Director of Fundraising – Leading Military Charity
Hybrid (3 Days In-Office) | Near Regent's Park, London
Elite Employee is proud to be partnering with one of the UK's most respected military charities at a pivotal moment in their development. This is a brand-new senior leadership position, created as part of an ambitious transformation of their fundraising function.
As Director of Fundraising, you'll join the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. You'll have the scope to shape and deliver a bold, multi-year fundraising strategy — securing sustainable income growth that ensures the charity can continue supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families for years to come.
We welcome applications from established Directors seeking their next challenge, as well as exceptional Heads of Department who are ready to make the step up. This is a genuine opportunity to make the role your own at a transformational time for a highly respected organisation.
The Opportunity
Our client is strengthening its fundraising capability to meet increasing demand and navigate a complex external environment. You'll build the conditions for long-term sustainable growth, identify new income opportunities, and ensure the charity remains a trusted, resilient source of lifelong support for the military community.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and deliver a clear, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational priorities
Make critical decisions about investment and focus across the fundraising portfolio
Identify new income opportunities using insight, data and sector best practice
Operate as a full and active 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, excellence and professional development
Develop senior managers and build leadership depth across the function
Financial Leadership
Own fundraising financial performance at Executive and Board level
Set, manage and monitor budgets, forecasts and income projections
Use ROI analysis to drive prioritisation and investment decisions
Build and maintain Trustee confidence through transparent, credible reporting
Income Generation
Lead strategy across mass fundraising, individual giving, legacies and in-memory
Develop robust pipelines across major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships
Embed consistent stewardship standards to strengthen donor retention and lifetime value
Act as a senior ambassador with major donors and strategic partners
Governance & Compliance
Ensure all activity complies with Charity Commission, Fundraising Regulator and GDPR requirements
Represent the organisation across the armed forces charity sector
Manage fundraising risk and reputational considerations with appropriate rigour
What We're Looking For
Essential
Senior-level fundraising leadership across a multi-stream income portfolio — either as an established Director or a high-performing Head of Department ready for the next step
A demonstrable track record of delivering significant income growth and step-change results
Strong people leadership skills with proven ability to build high-performing teams
Experience engaging confidently with Boards, Trustees and senior stakeholders
Sound understanding of ethical fundraising practice and charity governance
Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly
A strategic, commercially aware mindset with strong financial acumen
Desirable
Experience within armed forces, veterans or service-related charities
Knowledge of or genuine affinity with military culture
An entrepreneurial approach with an eye for new opportunities
Experience in defence, aviation or related sectors
Fundraising qualification or degree-level education
What's on Offer
Salary: £90,000 – £110,000, with potential up to £125,000 for an exceptional candidate
Hybrid working: 3 days per week in office near Regent's Park, London
26 days annual leave plus public holidays and 4 additional discretionary days
Flexible working around core hours
7% employer pension contribution
4x salary death in service
Health cash plan with 24/7 GP and wellbeing support
Interest-free travel loan up to £10,000
Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Programme
Option to purchase additional leave
Please note: This role will require occasional travel nationally and internationally, and some flexibility to work outside standard office hours.
Elite Employee is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
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