Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) is one of Ireland’s leading charities supporting people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Through a wide range of frontline services, advocacy initiatives and recovery-focused programmes, MQI works to reduce the harm associated with addiction and homelessness while supporting individuals on their recovery journey. 

The organisation is grounded in a trauma-informed practice, ensuring dignity, compassion and respect remain central to all services and engagement.

The Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the future of fundraising and communications for a national organisation delivering vital services across Ireland.

Reporting directly to the CEO and as a member of the Executive Management Team, the Head of Fundraising & Communications will lead the development and implementation of a fundraising and communications strategy which delivers supports MQI’s mission and long-term organisational growth.

The successful candidate will provide leadership across fundraising, brand, communications and digital engagement, working collaboratively across the organisation to increase income, strengthen relationships with supporters and stakeholders, and enhance MQI’s public profile and impact.

Leading a dedicated fundraising and communications team, this role will also ensure best practice governance, regulatory compliance and delivery of ambitious income targets.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior fundraising professional to play a key role in advancing services that transform lives across Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of MQI’s fundraising strategy, ensuring all areas of the organisation’s work are supported.
• Drive innovation, diversification and sustainability across the fundraising portfolio.
• Manage and grow key income streams including:
  • Individual giving
  • Major donors
  • Corporate partnerships
  • Community fundraising
  • Trusts and foundations
  • Legacy giving
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities and build a strong prospect pipeline.
• Develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals and donor engagement initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with key donors, partners and supporters.
• Ensure fundraising activities meet income targets and strategic objectives.

Communications & Brand

• Lead the development and implementation of MQI’s communications strategy.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all channels including:
  • Media and public relations
  • Digital platforms and social media
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Publications and reports
• Oversee media engagement and act as a senior spokesperson when appropriate.
• Lead production of organisational publications such as annual reports and impact reports.
• Promote MQI’s work to a wider audience and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

Strategy & Organisational Leadership

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising and communications strategy aligned with MQI’s organisational goals.
• Contribute as a senior leader within the Executive Management Team.
• Advise the CEO and Board on fundraising, communications, brand positioning and reputation management.
• Develop annual departmental plans, KPIs and performance metrics.
• Act as a senior ambassador for Merchants Quay Ireland, representing the organisation externally and promoting its mission, services and impact to supporters, partners, media and the wider public.
• Build and maintain strong networks across the corporate, philanthropic, community and nonprofit sectors, identifying opportunities to raise awareness and strengthen MQI’s profile.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing fundraising and communications team.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability and data-driven decision making.
• Ensure appropriate recruitment, resourcing and professional development within the team.
• Champion MQI’s mission, values and trauma-informed approach, ensuring they are reflected across fundraising, communications and public engagement activities.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Work in partnership with the Head of Finance to ensure fundraising plans are aligned with organisational budgets and developed within required forecast timelines.
• Ensure accurate financial planning and net margin delivery with a view to long‑term financial sustainability.
• Monitor fundraising performance against targets and provide regular updates to the CEO, Executive Team and Board.
• Ensure strong financial oversight and long-term sustainability of income streams.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure fundraising and communications activities comply with relevant regulations and stakeholder requirements including:
  • Charity governance standards
  • Data protection and GDPR
  • Fundraising regulations
  • Revenue Commissioner
• Implement appropriate processes and controls to protect income and reputation.
• Oversee relationships with agencies, suppliers and external partners.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 5 + years senior leadership experience in fundraising or development (in a not-for-profit environment).
• Proven experience delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising channels.
• Strong track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
• Experience managing major donor, corporate and trust funding relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Experience working with Boards, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication ability.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish nonprofit and fundraising landscape.
• Understanding of charity governance, fundraising regulations and GDPR.
• Degree level qualification in a relevant field applicable to this role or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Experience leading CRM or fundraising systems transformation projects.
• Knowledge or experience of Trauma-Informed Practice.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and commercial awareness
• Results-driven with a strong focus on delivering income targets
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management ability
• Strong communication, storytelling and influencing skills
• Highly organised with excellent project management capability
• Ability to navigate complexity and build consensus across stakeholders
• Commitment to MQI’s mission and values

Benefits

MQI offers a strong benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• 29 days annual leave plus 1 goodwill day
• Hybrid working options
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – 5% employer contribution and 3% employee contribution (from commencement)
• Death in Service Benefit (from commencement)
• Sick Pay Scheme (following probation period)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• Educational assistance including study and examination leave
• Paid family leave including maternity, paternity, adoptive, force majeure and compassionate leave