Head of Fundraising

We are looking for an highly experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of outstanding success. We are looking especially for experience in relation to Trusts and Foundations but a broader track record of success with individual funders, corporate funders, and government funding is highly advantageous and desirable. Working closely with our Chief Executive over the next financial year you will achieve support for SHiFT of at least £2m. SHiFT is a lean organisation (this role holder won't have a team to delegate to) but as the fundraising programme grows we will review appropriate levels of support, and we move at pace and with focus. We need someone who can thrive in this context, who will relish the autonomy, opportunity and challenge, and who will embody the Breaking Cycles ingredients on which our organisation, practice and culture are built - tenacity, ambition, flexibility. Our new Head of Fundraising will be a compelling storyteller in writing and in person, a skilful lateral thinker, and have exceptional attention to detail.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy:

• Contribute to the development of SHiFT's overarching fundraising strategy, including exploring new high impact ideas for fundraising e.g. campaigns, community fundraising, place based.
• Lead on defining SHiFT's strategic priorities in trusts and foundation funding and corporate partnership opportunities.
• Horizon scan to ensure SHiFT is agile and maximising opportunities in light of our organisational needs and priorities. This includes local, regional, and national funding opportunities.

Relationship Building & Representation:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity with partners, donors and supporters.
• Attend relevant events and meetings to develop our networks and storytelling about SHiFT's work in ways that support our fundraising.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with organisations aligned with the charity's mission, including opportunities that are of benefit to the voice, participation and belonging of the children and families SHiFT works with.
• Build a network of supporters who can advocate for the charity's work.
• Identify the appropriate balance of relationship management; whether led by the Head of Fundraising or in choreographing the involvement of other SHiFT colleagues, including the Chief Executive.
• Develop and manage an engaging and motivating donor stewardship programme.

Trusts & Foundations:

• Identify and research funding opportunities from trusts, foundations and grant makers.
• Write compelling funding applications and proposals.
• Build strong partner relationships with grant funders, creating meaningful opportunities for ongoing engagement with our work as appropriate.
• Ensure effective reporting on impact, working closely with SHiFT's learning and practice teams to support accuracy and effectiveness.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of grant opportunities aligned with SHiFT's strategy.

Corporate Partnerships:

• Identify and develop partnerships with corporate organisations aligned with the charity's mission, with a clear analysis of the cost/benefit potential of each relationship.
• Secure financial and in-kind support from businesses across sectors such as food, retail, logistics, education, community impact and opportunities for the children and families SHiFT works with.
• Develop partnership proposals and sponsorship opportunities.
• Manage relationships with corporate partners and ensure strong stewardship and impact reporting.

Impact and Reporting:

• Work closely with SHiFT's learning and practice teams to proactively gather data, case studies and outcomes information.
• Translate impact data into compelling narratives aligned with funder priorities.
• Support donor communications and stewardship to maintain long-term relationships.
• Work with SHiFT's communications team to support external story telling in ways that optimise SHiFT's positioning for funder support and interest, including through social media and events.
• Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen future bids.

Systems and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records of donors, partners and fundraising activity using our CRM and SharePoint. Support the development of our CRM to optimise its effectiveness for fundraising and stewardship.
• Work with SHiFT's Finance Manager and Chief Operating Officer to ensure compliance with funder requirements and restricted income application/accounting.
• Undertake due diligence across fundraised income.
• Maintain and develop our fundraising policies to ensure that SHiFT implements best practice approaches in all of our fundraising activities.
• Track fundraising performance and produce reports for leadership and Trustees, reporting directly into SHiFT's Finance Committee.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We know excellent candidates may not meet every requirement listed below. If this role excites you and you believe you could succeed in it, we encourage you to apply.

Essential:

• Significant experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships or business development
• Experience in creating fundraising strategies.
• Strong relationship-building, networking and storytelling skills.
• Evidenced track record in securing funding from trusts and foundations, individuals, corporates, or grant makers.
• Excellent written communication skills for proposals, funding applications, impact reports, including the ability to understand and communicate insight from qualitative and quantitative data in support of fundraising activity.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Valuable Experience (not essential):

• Experience in the charity sector.
• Experience in working with senior leaders such as high net worth individuals, foundation trustees, corporate board members.
• Experience in funded collaboration with public services.
• Experience in justice/children and family/place-based related fundraising.
• Experience and networks in Greater Manchester and the North East.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

SHiFT is committed to building an anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive organisation.

We recognise the over-representation of Black, Brown and Mixed Heritage children in the youth justice system, and the wider structural inequalities affecting many children and families we work alongside. We believe our team should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We particularly welcome applications from people from racially minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people with lived experience of the systems we work in, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We know talent is widely distributed, while opportunity is not. If you need adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We are committed to making recruitment accessible and fair.

Safeguarding checks

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from employment. Decisions will be made fairly, proportionately and in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

BENEFITS:

• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Pension contribution.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and values-led culture.
• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation with national influence.

How to apply

Please send:

• Your CV.
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring.

Send applications by an email via the button below.

Closing date: 23.59, 31 May 2026.

We use structured and inclusive recruitment processes and can share interview questions in advance on request. Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 18 June 2026, in person, at our offices in Coram (WC1N 1AZ). Candidates are asked to please note this date and hold it in mind where possible in their scheduling.

A note to candidates

Research shows that women, people with disabilities and candidates from racially minoritised backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you're interested in this role but unsure whether you meet all the requirements, we'd still love to hear from you.