Summary Job Description
Cherry Trees is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of Fundraising to support the delivery of our fundraising strategy during an exciting period of growth and development.
The role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Cherry Trees Senior Leadership Team (SLT), sharing collective responsibility in delivering the organisation’s strategy and vision. You will also work closely with the COO and Head of Care.
The postholder will lead day-to-day fundraising activity across a range of income streams, manage key supporter relationships, and oversee a small fundraising team. The role will play a critical part in building fundraising capabilities in Hampshire, achieving income targets and establishing sustainable fundraising growth across Hampshire and the surrounding areas. This includes demonstrating the necessary vision, leadership, fundraising and external communication skills to enable the organisation to achieve its fundraising targets and deliver our new and exciting 5-year growth strategy.
The successful candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, and able to identify opportunities for income generation while actively supporting fundraising campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship.
Reporting to: CEO
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Goldcrest Lodge, Passfield Common, Liphook, GU30 7RL with travel to our head office in East Clandon, Surrey. There will be the opportunity to work up to one day a week from home.
Work pattern: The majority of hours will be worked during office hours, Monday to Friday. There will be occasional support required out of these hours for events and other fundraising activities.
Salary: From £40,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
Benefits: Simply Health Plan, 5% employer’s pension contribution, death in service benefit, free parking, free flu vaccinations and Blue Light Card.
Contract: Permanent
Main Responsibilities:
Fundraising Delivery
- Support the implementation of the fundraising strategy and annual fundraising plans
- Deliver agreed income targets across community fundraising, corporate partnerships, individual giving and events
- Develop and manage relationships with supporters, donors, local businesses and community groups
- Identify and cultivate new fundraising opportunities and partnerships
- Support donor stewardship activities to maximise supporter retention and lifetime value
- Work closely with the Trust Manager to identify opportunities for collaborative funding approaches
- Represent Cherry Trees at networking events, community meetings and fundraising activities
- Ensure excellent supporter care and a positive donor experience across all fundraising activities
Community and Corporate Partnerships
- Develop and manage a portfolio of community groups, schools, clubs and local businesses
- Secure and grow corporate partnerships through sponsorship, charity of the year relationships and employee fundraising
- Support the development and delivery of fundraising campaigns and appeals
- Attend and support fundraising events, occasionally outside normal working hours
People Management
- Line manage a small number of fundraising staff and volunteers. Set objectives and provide regular supervision and support
- Encourage professional development and continuous improvement
- Support recruitment, induction and retention of volunteers engaged in fundraising activities
Planning and Performance
- Contribute to annual fundraising plans and budgets
- Monitor fundraising performance against agreed targets and KPIs
- Maintain accurate records and reporting through the charity’s CRM and other systems
- Prepare regular fundraising updates and reports for the Head of Fundraising and Communications
Communications and Collaboration
- Work closely with the communications team to ensure fundraising activity is effectively promoted
- Contribute content, stories and case studies that support fundraising and awareness objectives
- Act as an ambassador for Cherry Trees and promote the organisation's values and mission
Compliance and Governance
- Ensure all fundraising activity complies with fundraising regulations, data protection legislation and organisational policies
- Adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics and supporter care
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience of building or expanding fundraising capabilities
- Demonstratable success in fundraising, income generation or business development
- Experience of managing donor, supporter or corporate relationships
- Track record of achieving financial targets
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Experience of managing staff, volunteers or projects
- Excellent organisational and planning skills
- Ability to work independently while contributing to wider team objectives
- Excellent digital, CRM and database experience
Desirable
- Experience across multiple fundraising income streams
- Experience of one of the following; legacy, lottery or high net worth individuals
- Experience working within the charity sector
- Understanding of fundraising regulation and best practice
Experience
- 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role or leading multi-revenue income
- Demonstrable track record of strategic fundraising
- Successful, significant and relevant experience at management level in a comparable organisation
- Proven track record of meeting challenging income targets
- Proven ability to build, manage and develop key stakeholder and donor relationships
- Experience of developing and implementing strategic and business plans
- Proven track record in fundraising that has directly resulted in increased income for an organisation
- Effective dissemination of information to large and diverse groups
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong leadership skills
- Track record of bringing innovative creative thinking and fresh ideas to an organisation
- Knowledge of the fundraising environment and a range of techniques and disciplines which will support the cost-effective generation of income for Cherry Trees
- Excellent written and oral skills with the ability to present and convey complex ideas and issues clearly and coherently
- Ability to present plans and ideas to secure SLT and Board of Trustees approval for fundraising strategy
- Self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative and make decisions
- Commitment to Cherry Trees’ core values and strategic direction
Aptitude
- Innovative management style
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Energy, enthusiasm and flair to work hard and achieve ambitious targets
Qualifications
Evidence of continued professional development relevant to the role purpose and level
How to apply
Please email a covering letter and a copy of your up-to date CV to Liv.Corbishley@cherrytrees.org.uk
Closing date and selection process
Closing date for applications: 30th June 2026.
After CVs are reviewed, those selected to proceed to the next stage will receive further information and be asked to complete a short application form.
Interviews could be held before the closing date dependent on volume of applications received.