Head of Fundraising and Communications

Merrifield Consultants; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrifield Consultants is seeking a Head of Fundraising and Communications for Cherry Trees. This position will involve leading a team to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies while providing vision and leadership essential for achieving growth targets over the next five years.

Benefits

33 days annual leave including bank holidays

Simply Health Plan

5% employer's pension contribution

Death in service benefit

Free parking

Free flu vaccinations

Tea and coffee when in the office

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a similar fundraising role.
• Proven track record in strategic fundraising and income generation.
• Experience in management level at a comparable organization.

Responsibilities

• Devise and implement a fundraising strategy.
• Manage a fundraising team to meet income targets.
• Oversee grant and trust income management.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Creative Thinking

Job description

Merrifield Consultants are thrilled to partner with Cherry Trees to find their new Head of Fundraising and Communications to join their team in an exciting time of organisational development and growth. The Head of Fundraising and Communications will lead a dedicated team whilst providing the necessary vision, leadership, fundraising and external communication skills to enable the organisation to achieve its fundraising targets and deliver on a new and exciting 5-year growth strategy.

Job Title: Head of Fundraising and Communications
Organisation: Cherry Trees
Salary: 50,000 - 55,000
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Guildford, Surrey (4 days in the office)
Benefits: 33 days including bank holidays, Simply Health Plan, 5% employer's pension contribution, death in service benefit, free parking, free flu vaccinations and tea and coffee when in the office.
Closing date: Thursday 7th August 2025
Required: CV and Cover Letter

Every child who visits Cherry Trees is valued for who they are. They provide professional care in a safe, stimulating and fun environment, ensuing that our children enjoy new experiences, develop their life skills and enhance their independence. This enables their families to have a much-needed break from caring, where they can rest and recharge without worry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Devise and implement a fundraising and communications strategy to be approved by the Chief Executive Officer or senior leadership team
• Lead an annual fundraising planning process to produce effective strategies to achieve income targets across a range of revenue streams
• Manage an effective fundraising team that delivers fundraising income, meeting set targets
• Oversee the management of grant and trust income, supporting the trust fundraiser as necessary and ensuring the production of effective, high standard proposals and reports
• Support the individual and regular giving development plan, which includes recruitment and development of new donors
• Line management of fundraising staff including, agreeing objectives and work plans; managing workload and performance through regular one-to-one line management discussions

Experience and Skills:

• 3-5 years' experience in a similar role or leading multi-revenue income
• Demonstrable track record of strategic fundraising
• Successful, significant and relevant experience at management level in a comparable organisation
• Proven track record of meeting challenging income targets
• Strong leadership skills
• Track record of bringing innovative creative thinking and fresh ideas to an organisation
• Knowledge of the fundraising environment and a range of techniques and disciplines which will support the cost-effective generation of income for Cherry Trees

This role is perfect for a fundraising leader looking to join a phenomenal charity looking to do more. It's an exciting time as the charity look to build a new strategy on the back of 3 Outstanding OFSTED assessments.

To find out more and to apply for the role, please contact Stuart Milliner at Merrifield Consultants.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.