Director of Fundraising

Director of Fundraising - Leading Military Charity

90,000 - 110,000 (negotiable for exceptional candidates) Hybrid (3 days per week) Near Regent's Park, London

Elite Employee is proud to be partnering with a prestigious military charity at a pivotal moment in their development. This is a brand-new senior leadership position, created as part of an ambitious overhaul of their fundraising function.

As Director of Fundraising, you'll join the Executive Leadership Team and report directly to the Chief Executive. This is your opportunity to shape and deliver a bold fundraising strategy that will secure sustainable income growth over the next five years - ensuring the charity can continue supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families through changing times.

We're open to applications from experienced Directors looking for their next challenge, as well as exceptional Heads of Department who are ready to step up to Director level. This is a genuine opportunity to make the role your own and leave your mark on a respected organisation at a transformational time.

Why This Role Matters

Our client is at an exciting juncture - strengthening their fundraising capability to meet increasing demand and respond to a complex external environment. You'll create the conditions for sustainable growth, identify new opportunities, and ensure the charity remains a trusted, resilient source of lifelong support for the military community.

What You'll Do

Strategic Leadership

Develop and deliver a clear, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational priorities

Make critical decisions about where to focus effort and investment across the fundraising portfolio

Identify and develop new income opportunities using insight, data and best practice

Work as a full member of the Executive Leadership Team

Team Leadership

Provide confident, visible leadership to the Fundraising Directorate

Build and inspire a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team

Establish a culture of accountability, support and excellence

Develop senior managers and build leadership depth across the function

Financial Leadership

Own fundraising financial leadership at Executive and Board level

Set, manage and monitor budgets, forecasts and income projections

Use ROI analysis to inform prioritisation and investment decisions

Build and maintain Trustee confidence through transparent communication

Income Generation

Lead strategy across mass fundraising, individual giving, legacies and in-memory

Develop robust pipelines for major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships

Embed consistent stewardship standards to strengthen retention and lifetime value

Act as a senior ambassador with major donors and strategic partners

Governance & Representation

Ensure all activity complies with Charity Commission, Fundraising Regulator and GDPR requirements

Represent the organisation within the armed forces charity sector

Build relationships with key stakeholder groups and corporate partners

Manage fundraising risk and reputational considerations

What We're Looking For

Essential

Senior-level fundraising leadership across a multi-stream income portfolio (either as an established Director or as a Head of Department ready for the next step)

Track record of delivering significant income growth and step-change results

Strong people leadership skills with ability to build high-performing teams

Experience influencing and engaging confidently with Boards/Trustees and senior stakeholders

Strong understanding of ethical fundraising practice and charity governance

Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex information clearly

Strategic thinker with commercial awareness and financial acumen

Resilient leader who thrives under pressure and ambiguity

Desirable

Experience with armed forces, veterans or service-related charities

Knowledge of military culture (or willingness to learn quickly)

Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify new opportunities

Experience in defence, aviation or related sectors

Qualification in Fundraising or degree-level education

What's On Offer

Competitive salary: 90,000 - 110,000 (with scope for negotiation based on experience and track record)

Hybrid working: 3 days per week in office near Regent's Park

Senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence

Opportunity to shape fundraising at a transformational moment

Work with a mission-driven organisation making real impact

Benefits Summary

Generous leave package (26 days + public holidays + 4 gratia days) Flexible working around core hours Health cash plan with 24/7 support Interest-free travel loan up to 10k 7% employer pension contribution 4x salary death in service Headspace membership Employee Assistance Programme Option to purchase additional leave

Please note: This role requires willingness to work outside normal office hours occasionally and travel nationally and internationally as required.