Head of Fundraising & Communications

About the role

Whether you're looking for an interim opportunity or a permanent role, we’re interested in hearing from experienced professionals who can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.

This is an inspiring role for someone who wants to contribute to our success by providing strategic leadership and direction to the fundraising and communications functions supporting the Dementia Adventure business plan and charitable mission and objectives.

Managing a team of five across fundraising, communications, special projects and data management, the successful applicant will lead the development of partnerships and campaigns to raise funds for Dementia Adventure’s unique work to support people with dementia and their carers to have a more active and fulfilled life by getting outdoors and experiencing the benefits of nature. 

You will provide strategic leadership and direction for income generation through various fundraising disciplines and joint fundraising partnerships, ensuring the charity's diversification of funding and financial sustainability. Funding sources include major grantmakers, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, challenge events, and an individual giving campaign.

Hand in hand with leading fundraising, you will oversee the Communications team, supporting, developing and monitoring the communications strategy, associated budget, resources, systems, processes and operations. This will involve overseeing and directing a communications plan that promotes the work of Dementia Adventure to a broad range of audiences through various channels and campaigns, while also increasing online and social media presence.

Ideally, we would like the successful applicant to be able to come to the office in Essex at least once a week.

About you
We are looking for someone to join the charity’s Senior Leadership Team who will bring experience from their past successes and provide inspirational strategic leadership and direction to the fundraising and communications functions in support of the Dementia Adventure business plan, charitable mission and objectives. The successful applicant will have a strong, successful track record of fundraising and/or other forms of income generation in the charity sector, including management, with proven experience in meeting financial and non-financial targets. You should be able to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including trusts and grant givers, corporates, major donors and other individuals. In addition, you should possess a strong understanding of marketing and communication principles and practices, as well as digital marketing and social media. You should also be confident in engaging audiences sensitively with real-life stories to demonstrate impact and create a compelling case for support.

Dementia Adventure is an evidence-led, multi-award-winning national charity that helps people living with dementia and their carers enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and retain a sense of adventure. We look at what people can do, not what they can’t. Through supported holidays, learning, and tailored support, we promote well-being, inclusion, and resilience through fostering meaningful connections and renewed possibilities.