Job Title: Director of Fundraising
Location: Elland Road, Leeds, UK
Closing: 22nd Feb 2026
Job Overview
This role will lead, build and execute the income generation strategy with the Fundraising Team to double the Leeds United Foundation's income over the next five years and build a sustainable funding portfolio. They will be required to build strong relationships with donors, partners, club colleagues and the wider Leeds United Community.
The role will be a strategic leader in the organisation, taking forward our new strategy, deputising for the CEO where needed and representing the charity externally, while also personally delivering significant gifts.
What are the responsibilities?
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and deliver the income generation strategy for the Leeds United Foundation, in line with our new strategic priorities, to double the charity's funding over the next five years and create a sustainable portfolio to deliver more impact within our communities.
• As part of the Foundation Senior Leadership Team, provide strong leadership and contribute to organisational planning and strategic development and be a strong collaborator across the Foundation, Club and the City.
• Ensure our fundraising and programme delivery are strategically aligned.
• As the Fundraising leader work collaboratively to ensure fundraising is further embedded across the Foundation and Club.
People Leadership
• Lead, manage, support and empower direct reports ensuring they have the conditions and development to be successful in their roles and deliver against plans and KPIs.
Fundraising
• Build an income generating plan that engages our key audiences: our fan base, partners and donors.
• Lead income diversification efforts to ensure financial sustainability, including unrestricted and project-specific funding
• Personally secure new funding and through partnerships and high-net-worth individuals and work with the Partnership Lead to develop the partnership strategy.
• Identify, prioritise and deliver funding sources – including grants, corporate partnerships and individual donors – to achieve the fundraising budgets and deliver year-on-year growth
• Work with the CEO to develop and deliver the funding for a new capital project.
• Work with the Marketing Manager and the Leadership Team to develop a compelling and clear Case for Support, that clearly demonstrates our story, ask and impact.
• Working with the Event Fundraiser and Fundraising officer build a series of high value Fundraising and Stewardship activities.
Relationship Management & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build strong relationships with Foundation and Club colleagues, Trustees, Donors and partners.
• Develop an effective and innovative stewardship strategy at all levels of giving to ensure those supporting the work of the Foundation feel valued and engaged with our work.
• Present confidently to prospective funders, boards and partners.
• Act as a senior external representative. Finance and reporting
• Work closely with the CEO and finance team to build robust fundraising plans and forecasting.
• Regularly report on performance against targets and establish effective pipelines and KPIs to monitor progress and adjust the strategy as required.
• Ensure all fundraising activity meets best practice, sector standards and legal requirements
Person Specification
Essential
Senior-level experience in developing and delivering £m+ income generation strategies.
Proven success in securing and stewarding significant 6 figure+ gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
Experience of securing and delivering on significant corporate and or grant partnerships.
Experience of leading and line managing high-performing teams and delivering across teams to deliver successful outcomes.
Experience of creating and implementing a successful capital fundraising campaign
Outstanding relationship builder with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Strong communication skills and a confident and compelling presentation style.
Experience of developing inspiring narratives and messaging that resonate with our audiences.
Confident using performance data to guide strategic decisions and adapt income generation plans.
Knowledge of CRM and donor management systems (e.g., MS Dynamics)
Committed to our vision mission and values, with a passion for the work of the Foundation and being a significant partner of change within our community
Entrepreneurial, motivated and target driven.
Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Desirable
CIOF Certificate in Fundraising or equivalent
Experience of fundraising within the sports sector would be an advantage
Why Should You Join Leeds United Foundation?
Joining the Leeds United Foundation means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation with a huge community footprint. It offers purposeful work, personal growth, flexibility, and the chance to genuinely improve young lives, all within the proud identity of Leeds United.
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we're united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You'll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you'll receive a highly competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a wide range of exciting perks and benefits.
If you're looking to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a club that's as committed to its people as it is to performance, we would love to see your application.