Head of Fundraising

St Peter and St James Hospice; Lewes; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local charity in Lewes seeks a Head of Fundraising to drive its income strategy and lead a passionate team. The role involves creating multi-channel fundraising strategies, managing high-value relationships, and ensuring financial sustainability through effective budgeting and reporting. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in fundraising, strong leadership skills, and a compassionate approach to stakeholders. This position offers flexible working options and the chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Experience working in a fundraising environment at a senior level.
• Proven track record in achieving significant income growth.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-channel fundraising strategy.
• Manage and report on fundraising budgets and forecasts.
• Cultivate relationships with high-value donors and partners.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Fundraising strategy development

Relationship building

Financial accountability

Data-driven decision making

Tools

Raiser’s CRM

Job description

Are you a strategic, results-driven fundraising professional looking for a leadership role where you can make a real difference?

St Peter & St James Hospice is seeking a Head of Fundraising to drive our income generation strategy, ensuring we have the resources to continue delivering exceptional care and support to people affected by life-limiting illnesses. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape the future of fundraising for a much-loved local charity.

Job details :

Location : St Peter & St James Hospice, North Common Road, North Chailey, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4ED

Salary : £51,288 - £55,499 per annum (full-time equivalent)

ContractType : Permanent

Working Pattern : Flexible (compressed, 9-day fortnight), Full Time (37.5hrs) or Part Time (30+hrs)

Closing date : Sunday 11thJanuary 2026

Interviews : W / C 19th January 2026

What You'll Do :

Strategic Development

Develop and implement a multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with organisationalgoals, identifying new income streams and opportunities for growth.

Work closely with the Head of Retail to ensure alignment and maximisation of retail outlets to boost voluntary income.

Be accountable to the Executive Team and the Board for regular updates on performance.

Team Management

Lead, inspire, and develop the fundraising team to achieve their targets and deliver exceptional donor experiences.

Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Manage training, development, and performance of team members, recognising strong performance and addressing areas of development.

Financial Accountability & Reporting

Co-define, manage and monitor the fundraising budgets and forecasting, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial sustainability.

Develop and deliver effective KPI reports to enable data and evidence-based decisions.

Ensure compliance with fundraising and legal regulations, ethical fundraising guidelines, and best practices.

Relationship Building

Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-value donors, corporate partners, grant-making bodies, and other stakeholders.

Develop stewardship programs to enhance donor retention and lifetime value.

Represent the organisation at networking events and industry forums.

Be an advocate and champion for fundraising throughout theorganisation.

Whatwe’relooking for :

To excel in this role, you will have :

Experience working in a fundraising environment at a senior level, with proventrack recordin achieving significant income growth

Proventrack record of managing high-value relationships

Strong leadership and team managementskills, with ability to inspire and engage in an empowering manner

Understanding of all income streams and fundraising disciplines, with ability to support team members across areas of expertise

Experience using Raiser’s or similar CRM platform, and data-driven decision making

Experience producing fundraising strategies and stewardship plans

Experience reviewing and analysing performance and financial information, including budgeting and forecasting

Skilled communicator and negotiator at all levels

Strategic thinker with a results-driven and impact-focused mindset

Highly motivated and inspirational leader

Resilient under pressure and positive driver of change

Compassionate and sensitive approach to employees, volunteers, and stakeholders

High level of personal and professional commitment and self-awareness

Why join us?

Be part of a mission-led organisation that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives.

Lead a passionate team and develop a dynamic fundraising strategy that spans community fundraising, trusts and grants, corporate partnerships, major donors, and legacy giving.

Work collaboratively across teams, including Marketing & Communications, Finance, and Trustees, to build strong donor engagement and long-term sustainability.

Enjoy a flexible, supportive working environment where your ideas and leadership will be valued.

We will be shortlisting and interviewing as applications are received, so early applications are encouraged. Apply today to be part of something truly special!

You can find the full job description and recruitment pack at the bottom of the vacancy page on our website.