potential. YMCA England & Wales supports and strengthens the federation of local YMCAs delivering that work: providing homes, youth work and opportunity where they are needed most. We are ambitious. Together with our local YMCAs, we aim to build 10,000 new homes in the next five years, and raising the funds to do it is central to our plans.
About the opportunity
This is a critical strategic role focused on helping local YMCAs access more funding by harnessing our collective fundraising knowledge, learning and expertise. This includes supporting local YMCAs to access new government funding opportunities arising from the National Youth Strategy and developing effective models for opportunities that are administered or delivered locally. Empowering Local Fundraising is the pillar of our fundraising strategy that helps our 78 local YMCAs raise more money themselves, working alongside our centrally organised national fundraising. As our first permanent Empowering Local Fundraising hire, you will build this function from first principles. In year one you will prove the model; then you'll scale what succeeds.
You will:
- Develop the “Scale Track”: a replication model that finds fundable local applications and enables other YMCAs to repeat them.
- Develop and test effective models for trusts and grants fundraising, including supporting local YMCAs to access new government funding opportunities and funding administered or delivered locally.
- Shape how national and local fundraising work together across trusts and grants, major donors, corporate and individual giving, building on learning from emerging national and local models.
- Build on our Fundraising Showcase events and use what you learn to shape a future Fundraising Academy for local fundraisers.
- Manage shared intelligence and tools on our Y-Hub platform, so every YMCA benefits from the same prospects, templates and assets.
- Be the point person for local YMCAs on fundraising, building strong relationships and chairing our Fundraising Forum for peer learning.
- Explore and test opportunities for shared fundraising events that local YMCAs can participate in and benefit from.
The role sits at Assistant Head level and reports to the Head of Fundraising. It offers real influence over strategy and the chance to grow a team as the function develops. Few fundraising roles afford you an opportunity to design something new, test it quickly and see it scale across a wider federation.
About you
You are a fundraiser who builds things that last, and who gets results by enabling others rather than directing them. You will bring:
- Proven expertise in designing, piloting and scaling replicable fundraising models and processes.
- A track record of working collaboratively across organisations, influencing and coordinating many partners with differing capacity, without line authority.
- Strong general fundraising expertise, ideally in housing or youth work, including community and events fundraising.
- Substantial experience in trusts, grants and foundations fundraising, and in writing winning applications.
- Experience of fundraising within a federated, membership or franchise-style organisation, or of supporting independent local organisations to fundraise.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to gather evidence on what works and use it to shape decisions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, and comfort with ambiguity and building from scratch.
You are committed to equality, value diversity and can respect the Christian heritage of YMCA.
Closing Date: 30th November
Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.
Assistant Head of Fundraising employer: YMCA England & Wales
As a Store Manager at our St Ives location, you will be part of a vibrant work culture that values community engagement and teamwork. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact by leading a dedicated team in support of a charitable cause. Join us to experience a rewarding career where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Fundraising
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like YMCA England & Wales.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of YMCA England & Wales, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at YMCA England & Wales. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Fundraising
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that YMCA England & Wales supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of YMCA England & Wales. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Assistant Head of Fundraising role at YMCA England & Wales. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA England & Wales
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of YMCA England & Wales. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at YMCA England & Wales.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for YMCA England & Wales. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
