Director of Fundraising

Location: Greater London

Director of Fundraising – Leading Military Charity

Hybrid (3 Days In-Office) | Near Regent's Park, London

Elite Employee is proud to be partnering with one of the UK's most respected military charities at a pivotal moment in their development. This is a brand-new senior leadership position, created as part of an ambitious transformation of their fundraising function.

As Director of Fundraising, you'll join the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. You'll have the scope to shape and deliver a bold, multi-year fundraising strategy — securing sustainable income growth that ensures the charity can continue supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families for years to come.

We welcome applications from established Directors seeking their next challenge, as well as exceptional Heads of Department who are ready to make the step up. This is a genuine opportunity to make the role your own at a transformational time for a highly respected organisation.

The Opportunity

Our client is strengthening its fundraising capability to meet increasing demand and navigate a complex external environment. You'll build the conditions for long-term sustainable growth, identify new income opportunities, and ensure the charity remains a trusted, resilient source of lifelong support for the military community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and deliver a clear, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational priorities

Make critical decisions about investment and focus across the fundraising portfolio

Identify new income opportunities using insight, data and sector best practice

Operate as a full and active member of the Executive Leadership Team

Team Leadership

Provide confident, visible leadership to the Fundraising Directorate

Build and inspire a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team

Establish a culture of accountability, excellence and professional development

Develop senior managers and build leadership depth across the function

Financial Leadership

Own fundraising financial performance at Executive and Board level

Set, manage and monitor budgets, forecasts and income projections

Use ROI analysis to drive prioritisation and investment decisions

Build and maintain Trustee confidence through transparent, credible reporting

Income Generation

Lead strategy across mass fundraising, individual giving, legacies and in-memory

Develop robust pipelines across major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships

Embed consistent stewardship standards to strengthen donor retention and lifetime value

Act as a senior ambassador with major donors and strategic partners

Governance & Compliance

Ensure all activity complies with Charity Commission, Fundraising Regulator and GDPR requirements

Represent the organisation across the armed forces charity sector

Manage fundraising risk and reputational considerations with appropriate rigour

What We're Looking For

Essential

Senior-level fundraising leadership across a multi-stream income portfolio — either as an established Director or a high-performing Head of Department ready for the next step

A demonstrable track record of delivering significant income growth and step-change results

Strong people leadership skills with proven ability to build high-performing teams

Experience engaging confidently with Boards, Trustees and senior stakeholders

Sound understanding of ethical fundraising practice and charity governance

Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly

A strategic, commercially aware mindset with strong financial acumen

Desirable

Experience with in armed forces, veterans or service-related charities

Knowledge of or genuine affinity with military culture

An entrepreneurial approach with an eye for new opportunities

Experience in defence, aviation or related sectors

Fundraising qualification or degree-level education

What's on Offer

Salary: £90,000 – £110,000, with potential up to £125,000 for an exceptional candidate

Hybrid working: 3 days per week in office near Regent's Park, London

26 days annual leave plus public holidays and 4 additional discretionary days

Flexible working around core hours

7% employer pension contribution

4x salary death in service

Health cash plan with 24/7 GP and wellbeing support

Interest-free travel loan up to £10,000

Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Programme

Option to purchase additional leave

Please note:

This role will require occasional travel nationally and internationally, and some flexibility to work outside standard office hours.

Elite Employee is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.

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