This is a rare opportunity to join a charity at the very start of its journey.
Head of Fundraising & Communications
1. Salary: £60,000-£65,000
2. Location: Initially from home until opening, with travel for prospect meetings primarily in Wakefield and the surround. Once open, hybrid, with 3 days per week on site.
3. Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours (open to flexible working requests)
4. Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension, professional development
Wakefield Youth Zone will be the newest member of OnSide’s growing network of state-of-the-art youth centres, giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to when school is out. With capital funding secured and construction about to begin, the next critical phase is revenue fundraising.
This is more than a fundraising leadership role. It’s an opportunity to build the fundraising and communications function from day one. Initially, you’ll be the driving force behind building a community of around 34 Founder Patrons, each giving £25,000 per year for four years, creating the financial foundation for the Youth Zone’s first years of operation. As opening approaches, you’ll recruit and lead your own team, shaping strategy, culture, and long-term sustainability.
We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial, relationship-led and comfortable working independently. You’ll be supported by the national OnSide network, an exceptionally successful proven model, and a growing Yorkshire partnership with Barnsley Youth Zone.
What you’ll be doing:
5. Lead the Founder Patron campaign, securing multi-year major/corporate gifts
6. Build and lead the fundraising and communications function
7. Develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising strategy
8. Personally manage key donor and corporate relationships
9. Work collaboratively across the OnSide network and region
10. Sit on the future Senior Leadership Team
11. Oversee the Youth Zone’s communications function, supported initially by a regional comms manager, and later by a dedicated local comms hire.
What we’re looking for:
You will be an ambitious and relationship-driven senior fundraiser with:
12. A strong track record of securing major relationships
13. Experience working with corporates and/or high-net-worth individuals
14. Strategic thinking alongside hands-on delivery
15. Confidence in building partnerships and making the ask
16. Entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach
This is a career-defining opportunity to build something from the ground up and create lasting impact for young people in Wakefield.