Head of Development

The Head of Development will lead on the delivery of Watershed’s Development strategy, with a central focus on managing and growing our individual giving and corporate partnerships. The role is fundamental to Watershed’s continued progress, with particular responsibility for building unrestricted funding to support our core activity.

The successful candidate will prioritise and champion development activities across the whole organisation, implementing a mix of new ideas and proven strategies. Part of Watershed’s Senior Management Team, the role involves working closely with the Executive Director, Executive team, and a cross section of teams across Watershed to develop new prospects and strategic fundraising opportunities.

The Head of Development will also carry out all expectations involved in being part of the Senior Management Team.

• Delivery of our current three-year Development Strategy, which aims to leverage and increase Watershed’s unrestricted funding.
• The role includes leading the following areas of work, the majority of which will be delivered in-house:

Individual Giving

• Devise and deliver effective fundraising campaigns to grow Watershed’s individual giving with the support of the Communications team and in line with Watershed’s values and brand.
• Ensure excellent and effective stewardship of all donors with a joined-up approach to relationship management and ensure workflows are integrated and streamlined.
• Forecast, track, analyse and report on individual giving income.

Corporate Partners

• Drive forward our new work on corporate partnerships, ensuring the work is values-led and delivered to a high standard.
• Create and manage an effective pipeline of prospects and plan approaches and campaigns accordingly.
• Meet with prospective partners and effectively build and steward mutually beneficial relationships.
• Forecast, track, analyse and report on corporate income.

Trusts and Foundations

• Responsible for our Trusts & Foundations pipeline, including the management of consultants or staff as needed.
• Ensure timely and accurate contracting and reporting.

Other

• Lead responsibility for ensuring Watershed’s Fundraising Policy and Due Diligence procedures are up-to-date and integrated across the organisation.
• Line manage and support staff to carry out expectations as outlined in Watershed’s line management guidance.

Person specifications

• Proven track record in fundraising at a senior level, particularly from individual donors and/or corporates.
• Experience of planning, delivering and reporting on a meaningful fundraising approach.
• Experience of successful income generation and budget management.
• Ability to think creatively and work under own initiative, with strong self-management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and effective relationship management, including confidence in approaching new contacts and public speaking.

Watershed will conduct short online interviews with all applicants meeting the essential criteria. A shortlist will then be invited to a longer second interview.

First round interview/presentation (if relevant): Thu 9 January – Tue 14 January

Second round interview: Tue 21 January

The closing date for this position is 06/01/2025 at 17:00