The Job

To lead and manage regional fundraising initiatives around the UK, developing relationships with volunteers, donors, and community groups to maximise income generation and awareness. This role requires a combination of strategic oversight, operational support and hands-on engagement with volunteers and supporters across multiple regions. Ideally the National Fundraising Manager will be present at the charity’s office 1-2 days per week, with the rest of the time dedicated to travel across the UK in support of our extensive volunteer family.

Key responsibilities

Fundraising development

• Identify and cultivate new opportunities for national fundraising.
• Support volunteers with fundraising ideas, materials, and advice.
• Lead and manage the delivery of national fundraising events, from planning through to execution, ensuring they meet financial and engagement goals.
• Drive income from corporate fundraising in close collaboration with the Corporate Partnerships Manager

Volunteer and supporter engagement

• Visit volunteers and fundraising groups in designated regions across the UK to provide guidance, encouragement, and support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key supporters and community groups to maximise fundraising opportunities.
• Deliver presentations and attend events to raise awareness about the charity’s mission.
• Ensure all regional volunteer groups are equipped with the tools, resources, and motivation to fundraise effectively.

Administration and reporting

• Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities and volunteer interactions.
• Provide regular updates and reports on regional fundraising performance.
• Monitor budgets for regional activities to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Collaboration and communication

• Work closely with the central fundraising team, particularly the Community and Events Manager to align regional efforts with national campaigns.
• Attend team meetings at the Centre when required.
• Share success stories and best practices with the broader team to inspire and motivate others.
• Help with the charity’s communications content by spotting unique fundraising stories and provide photos and videos from events.

Event support

• Assist with planning and delivery of events, including volunteer recognition events, fundraising activities, and charity-led campaigns.
• Act as a representative of the charity at external events, building relationships and increasing visibility.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• 2 years minimum community fundraising experience or fast paced, target driven field sales environment with demonstrable transferrable skills.
• Experience working with, supporting, and managing volunteers, including providing guidance and fostering a positive and motivated team environment.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering fundraising events, both small and large-scale, with a focus on community engagement.
• Experience in developing and nurturing relationships with donors, supporters, and community groups, ensuring ongoing engagement and support.
• Strong background in administrative tasks such as record-keeping, reporting, and using CRM systems to track donations and supporter engagement.
• Experience in a role that requires travel across a wide geographic area, with the ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
• Proven success in working towards and achieving fundraising targets, with a focus on both short-term and long-term objectives.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of regional and community-based fundraising principles and practices.
• Familiarity with event planning and execution in a fundraising or community engagement context.
• Knowledge of the charity sector and compliance with fundraising regulations (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Code of Practice).
• Awareness of the diverse needs and motivations of volunteers and supporters.
• Understanding of marketing and promotion strategies for fundraising initiatives.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage and motivate volunteers, supporters, and community groups.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Creative and proactive approach to overcoming challenges in fundraising and volunteer management.
• Competence in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM or fundraising software.
• Confidence in delivering presentations and representing the charity at events and meetings.

Other Requirements

• A full current driving license
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• Night away from home
• You will be required to have a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure & Barring (DBS) when you first join the charity and at regular intervals thereafter.
• Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office

The Job

This is a pivotal leadership role within the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), combining strategic oversight with hands-on operational involvement. The role requires a proactive leader who can inspire a high-performing fundraising team while actively engaging in day-to-day fundraising activities.

As Head of Fundraising, you will lead the development and delivery of MDD’s income generation strategies across multiple streams. This includes rolling up your sleeves to participate in operational fundraising activities, engaging with supporters directly, and ensuring that established initiatives and campaigns are optimised and expanded.

Your ability to work collaboratively across the charity, combined with a strong focus on achieving results, will ensure that MDD continues to generate the income required to fund its vital work throughout the UK.

Strategic leadership and SLT contribution

• Provide strategic direction for all fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with MDD’s overall mission and objectives.
• Contribute to SLT discussions and charity-wide strategic initiatives, offering operational insights and aligning fundraising efforts with broader organisational goals.
• Represent the fundraising function at Board meetings, providing updates on performance, opportunities, and risks.

Operational hands-on involvement

• Actively participate in delivering key activities, such as “Name a Puppy,” and ensure their growth and success.
• Develop and maintain relationships with supporters, attending community events, presenting to groups, and engaging with donors to build loyalty and long-term support.
• Work with both the fundraising team and with colleagues across MDDm to create engaging campaigns and donor propositions that drive income.
• Be a visible, approachable leader who works alongside the team in operational activities, fostering a “lead by example” ethos.

 Income stream development

• Drive the growth of established income streams, including individual giving, community and events fundraising, corporate partnerships,philanthropic giving (trusts and major donors) and legacy giving.
• Identify and implement innovative approaches to diversify income streams, using data and insights to inform decisions, with clear KPIs to monitor progress
• Work closely with the head of communications to ensure campaigns like “Name a Puppy” have compelling narratives and effective promotional materials.

Team leadership and development

• Provide hands-on leadership to the fundraising team, ensuring they are motivated, trained, and supported to deliver high-quality results.
• Encourage a collaborative, solution-focused culture within the team, where innovation and resilience are fostered.
• Set clear goals for team members and provide regular feedback to ensure alignment with charity objectives.

Financial oversight and performance monitoring

• Lead on the creation and delivery of annual fundraising income and expenditure budgets, ensuring financial targets are realistic yet ambitious.
• Monitor performance across all fundraising activities, preparing regular reports and forecasts in collaboration with the head of finance.
• Address income shortfalls promptly by identifying and implementing corrective actions.

Other Duties

• Represent MDD at key events and meetings, both in person and virtually, to build and maintain relationships with key supporters.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant legislation, including GDPR, and adhere to the standards set by the Fundraising Regulator.
• Actively contribute to cross-departmental projects and initiatives to further MDD’s mission.
• Embrace and demonstrate MDD’s values at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• A track record of establishing, leading, growing a broad range of income streams and delivering successful fundraising strategies which achieve significant uplift in income generation for an organisation
• Proven success in participating in operational fundraising activities
• Experience of working at a senior level of an organisation and managing relationships with key stakeholders, such as at CEO and Board level
• Experience of monitoring, evaluating and financial reporting of income generation.
• Experience of developing robust stewardship plans to build long term relationships with key funders and supporters.
• Demonstrable experience of leading, managing and inspiring a team, including encouraging innovation and improving ways of working to build a resilient and high performing team
• Demonstrable experience in managing and growing a range of income streams, including donor engagement campaigns, including via digital
• Experience of managing and developing a small team to deliver both strategic and operational goals.

Desirable:

• Member of Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Strong strategic thinking skills combined with a hands-on, operational approach to fundraising delivery.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
• Good influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong people management skills with the ability to train and develop individuals and create a ‘one team’ positive ethos which works across an organisation to achieve results
• Understanding of GDPR legislation and Fundraising Regulator’s requirements
• Good working knowledge of CRM systems and a solid understanding of the role of data within a fundraising environment

Desirable

• Experience of Harlequin CRM

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Other Requirements

• A full current driving license
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
• You will be required to have a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure & Barring (DBS) when you first join the charity and at regular intervals thereafter.
• Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office

Benefits

• Sick Pay
• Health Cash Plan
• 26 days holiday, increasing with service.
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Life Assurance
• Free On-site parking