Head of Fundraising and Communications

Whatsoninwigan; Preston; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity is seeking a Head of Fundraising and Communications to drive income generation for a new Youth Zone in Preston. This role involves developing a significant fundraising strategy, leading a team, and engaging with major donors to transform young lives through various opportunities and support.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing five-figure+ gifts.
• Experience in developing multi-year fundraising strategies.
• Excellent communicator with community engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a £1.4m+ annual fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a high-performing fundraising team.
• Steward major donors and shape youth provision in Preston.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication

Team Leadership

Strategic Planning

Relationship Management

Job description

This advertiser has chosen not to accept applicants from your region.

Full Job Description

Percival is excited to be working exclusively with Vault YouthZone, which is recruiting a new Head of Fundraising and Communications to join their team!

This is an incredibly exciting time to join Vault as they prepare to open their doors to young people in late 2025. The state-of-the-art Youth Zone will provide young people aged 8 to 19 with a wide range of activities—from football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and employability training.

Vault Youth Zone is part of a growing network of Youth Zones across the UK, supported by the national charity OnSide. This is the final senior leadership team appointment, and they are seeking an experienced and ambitious fundraiser to lead the development and implementation of a new fundraising strategy.

Job Title: Head of Fundraising and Communications

Location: Preston, Lancashire (onsite role, based in their temporary offices in the city centre until open)

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Reports to: CEO

Direct Reports: Philanthropy Manager and Marketing and Communications Coordinator

About the Role

Are you an ambitious, strategic fundraiser with a passion for transforming young lives? Vault is looking for a dynamic Head of Fundraising and Communications to lead income generation for the youth zone. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a £1.4m+ annual fundraising strategy, build a high-performing team, lead communications, and personally steward major donors—all while shaping the future of youth provision in Preston.

To succeed in this role, you will need to:

• Have a proven track record of securing five-figure+ gifts from HNWIs and/or corporates
• Be confident developing and leading multi-year fundraising and communications strategies
• Be an excellent communicator with the ability to inspire individuals, businesses, and the wider community
• Be experienced in team leadership, with the ability to recruit, support, and motivate others to meet targets
• Bring knowledge of stewardship and donor journeys, and apply best practices in relationship management
• Be results-driven, resilient, and comfortable managing a personal fundraising portfolio
• Be strategic, creative, and collaborative, with experience working with senior leaders or trustees
• Be aligned with Vault’s mission to transform young lives through opportunity, support, and aspiration

Stage 1 Interviews: Week commencing 2nd June

The team at Percival is committed to supporting you throughout the application process. If you require assistance completing your application or need adjustments, please contact Madeleine at Percival. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

To apply, submit your CV. If you meet the requirements, we will provide the full job description and arrange a call or meeting to discuss next steps. Please note you may need to include a cover letter as part of your application.

We look forward to connecting with you soon.