We're recruiting - Head of Fundraising and Play Session Leader

February 8, 2024

Head of Fundraising (full-time)

Skylarks Charity is going through an exciting period of development, supporting a growing number of children with additional needs and their families.

Following a strong year-end, Skylarks is pleased to be in a position to continue growing our fundraising team so we can deliver high-quality services to children and their families. Our strategic plan is to expand and diversify our income, utilising new and existing partnerships to build lasting connections.

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week

SALARY: Up to £40k

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Fundraising will be part of a small dedicated team supporting children with additional needs and their families. Skylarks is seeking a seasoned, creative, and outstanding relationship builder, with strong proposal writing and persuasive speaking skills to fill this Senior Management Team position. You will lead on securing approximately £500,000 annual income to ensure the charity can provide our activities and services for children with disabilities and their families.

You will help open doors to potential new funding, securing opportunities to present the work of Skylarks to funding decision-makers. You will also lead on securing grants, which, if successful, are managed by the Operations team, who will produce reports for funders. Your involvement in this process will be co-ordinating the reports and ensuring they also work as a fundraising tool.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the organisation's strategic leadership plan, leading a fundraising function and implementing the strategy, including strengthening strategic fundraising and executing annual plans. You will report to the Managing Director and share progress with the senior management and Board leadership regularly, while ensuring direct input into our Board’s Fundraising Committee.

Although all team members are based locally in Richmond Upon Thames and the surrounding London Boroughs, we are all working remotely. This role is expected to continue working remotely for the foreseeable future, with journeys into Richmond and the surrounding London Boroughs where necessary.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

To be responsible for and lead on the charity's overall fundraising programme and strategy.
Work with the Managing Director to significantly grow the organisation's income.
Leading on our strategy to diversify the organisation's income.
Manage the small team of staff to deliver on their fundraising objectives
To undertake applications to trusts, foundations and additional funders, increasing the charity's income from these sources.
Externally represent the organisation to extend its influence and profile amongst trusts & foundations, and other key donors.
Stewardship of existing donors and expanding the charity's donor base.
To monitor the financial management of grants and donations, ensuring the appropriate application of funds throughout the project.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit to Third Sector Recruitment:

A comprehensive CV
A supporting statement setting out why you are for applying for this role and how you meet the criteria set out in the attached Person Specification

Closing Date: Wednesday 6th March 2024

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Play Session Leader (20 hours per week)

Skylarks Charity is seeking a part-time Play Session Leader who will be part of a dedicated team supporting children with additional needs and their families.

Reporting to the Senior Activities Leader, you will help deliver our activities and services. Most of the charity’s activities occur in the Richmond and Hounslow boroughs, being delivered both online and face-to-face, both in term time and holiday time.

If you are an enthusiastic and committed person who is alert to the needs of disabled children and their families, then we would love to hear from you.

CONTRACT: Part-Time, Permanent

HOURS OF WORK: 20 hours per week (Negotiable)

The candidate must be able to work from home for administrative purposes. There will be some flexibility in the delivery of hours. Must be available Monday-Friday, including Tuesday till 7 pm.

SALARY: Up to £28,000 pro rata

PURPOSE OF ROLE

To deliver a programme of activities for Skylarks families. This will include our play sessions, activities and workshops for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs and their siblings, information workshops, support groups, and activities for parent-carers to increase their well-being.

To ensure the safety and well-being of the children and to support the families, children and our volunteers during the sessions.

Help the Operations Team with volunteer management, including the induction and support of volunteers.

KEY DUTIES:

To work with the Senior Activities Leader and other Play Session Leaders to deliver our Play Sessions (Monday - Friday, including Tuesday afternoon/early evening)
To assist in the smooth running of off-site and holiday activities such as Pedal Project, All Aboard Club, horse-riding, and outings at various locations (eg Hampton, Ham, Barnes and Hounslow) in conjunction with the Senior Activities Leader.
To assist in the delivery of online activities using Zoom, such as interactive drama/music and online support groups, in conjunction with service providers.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit to Third Sector Recruitment:

A comprehensive CV
A supporting statement setting out why you are for applying for this role and how you meet the criteria set out in the attached Person Specification

Closing Date: Wednesday 6th March 2024