At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to create 10,000 new homes for young people.
- Company: Join YMCA England & Wales, the largest youth charity in the world.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, gym membership, flexible working, and a company pension.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving meaningful change in communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people find safe, stable accommodation.
- Qualifications: Experience in public fundraising and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57574 - 57574 £ per year.
An exciting moment to join us – YMCA England & Wales is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its fundraising history, launching our ambition to create 10,000 new homes for young people. Working alongside local YMCAs, we will support the development of new accommodation across the federation, helping young people move towards independence. This role sits at the heart of that ambition.
You will lead the fundraising behind two critical components of the 10,000 Homes programme:
- Securing income from the public to build and sustain a central Centre of Expertise, supporting local YMCAs to develop and deliver housing projects.
- Raising capital from individual supporters, mid‑level donors and major donors to grow a replenishing national fund that provides upfront investment to unlock housing developments across the federation.
At the centre of this is the 10,000 Homes Fund: a bold, housing‑focused proposition that offers the public a clear and tangible way to support young people into safe, stable accommodation. You will be responsible for growing this proposition, ensuring it resonates strongly with supporters and inspires giving at all levels. You will lead an integrated public fundraising approach, bringing together individual giving, mid‑level and major donors into one compelling, housing‑led narrative.
A key part of the role will be translating a complex, federated model into a simple, emotional and compelling case for support that connects with people’s motivations to give. We’ve established strong early foundations and are now ready to scale. This role offers the opportunity to take a high‑potential public fundraising proposition to the next level – expanding its reach, deepening supporter engagement, and unlocking significant new income.
This is a hands‑on leadership role: you will set direction, manage budgets, develop your team, while also being prepared to step into delivery when it matters most. You will balance strategic oversight with practical execution, ensuring programmes are both ambitious and deliverable.
About you
You are an experienced public fundraising professional with a strong track record in individual giving or direct marketing, alongside a well‑developed understanding of major donor fundraising. You know how to bring different disciplines together behind a single proposition and deliver results. You are an effective and confident leader, able to build, motivate and develop high‑performing teams. You create clarity, set high standards, and support others to do their best work, stepping in when needed and leading from the front. You are at your best when driving a clear proposition forward. You are excited by the opportunity to take a compelling idea and translate it into something that engages the public, inspires generosity and delivers sustainable income. You are energised by a challenge, comfortable with complexity and working in a federated environment, where success depends on strong relationships and shared ownership. You are skilled at working with partners, whether agencies, internal stakeholders or local YMCAs, and know how to align people around a common goal. You combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. You are data‑driven, using insight and performance to shape your decisions, and confident working with (and occasionally building) financial models to plan, test and scale activity. You bring both creativity and discipline, generating new ideas while ensuring they are grounded, deliverable and effective. Above all, you are a strong communicator and influencer. You can simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages, build confidence with colleagues and stakeholders, and position fundraising as a critical enabler of impact.
Why join us now
YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, serving communities across England and Wales every day. The fundraising team is geared up for success, the strategy is set, the proposition is proven, and the results are already coming in. What we need now is a leader ready to take this momentum to the next level. YMCA England & Wales is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- Generous holiday
- Annual season ticket
- Gym membership
- Flexible working policy
- Company pension
- Health care scheme
Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising) employer: YMCA
YMCA England & Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the vital mission of supporting young people. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including flexible working policies, gym memberships, and a comprehensive healthcare scheme, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead impactful fundraising initiatives while making a tangible difference in communities across London and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public 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.
✨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, 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. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public 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 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. 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 (Public Fundraising) role at YMCA. 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
✨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. 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.
✨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. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
