Overview
Regional Director (Charity & Not for Profit) at Charity People — on behalf of Base71 Youth Zone. Base71 is opening in early 2026 in Barnsley as a state-of-the-art Youth Zone, part of the OnSide network of national Youth Zones.
This is a rare opportunity to shape how the local community, business leaders, and funders connect to and champion this ambitious project. You will join at a pivotal time to influence how the space is funded, understood and embraced by its community.
About the Charity
Opening in early 2026, Base71 – Barnsley Youth Zone will be a game-changer for Barnsley, providing a space where thousands of local young people explore who they are, what they love, and what’s possible. It will be the first Youth Zone in Yorkshire and part of the OnSide network changing lives across the UK. The role offers the chance to be part of something from the ground up and to shape how the project is funded and supported by the community.
With highly trained youth workers and over 20 activities per session, the Youth Zone aims to help young people grow to be happy, healthy and successful adults.
About the Role
Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, you’ll lead the development and delivery of a bold, creative and high-performing fundraising and communications strategy to generate £1.4m annually. You’ll grow and nurture a portfolio of committed individuals and local businesses (founder patrons). You’ll build new income streams across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and major donor giving. You’ll also oversee all brand, PR and communications, with a Communications Manager to support raising awareness and building community relationships ahead of launch and beyond.
This is a leadership role with legacy. You’ll inspire Barnsley’s business community, philanthropists and champions to believe in and back the potential of their town’s young people.
Responsibilities
* Lead the fundraising and communications strategy to generate £1.4m annually.
* Grow and manage a portfolio of founder patrons, trusts, corporate partners and major donors.
* Develop new income streams across trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and major giving.
* Oversee brand, PR and communications; work with the Communications Manager to raise awareness and build relationships ahead of launch and beyond.
About You
This role would suit a relationship-led fundraising leader who brings energy, creativity and ambition. You’ll be a strategic thinker, a compelling communicator, and a natural connector of people and ideas. We’re especially keen to hear from candidates with:
* A proven track record of personally securing five-figure+ gifts from corporates or major donors or equivalent from the commercial sector.
* Experience building and managing a high-value donor pipeline and stewarding relationships for long-term support.
* Strong leadership skills and the ability to bring out the best in a small but mighty team.
* A real passion for youth opportunity, community and levelling the playing field.
This is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something transformational. You’ll join at a pivotal time, with the opportunity to shape how this space is funded, understood and embraced by its community.
Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People as the first step if you’d like to find out more.
Deadline: 9am Thursday 18th September
First stage interview (in person): Tuesday 7th October
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Sales, Business Development, and Management
Industries
* Fundraising, Public Relations and Communications Services, and Non-profit Organizations
Direct message the job poster from Base71 Youth Zone
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