Head of Fundraising and Communications

Job Title : Head of Fundraising and CommunicationsCandidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.Salary : £67,500 per annum (+ 15% ILW if appropriate)Hours : Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, open to discuss 0.8FTELocation : Birmingham, Liverpool, London or NewcastleContract Type : 12-month Fixed Term Contract, starting as soon as possibleReports to : Director of Fundraising and External AffairsThe CharitySuicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families.We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.The OpportunityThis is a pivotal role in an expanding and dynamic organisation. The Head of Fundraising and Communications will be responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of our fundraising and communications activity. They will be part of the newly adjusted senior management team of the charity and will work with the Director of Fundraising and External Affairs to ensure the growth and overall effectiveness and sustainability of the organisation.Overarching prioritiesSenior Management Team – building a high performing and mutually supportive SMTStrategic directionLeadership and management of the teamPrioritiesTo create a new and updated overall fundraising strategy, focusing on both growth and sustainability.To bring managers through that process and involve them in the strategy development, making sure that the team is effective and supported.To keep the relationship with the Trustees in a strategic space, whilst maintaining mutual trust and support.Ensure that systems, processes and regulations are working and being followed effectively.To ensure that finance and fundraising teams working closely and collaboratively, ensuring annual plans and strategy Discussions are effective.Ongoing priorities includeTo lead and inspire the fundraising and communications team to deliver on our core appeal and sustainable fundraising, and to deliver high quality comms and the brand project.To ensure that recruitment happens in a timely and effective manner, minimising gaps in the team.To lead the team in a constructive and supportive way, ensuring that everyone is clear on their objectives and focus, and has the direction they need to succeed.To develop a narrative around fundraising and set a supportive tone, whilst focusing on excellence and achieving our goals.To develop personal impact, communicating the successes and challenges of the team.To continue to build structures around fundraising, including the Appeal Board and local supporter networks.To play a key leadership role in SMT, stepping up with colleagues to work as an autonomous and mutually supportive group.To ensure that relationship management best practice and tools are adopted and used across the team.To pay particular attention to time management and focusing on the most important and relevant tasks, delegating when appropriate, and managing levels of stress.The Head of Fundraising and Communications takes responsibility for the ongoing review, development and delivery of the charity’s fundraising strategy. They will directly manage the Philanthropy Lead, Three Fundraising Managers, and Senior Communications Manager.The Head of Fundraising and Communications must be a self-motivated, driven individual, with a clear passion for the work we do. This is a role with significant strategic and delivery responsibilities, and enormous opportunities for growth and self-development as the charity progresses to delivering our work on a national scale to help men in suicidal crisis.The Head of Fundraising and Communications will work closely in the senior management team and with the Director of Fundraising and External Affairs. They need to be attuned to the sensitivities of senior relationships and excited by the prospect of networking and representing our charity externally, in partnership with our Director of Fundraising and External Affairs.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategyDevelop the fundraising and communications strategies to meet the aspirations of the organisation, providing essential funding for new centres, securing revenue income to ensure sustainability, ensuring the right people know about our work, how to seek help and how to support the charity.Finalise the delivery of the existing fundraising appeal and continue to diversify income streams.Lead and manage delivery of a stewardship strategy for existing and future donors at all levels, and an ambassadors programme as part of an awareness raising strategy.Take responsibility for reviewing and updating a compelling and engaging fundraising case for support, ensuring that it is adapted as the organisation develops.Work with the clinical and delivery teams to demonstrate the impact of our work to donors, volunteers and potential donors.Work with fundraising and communications colleagues to build a suite of materials and collateral to support our case and demonstrate our impact.Evaluate and monitor fundraising and communications activity and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.Monitor and maintain a close understanding of developments within the fundraising sector, advising the CEO, ELT and Trustees of changes that might impact our activities.DeliveryDeliver a programme of fundraising activity to meet agreed targets, objectives and KPIs in line with the fundraising strategy.Grow and maintain a network of donors and volunteer supporters and influencers, maintaining and developing relationships to support income growth and demonstrating and communicating our impact.Oversee reporting systems to monitor and evaluate progress against agreed financial targets and KPIs.Manage annual budgets for fundraising activities.Ensure relevant policies and procedures are in place to ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and best practice guideline.Work with colleagues across the organisation to develop fundraising skills and competence amongst key service delivery staff and to amplify fundraising.Undertake any other duties as required in pursuit of organisational successCharity-wideWork closely with the Director of Fundraising and External Affairs, Executive Leadership Team and Senior Management Team to deliver our strategy and business plans to meet our charitable objectives.Play a senior role in the organisation, offering support and demonstrating leadership across the charity, helping colleagues to grow and develop.Recognise the value of review and evaluation and contribute to the on-going development of James’ Place as a respected, effective and sustainable charity.Work with the team to build our understanding of men in suicidal crisis and how suicidal behaviour develops.Deputise for Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and represent the charity as and when needed.Person SpecificationEssentialA very strong track record of fundraising in the charity sector, ideally with experience securing gifts at a six figure + level, and experience of at least one of corporate, statutory, legacies, community and individual giving.Demonstrable personal experience of developing and managing relationships with donors.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the confidence to engage and build multiple relationships with stakeholders and partners at the highest level, able to communicate persuasively with passion and integrity.Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and connect with people.Excellent team management experience.Practical, resilient, unflappable; an innovator, open to exploring new ways of workingConstructive and collaborative attitude, able to problem solve while working at pace and with drive and ambition.A team player, willing to “muck in” and take on additional responsibilities when needed.Interest and passion in the field of mental health.DesirableExperience of working with complex data and research findings to extrapolate key messages to create compelling cases for support or to communicate the impact of interventions.Experience of working with SMT to influence change.Understanding of suicide prevention and / or other complex and highly sensitive issues.Working with volunteer Boards / Committees / Groups towards agreed goals and objectives.We offerA 7% employer contributory pension schemeFamily friendly policiesDeath in service insurance scheme25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying periodHow to applyTo apply, please submit your CV with a cover letter of up to 2 sides of A4 explaining why you are applying for this role. It is important to demonstrate you have the essential knowledge, skills and experience we are looking for in your CV and cover letter.Closing date : Midday on Monday 1st DecemberFirst round interviews will be held virtually on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December.James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.#J-18808-Ljbffr