Director of Fundraising (Remote)

 SAPUK Director of Fundraising (Remote) – Formal Professional Job Description 

Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK CIC (SAPUK) 

ABOUT US 

Suicide Awareness Prevention UK (SAPUK) is a non-profit Community Interest Company founded in 2016. We support people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is simple: guide people from crisis toward hope, help them regain their strength and sense of safety, and support them in moving forward with their lives.

We offer a range of free, accessible support services:

• Confidential online chat support for real-time emotional support, active listening, and signposting
• Safe Spaces (online and in-person) where people can talk, decompress, and feel understood
• SAPUK Life Coaches providing structured guidance, confidence-building, and personal development support
• A community Food Pantry offering essential items to individuals and families facing financial hardship
• “I Don’t Know Anyone Either” social events are designed to reduce loneliness and help people build connections
• Events celebrating resilience, hope, and community through creative and awareness-focused activities

 SAPUK is powered solely by volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience, and a shared belief that no one should face their darkest moments alone.

We work together to create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where everyone feels heard, valued and supported.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Requirements & Competencies 

• Experience: Prior experience in UK charity fundraising, grant writing, or corporate business development is highly valued.
• Sensitivity & Discretion: High emotional intelligence and an understanding of the sensitive nature surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
• Communication: Ability to craft powerful funding bids that articulate the massive real-world impact of SAPUK’s volunteer network.
• Independence: Highly organised and comfortable working in a completely volunteer-run, decentralised team environment.

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Funding Overhaul 

• Design a comprehensive fundraising strategy to financially anchor SAPUK's essential frontline crisis services.
• Diversify income streams across national mental health grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) sponsorships, and community donations.

Grant and Foundation Bidding 

• Research, draft, and submit compelling grant applications to major UK trusts and foundations focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, and community safety.
• Manage reporting requirements for awarded funds to ensure transparency and compliance.

Community and Corporate Partnerships 

• Build relationships with UK businesses to establish corporate partnerships, charity-of-the-year selections, and event sponsorships.
• Maximize micro-donations via digital giving platforms like SAPUK's web page.

Supporting Local Outreach Event Budgets 

• Source funding and local sponsorships for grassroots initiatives, including SAPUK’s Safe Spaces, walk & talks, free boxing, and art/craft wellness days.
• Oversee budget planning for awareness campaigns to lower social anxiety and reduce isolation.

 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must reside in the UK
• Must have own laptop to work from
• 18+
• Must be able to commit to 6 hours a week
• Must send in CV and cover letter with application form
• DBS check
• Experience: Proven experience in event planning, hospitality, community organising, project management, or a similar logistics-driven role.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to network confidently with local businesses, local authorities, venues, and the general public.
• Organisational Skills: Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple moving parts, budgets, and volunteer timetables.
• Passion for the Cause: A deep commitment to SAPUK’s mission of breaking the silence surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.
• Flexibility: Willingness to occasionally work weekends or evenings depending on when key community events are scheduled.

DESIRABLE 

• Sector Background: Prior experience volunteering or working within the mental health, suicide prevention, or broader UK non-profit sector.
• Health & Safety: Valid training or certification in Event Risk Assessment, Event Safety Management, or Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) standards.
• First Aid: A current, valid qualification in Physical First Aid or Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
• Local Networks: Existing connections with venue providers, local councils, or community hubs across SAPUK’s core operational regions.
• Mobility: Hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle to transport event materials (e.g., banners, leaflets, and gazebos) to physical locations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

• Friendly, confident, and people-focused
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised, reliable, and proactive
• Able to represent SAPUK with professionalism and compassion
• Motivated to support mental health awareness and community engagement
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks and deadlines

We do require CV with a Cover Letter 

Two references will be required 

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH SAPUK? 

Volunteering with SAPUK isn’t just about filling a role - it’s about stepping forward when people need support most and gaining personal and professional benefits along the way.

“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”

Key Benefits 

• Practical experience for your CV
• A step towards coaching, counselling, advocacy, or social care
• Confidence and personal growth
• Transferable skills such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership
• Networking and strong references
• Purpose and belonging within a supportive team

Training and Development 

• Free role-specific induction and training
• Ongoing guidance, supervision, and check-ins
• Opportunities to take responsibility and develop your skills further

Wellbeing & Support 

• Mental health guidance and resources
• Peer support and check-ins
• Wellness workshops (mindfulness, resilience, self-care)
• A safe, supportive environment where asking for help is encouraged

Career and Progression Benefits 

• Leadership, mentor, or senior volunteer opportunities
• Experience that strengthens job or education applications
• Clearer direction for a career in mental health, advocacy, coaching, or related sectors
• Opportunities to gain strong references

IS VOLUNTEERING RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Volunteering may be right for you if you:

• Want to make a genuine difference
• Care about mental health and suicide prevention
• Are looking for personal growth or experience
• Value compassion, respect, and teamwork

APPLY AND START YOUR JOURNEY 

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers and would love to hear from you.

Next Steps: 

• Complete the application form and attach your CV and cover letter
• Review the role information
• Our team will be in touch to guide you through the process

Questions? Email: volunteer@suicideapuk.co.uk

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.