Head of Fundraising

Job Description & Person Specification

Head of Fundraising

Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location: TBC

Reports to: Deputy CEO/CEO

About READ Foundation

READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to provide access to quality education to vulnerable children in our regions of work. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school, to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We currently focus on constructing new schools, providing sponsorship for orphans and are now expanding our educational portfolio to reflect the large humanitarian and development needs ongoing throughout the world.

Purpose of Role

READ Foundation is undergoing significant growth and expansion, with respect to programmatic implementation and new fundraising offices in USA and Canada. In line with our growth strategy we are looking for an experienced Head of Fundraising (HOFR) to manage and further strengthen our community and corporate fundraising. The HOFR will play an integral part in managing the day to day operations of the fundraising department and will be ultimately responsible for income generation across their team. He/she will liaise and report on income progress to the Senior leadership Team, CEO and trustees. The HOFR will be a strong leader, having experience in a variety of income streams and be ready to take on a more strategic position, as well as hands-on income generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the fundraising team, driving their performance and ensuring delivery against objectives and budgets.
• Developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies to meet READ’s objectives and targets. These will include but not be limited to High net worth, Corporate sector and the community
• Will be responsible for identifying of high-profile net worth individuals and be proactive and engaged with major donors and manage their portfolio.
• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels, acting as an ambassador for the charity.
• Leading the Fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure their professional growth.
• Overseeing the management of brand and external messaging, ensuring consistency and strong public recognition.
• Collaborating with the CEO and senior leadership and other key stakeholders to secure sustainable funding and drive growth.
• Being able to generate significant income from existing and new donors. This will include sending regular feedback and updates to cultivate existing or new relationships.
• Responsible to manage the annual fundraising budget for the FR dept, monitor income against targets.
• Supervise fundraising events
• Occasional paid overseas travel with potential donors and deployments
• Any other duties as directed by and agreed with the CEO and senior leadership
• To hold regular meetings with the senior leadership to evaluate the progress and success of targets & objectives set
• Adhere to stated policies and procedures as per the company handbook including health and safety requirements

Person Specification

• Knowledge: A good understanding of the education and charity sector
• Skills: Excellent leadership and management skills, along with exceptional communication abilities to engage with diverse audiences. Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain positive under pressure.
• Personal Qualities: Enthusiasm, teamwork, adaptability and strategic thinking
• Experience: A history of successfully managing fundraising teams, securing substantial income, building long-term relationships, and overseeing high-level events.

This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description.

Indicative KPI and targets over a 12-month period

Financial targets shall be discussed at interview stage

Number of non-financial targets including consistently attending networking and 3rd party events and identifying regular leads

Special Working Conditions

• Work occasional flexible hours including evenings and weekend

Company benefits:

The position also comes with the following benefits:

1. 32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays)

2. Awards for employee of the year

3. Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments

4. Investment in training, professional growth and development

5. Occupational Pension Scheme

6. Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview)

READ Foundation is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work, along with encouraging a healthy work life balance.