Head of Fundraising and Communications

CHARITY PEOPLE; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local charity in Barnsley is seeking a Head of Fundraising and Communications to develop a strategy generating £1.4m annually. This role involves nurturing donor relationships, overseeing brand and communications, and inspiring community support. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in securing major gifts and a passion for youth opportunities. A permanent, full-time position with a competitive salary of £50,000 to £55,000.

Benefits

33 days inclusive of bank holidays

Birthday Leave

3% matched contribution pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and donor relations.
• Ability to inspire and lead a small team.
• Creative and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a fundraising strategy generating £1.4m annually.
• Nurture relationships with individual and corporate donors.
• Oversee brand, PR, and communications regarding the Youth Zone.

Skills

Proven track record of securing five-figure+ gifts

Experience building and managing a high-value donor pipeline

Strong leadership skills

Passion for youth opportunity and community

Job description

Are you a fundraising leader who wants to play a key role in shaping the future of young people across Barnsley?

We're working with a charity in their search for a Head of Fundraising and Communications for their upcoming state-of-the-art Youth Zone, supporting young people discover their passion and purpose.

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Barnsley (with 3 days per week on site)

Benefits: 33 days inclusive of bank holidays, plus Birthday Leave, 3% matched contribution pension, an Employee Assistance Programme.

Culture: Flexible, supportive, able to work with autonomy

About the Charity

Opening in early 2026, they will be a game-changer for Barnsley, a place where thousands of local young people will come to discover who they are, what they love, and what\'s possible. It will be the first Youth Zone in Yorkshire, part of a phenomenal network of national Youth Zones changing lives across the UK.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of something from the ground up, to shape how the local community, business leaders, and key funders connect to and champion this ambitious project. With highly trained youth workers and over 20 activities to try each session, the Youth Zone\'s purpose is to help young people grow to be happy, healthy and successful adults.

About the Role

Working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, you\'ll lead the development and delivery of a bold, creative and high-performing fundraising and communications strategy to generate £1.4m annually.

You\'ll grow and nurture a portfolio of committed individuals and local businesses (founder patrons). You\'ll also build new income streams across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, and major donor giving.

At the same time, you\'ll oversee all things brand, PR and communications, with a talented Communications Manager in place to help you raise awareness and build strong community relationships ahead of launch and beyond.

This is a leadership role with legacy. You\'ll inspire Barnsley\'s business community, philanthropists and champions to believe in and back the potential of their town\'s young people.

About You

This role would suit a relationship-led fundraising leader who brings energy, creativity and ambition to their work. You\'ll be a strategic thinker, a compelling communicator, and a natural connector of people and ideas.

We\'re especially keen to hear from candidates with:

• A proven track record of personally securing five-figure+ gifts from corporates or major donors or equivalent from the commercial sector.
• Experience building and managing a high-value donor pipeline and stewarding relationships for long-term support.
• Strong leadership skills - you know how to bring out the best in people, and how to build something special with a small but mighty team.
• A real passion for youth opportunity, community and levelling the playing field.

This is more than a job; it\'s a chance to be part of something genuinely transformational. You\'ll join at a pivotal time, with the opportunity to shape how this incredible space is funded, understood and embraced by its community.

Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Ellen Drummond at Charity People as the first step if you\'d like to find out more.

Deadline: 9am Thursday 18th September
First stage interview (in person): Tuesday 7th October

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.