Head of Fundraising & Communications (Wakefield Youth Zone)

This is a rare opportunity to join a charity at the very start of its journey.

Wakefield Youth Zone will be the newest member of OnSide’s growing network of state-of-the-art youth centres, giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to when school is out.

Each Youth Zone is an independent local charity, rooted in its community and supported by the national OnSide network and 18 (and growing) Youth Zones across the country.

The capital campaign has been successfully completed. With funding secured for construction, we are on the cusp of seeing the building rise from the ground. Soon, a powerful vision will become a reality in the heart of Wakefield.

The next critical phase is revenue fundraising. To open and thrive, Wakefield Youth Zone must raise
approximately £1.5 million per annum to deliver outstanding, life-changing youth work from day one.

That is why this role is pivotal.

This is not simply a fundraising leadership role. It is an opportunity to build the fundraising function from the birth of a new charity.

About the Role

This is an exciting role that sits on the Senior Leadership Team with a significant amount of autonomy for an outstanding fundraiser and leader who is interested in further developing a fundraising function to eventually deliver c. £1.5m fundraising income per annum.

The initial 18-24 months will be focused on driving major donor income (HNWIs and corporates), securing gifts of £25k pa for 4 years. We look to secure 30-34 Founder Patrons for the campaign. As we come to opening time, you will build the team and initiate income diversification. Whilst holding overall responsibility for team meeting the annual fundraising target, the post holder will be expected to personally manage a portfolio of major donor and corporate prospects and generate income towards the overall target.

The role will work closely with the Head of Fundraising & Communications at Barnsley Youth Zone, building a Yorkshire-wide case for support and seeking mutually beneficial relationships that further increase income to the two Youth Zones. If you are looking for a leadership position that requires creativity, that will enable you to flourish, be ambitious, operate both strategically and operationally, and drive success, then this is the position for you.

Read the Role Profile. 

About You

We are looking for someone with a high level of determination and resilience, who is target driven and motivated to grow new income streams. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work at pace, but calmly under pressure.

You will have:

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in generating six-figure commitments from major donors (corporate and/or high net worth individuals) with an impressive track record in securing significant funds and meeting challenging financial targets, including both new business and account management
• Experience of managing a pipeline of potential supporters and donors, and aligning their interests with a charity’s needs in order to maximise the gift level
• Experience of working closely with Trustees or other senior volunteers on fundraising
• Experience of working to and achieving personal targets and KPIs.
• Experience of leading a fundraising team, supporting and motivating individuals to succeed and driving a successful culture
• Experience of working with peers to collaborate towards individual and shared goals
• Experience of setting, monitoring and reporting on a fundraising strategy
• Understanding of issues affecting young people and disadvantaged communities

Skills

• Ability to make face-to-face approaches for funding from major donors and to negotiate the ask
• Strategic, target-driven approach to fundraising and marketing activity development, knowing how best to deploy resource to maximise income generation
• Outstanding communication skills – written, verbal and presentational – to a range of audiences (prospective and existing donors, Trustees, colleagues etc)
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, to enable building positive personal and organisational relationships and convey our work with confidence and credibility
• Ability to think conceptually and creatively, to develop profitable fundraising products and proposals for supporters
• Strong organisational skills, with a structured and methodical approach to work, a clear focus on results, and an ability to work to multiple deadlines
• IT literate and basic competence with the Microsoft Office suite
• Experience of use of a fundraising database/CRM to underpin successful fundraising
• Ability to ensure all data is correctly stored and that you follow data protection and other necessary regulatory rules and guidelines

In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.

To apply, please contact our recruitment partner Ellen Drummond ellen@charitypeople.co.uk.

Closing Date: Thursday 9 April
Interview Dates: First stage Monday 13 or Tuesday 14 April, second stage Wednesday 13 May at Base71 Youth Zone in Barnsley. Second stage likely to be online the following week.

Please note, we may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.