Head of Donor Engagement – Charity

Who we are looking for

We're looking for an experienced fundraising leader who believes that strong relationships have the power to change lives. You'll be motivated by building meaningful partnerships with donors, trusts, philanthropists and supporters, helping them see the difference their generosity makes to children, families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities. You'll enjoy creating long term relationships built on trust, shared purpose and exceptional stewardship.

As an inspiring leader, you'll bring out the best in others, developing a high-performing team that is collaborative, ambitious and committed to delivering outstanding supporter experiences. You'll be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands on leadership, whether you're shaping fundraising strategy, meeting major donors, working alongside trustees or coaching your team. You'll thrive in an organisation where relationships matter. Working closely with colleagues across Marketing, Events, Data & Insights and our operational services, you'll help create a joined up approach that strengthens supporter engagement and delivers sustainable income for the future.

Most importantly, you'll share our belief that every child, family and person we support deserves the opportunity to live their best life. Your leadership will help ensure Norwood can continue providing life changing services for generations to come.

• You will:
• Lead and develop Norwood’s donor engagement strategy across high-value and pipeline audiences
• Drive a relationship-led approach across philanthropy, trusts, legacies and supporter engagement
• Build sustainable income growth through strategic relationship management
• Work closely with trustees, ambassadors and senior volunteers to strengthen networks and donor engagement
• Oversee donor cultivation activity, stewardship and major funding approaches
• Support the development of future supporter pipelines through community and next-generation engagement
• This is an opportunity to lead a function with significant organisational impact while helping shape the future of fundraising at Norwood.

Your Day to Day

You will:

• Lead, develop and inspire a multidisciplinary fundraising team
• Manage performance, targets and professional development across the team
• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high-net-worth prospects
• Oversee trusts and foundations fundraising strategy and pipeline performance
• Lead Norwood’s legacy fundraising strategy and supporter journeys
• Work closely with Events & Sponsorship teams to maximise donor cultivation opportunities
• Partner with Data & Insights colleagues to strengthen forecasting, segmentation and reporting
• Support trustee and SLT engagement through research, briefing and relationship coordination
• Ensure fundraising activity is compliant, insight-led and relationship-focused
• Your impact will be demonstrated through:
• Increased high-value income and long-term donor engagement
• Stronger donor stewardship and supporter retention
• Sustainable pipeline growth across fundraising audiences
• A collaborative and high-performing fundraising culture
• Clear alignment between donor engagement, events and data insight functions

Qualifications, Experience & Training

Essential

• Significant experience leading high-performing fundraising teams
• Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and foundations
• Experience working with trustees, philanthropists and senior stakeholders
• Strong track record of developing and delivering relationship fundraising strategies
• Experience managing and developing teams to achieve ambitious income targets
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills
• Strong strategic planning and analytical capability

Desirable

• Degree level education or equivalent experience
• Experience within charity or not-for-profit fundraising environments

For more information about the role, or to receive a personal recommendation, please contact our recruitment team. Melissa – melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk or Yael – yb@theworkavenue.org.uk

Code: J-04