Director of Fundraising

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