Head Of Fundraising

Description:

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Head of Fundraising to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy. This is a newly created and pivotal leadership role, responsible for driving income generation from multiple funding sources to ensure the financial sustainability of the CPA and support its ambitious global agenda.

The role will directly report to the Finance Director and work closely with the senior leadership team. The successful candidate will shape and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy, establish and manage key supporter relationships, and secure new funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), institutional donors, and corporate partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy and business plan aligned with CPA’s strategic goals.

• Identify, prioritize, and secure diverse funding sources including grants, trusts, foundations, individual donors, and corporate partnerships.

• Lead income diversification efforts to achieve both unrestricted and project-specific funding.

• Create business cases for innovative fundraising streams such as committed giving, digital fundraising, and targeted campaigns.

• Draft and approve compelling funding proposals and donor reports.

• Manage and forecast the CPA fundraising budget to enable developmental work.

• Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with HNWIs, corporates, foundations, and institutional donors (e.g., FCDO, EU, UN agencies).

• Implement a structured supporter relationship management plan to improve engagement, retention, and donor journeys.

• Lead, develop, and execute CPA fundraising events and external engagement opportunities.

• Represent CPA at networking events and meetings with prospective donors.

• Work with communications to maximize sponsorship and advertising opportunities across CPA publications, including The Parliamentarian.

• Support income streams such as the CPA Parliamentary Academy in collaboration with internal teams.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• At least 7 years’ professional fundraising experience with a track record in securing six- and seven-figure donations.

• Proven experience creating and executing fundraising strategies across multiple donor types.

• Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, regulations, and current trends (UK and international).

• Proficiency in CRM and donor management systems (e.g., MS Dynamics).

• Excellent proposal writing, oral presentation, and impact reporting skills.

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and business case development.

• Ability to network, influence, and represent organizations at a senior level.

• Experience in leading successful capital fundraising campaigns.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Background in NGOs, INGOs, or parliamentary/advocacy networks.

• Experience in digital fundraising and campaign management.

• Experience managing or building a fundraising team.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong leadership qualities with a positive, motivating approach.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivated, and solutions-focused.

• Excellent interpersonal skills for internal and external stakeholder engagement.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel internationally as required.

Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.

• Fundraising qualifications (desirable).

Additional Information

• Applicants must be Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK.

• A minimum of 3 years’ UK residency is required to meet security clearance vetting requirements.

• Deadline: 18 October 2025 (UTC+1) by midnight

• Interviews: Week commencing 27 October 2025