Associate Head - Mass Participation Fundraising

Maternity Cover
Salary: £48,748 - £54,164
Plus London Weighting Allowance of £3,366 for Inner London-based staff, where applicable

If you are an experienced mass participation fundraising leader who wants your work to make a lasting difference, this is an opportunity to lead high-profile fundraising activity that helps protect children and improve childhoods across the UK.

This senior role sits within a supporter-led fundraising function and is responsible for leading a mass participation portfolio spanning third party events, DIY fundraising and schools fundraising. You will provide leadership to the team, shape fundraising strategy, strengthen supporter journeys and drive sustainable income growth.

This maternity cover role needs someone who can provide calm and credible leadership, and support a team through an important period that includes a London Marathon over two days, The Great North Run and the Cardiff Half Marathon, and the continued development of fundraising products.

Why this role matters
You will join at a pivotal time, leading a function that plays an important part in fundraising strategy by bringing in new supporters, deepening relationships and increasing long-term value. You will help ensure that participants receive an excellent experience while maximising the income they generate.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading a mass participation fundraising portfolio across third party events, DIY fundraising and schools fundraising, with accountability for performance and growth
• Owning budget performance across core income streams, including monitoring, managing and reforecasting financial performance and putting contingency plans in place where needed
• Developing and delivering strategy for participant acquisition, stewardship and retention, ensuring supporters are onboarded well and encouraged to build a longer-term relationship
• Leading and developing a team through coaching, mentoring, performance management and regular engagement
• Working collaboratively across departments to build strong supporter journeys, compelling propositions and coordinated plans
• Managing key agency and supplier relationships that support income growth and supporter satisfaction
• Helping the team navigate a busy year, including a new two-day London Marathon, growth in schools fundraising products and improvements to the DIY fundraising offer
• Supporting team wellbeing, removing blockers for experienced managers and giving more hands-on guidance where needed

What we’re looking for

• Significant leadership experience in mass participation fundraising, including events, DIY fundraising or schools fundraising
• Strong strategic planning and development skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth
• Substantial experience of budget management and financial planning
• Good understanding of acquisition marketing strategies and integrated marketing planning
• Strong people leadership skills, including managing a diverse and geographically dispersed team and adapting your approach to different levels of experience
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders, build strong peer relationships and keep complex projects moving forward
• Experience of managing supplier and agency relationships, including performance and service delivery
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• A strong understanding of the financial drivers behind fundraising performance, including metrics such as average gift and remittance rates
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel to support a national events portfolio

Working pattern
The team largely works remotely, with quarterly in-person meetings in London and occasional travel to major events. Hybrid contracts are also available. The role will require attendance at key events and some travel as needed.

What’s on offer

• Salary of £48,748 - £54,164
• London Weighting Allowance of £3,366 for Inner London-based staff, where applicable
• The opportunity to lead an established fundraising area that plays an important role in generating support for children across the UK

Our commitment
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is essential for this role.

We are committed to fairness, equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.