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info@MQmentalhealth.org
MQmentalhealth.org
Registered charity No. 1139916
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
MQ is seeking a outstanding individual to serve as our Director of Development. This strategic role is ideal for an ambitious fundraiser, with a track record of success.
The role will suit a driven, commercially minded leader, who is passionate about improving mental health for all, with a proven experience of growing income and managing multiple stakeholders.
Job Title: Director of Development
Reporting to: CEO Department: Development
Line Management: Team of four inc. Senior Philanthropy Manager, Philanthropy Manager, Trusts & Foundations Manager, Fundraising Officer
Time Commitment: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Salary: c. £75,000
Travel Occasional international travel, as well as attending networking and donor events as required
About MQ:
At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.
We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.
Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.
6
info@MQmentalhealth.org
MQmentalhealth.org
Registered charity No. 1139916
Role Purpose:
The Director of Developmentis a senior, strategic leadershiprole responsiblefor driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a highperforming, commercially minded development function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.
Key Responsibilities:
FundraisingStrategy&IncomeGrowth
• Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
• Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
• Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
• Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams
Pipeline,Performance&DataOversight
• Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
• Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working
FinancialManagement&Reporting
• Own the Development budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-offundraising oversight
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
• Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
• Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements
Leadership&TeamDevelopment
• Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
• Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
• Support succession planning and talent development within the Development function
ExternalProfile,Partnerships&ThoughtLeadership
• Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
6 Honduras Street London, EC1Y 0TH
+44 (0)300 030 8100
info@MQmentalhealth.org
MQmentalhealth.org
Registered charity No. 1139916
• Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
• Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
• Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness
ExecutiveLeadership&Governance
• ActasakeymemberoftheExecutiveLeadershipTeam,contributingtoorganisational strategyanddecision-making
• SupporttheCEOwithBoardengagement,particularlyaroundfundraisingstrategyand performance
• Ensurefundraisingactivitycomplieswithallrelevantlegislation,regulationandbestpractice
• UpholdMQ’svalues,reputationandcommitmenttoethicalfundraising
Person Specification:
Essential
• Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
• Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
• Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
• Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
• Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values
Desirable
• Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
• Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
• Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
• Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics
Benefits
Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
6 Honduras Street London, EC1Y 0TH
+44 (0)300 030 8100
info@MQmentalhealth.org
MQmentalhealth.org
Registered charity No. 1139916
Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management