Head of Acquisition and Development

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Armed Forces charity is seeking a Head of Acquisition and Development. This strategic role will involve overseeing supporter acquisition and development while embedding new processes in a complex environment. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in fundraising and marketing, with the ability to operate at senior leadership levels. This position offers the opportunity to influence and shape the future of mass fundraising while working at their London hub with flexible remote options.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday

Private Healthcare

Generous pension contributions

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Deep experience in leading acquisition and development within a complex organization.
• Ability to influence at senior levels and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Proven track record in large-scale fundraising initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the strategic direction of supporter acquisition and development.
• Lead the embedding of new processes and ways of working across teams.
• Influence organizational approach to creative and manage fundraising evolution.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Fundraising experience

Marketing expertise

Job description

As a key part of our new organisational strategy there is a new structure in the Fundraising Directorate, designed to support significant income growth. An important part of the new leadership team would be an exceptional Head of Acquisition and Development to take on one of the most wide-reaching and influential leadership roles at Royal British Legion. This is a big, complex role with real visibility, offering the chance to shape how we attract, engage and build long-term relationships with supporters at a time of significant change.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

This role sits at the heart of how we grow and sustain our supporter base. You’ll be accountable for the strategic direction of supporter acquisition and development, owning the full journey from first engagement through to long-term value. With significant scope and autonomy, you’ll set clear direction, make confident decisions and ensure our approach is coherent, ambitious and built for scale.

Change and transformation are central to this role. You’ll lead the embedding of new processes, ways of working and decision‑making frameworks across teams, bringing structure, pace and clarity in a complex environment. Working at senior level, you’ll influence across the organisation, lead our approach to creative, manage competing priorities and ensure delivery remains strong while our fundraising approach evolves.

We’re looking for a senior fundraising or marketing leader who can strategically think and engage with the challenges we face, to create the right solutions and sell them in across the organisation. Successful candidates will have deep, hands‑on experience of leading large‑scale acquisition and development in a complex organisation. You’ll be comfortable operating at leadership level, accountable for performance, and confident leading teams through change. If you’re motivated by scale, influence and the opportunity to shape the future of mass fundraising at a large and well recognised national charity, this role offers a rare and career‑defining challenge.

You will be contracted to our Haig House London hub with a minimum expectation of two days per week working in person at the hub and flexibility for working remotely/at home when not on site.

Employee benefits include

• 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
• Private Healthcare
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal ad‑vice
• Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates

First-stage interviews

29 January – 2 February

• Interviews will last 90 minutes
• Candidates will be asked to complete a task as part of the interview

Second-stage interviews

TBC

• Successful candidates will be invited to a one-hour interview with an executive director

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.