This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate fundraising leader to join AADI. Working closely with the CEO, you will lead a small fundraising team and deliver a bold fundraising strategy.

The Head of Fundraising will lead an ambitious phase of growth over the next three to four years, helping to significantly increase income to expand the charity’s reach and impact.

In addition to overall responsibility for the fundraising team’s income targets, the Head of Fundraising will hold a personal fundraising target, taking direct ownership of key donor relationships and income streams.

You’ll bring a strong track record in fundraising, with experience delivering ambitious income strategies and building lasting relationships with donors, corporate partners, statutory funders and government stakeholders. Just as importantly, you’ll be motivated by the work itself and by the profound difference an assistance dog makes to the life of an autistic child and their family.

Key Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

• Development and delivery of AADI’s fundraising strategy, bringing fresh thinking to income growth while inspiring and leading a small, dedicated fundraising team.
• Hold personal responsibility for a defined individual fundraising target, in addition to overall accountability for team income performance.
• Drive AADI’s digital and events fundraising to the next level, developing innovative campaigns that grow income, build profile and deepen supporter engagement.
• Design and implement a best-practice donor journey, maximising retention, lifetime value and supporter experience.
• Prepare the foundations for a future capital fundraising campaign, including pipeline development and case for support.
• Report regularly to the CEO and Board on income performance, forecasting and strategic progress.
• Lead AADI’s government and statutory funding strategy, building on existing relationships with key government departments and the HSE to maintain momentum and grow public funding.
• Develop an annual budget including cost and expenditure budgets on an ongoing basis, ensuring all activity is implemented within budget.

• Deliver on annual income targets within budget, meeting all KPIs to ensure sustainability and long-term growth.

Person Specification

• Several years’ experience in a similar senior fundraising role, including team management and a proven track record of income growth.
• Experience leading and developing a fundraising team, with the ability to set clear objectives, manage performance and build a collaborative, high-achieving culture.
• Proven experience managing budgets and income forecasting, with strong financial acumen and commercial awareness.
• Experience working with CRM and donor management systems, with an understanding of good data practice and donor stewardship.
• You will be responsible for setting high standards of ethical fundraising and will maintain a culture that is supporter-focused and encourages growth and innovation.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Charities Regulator compliance, GDPR, donor governance and ethical fundraising standards.
• Excellent networking, relationship management and reporting skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Must hold a full, clean driving licence.
• Must be comfortable around dogs.