March 2025
Director of Fundraising & Communications
Appointment Brief
Welcome
Thanks for your interest in our Director of Fundraising & Communications position.
Whizz Kidz is an extraordinary organisation with a powerful mission: to empower young wheelchair users to be independent, confident and have access to the world around them.
Over 75,000 young people in the UK need a wheelchair to get around. They have the same dreams, but they don’t have the same opportunities because many can’t access the equipment or support they deserve.
It’s hard for most of us to imagine just how important the right wheelchair is. That’s why our work is so vital. We provide young people with the wheelchairs, equipment, support and confidence-building experiences they need, and we campaign for a more inclusive society.
You’ll be joining us at an exciting time. We’re moving in to the next three-year phase of our strategy, and we’re focused on increasing further our reach and impact so that even more young wheelchair users get the support they deserve.
We can’t do this without growing our income and improving awareness of our work. It’s our ambition to raise £12m a year by 2028-2029.
We’re a values-led organisation and you’ll see those values shine through in every one of our colleagues, alongside enormous enthusiasm, commitment and skill.
We’re looking for an outstanding and energetic Director of Fundraising & Communications who’ll lead, coach and develop the team so that they can perform to their very best; who’ll build strong relationships with existing and potential funders; who’ll identify and develop new income generation opportunities; who’ll maximise awareness of work through a strong communications strategy; and who’ll, above all, be determined to secure the funding that will change the lives of young wheelchair users across the UK.
If you believe you have the ambition, ability and experience to deliver this change, we’d love to hear from you.
Sarah Pugh Chief Executive, Whizz Kidz
About us
Our vision is a society in which every young wheelchair user is mobile, enabled and included.
Mobile Enabled Included
We provide high-quality, personalised equipment for young people who need wheelchairs.
We create services and confidence-building activities that give young people the skills and tools to be more independent.
Purpose
We create opportunities for young wheelchair users to get the equipment, skills, and confidence to go further.
Why does Whizz Kidz exist?
We are the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users. More than 75,000 young people in the UK need a wheelchair to be mobile.
Most have no access to a wheelchair that’s right for them, leaving them at risk of social isolation, poor mental health, and physical injury. We want to change that.
We campaign and work with young wheelchair users to create societal change and develop a more inclusive world.
As the UK’s leading charity supporting young wheelchair users up to 25 years old*, we provide them with the equipment and skills they need to live life as independently as possible. To enjoy all the opportunities and activities that so many others take for granted ‐ at home, at school, at work and beyond.
*Equipment applications accepted up to 18th birthday
Values
We are young people focused, ambitious, collaborative and inclusive.
Read our Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24 .
Strategy
Unfortunately too many young people aren’t getting the wheelchair of support that fully meets their needs. Without the ability to be independent, young wheelchair users are restricted in their ability to socialise and participate in society.
In spring 2025, we will launch our new three-year strategy, focused on giving young people the opportunity to be independent and confident, and have access to the world around them. A fundamental aspect of achieving our new goals will be a substantive increase in our fundraised income.
Equity, diversity and inclusion statement
Whizz Kidz is committed to eliminating discrimination, encouraging and valuing diversity and promoting equal opportunities both in the area of service delivery and amongst our workforce. Our aim is that all service users, colleagues and volunteers feel respected, and that those we help through our service delivery and employ in our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society.
Role description
Job title Director of Fundraising & Communications
Responsible to Chief Executive
Location
Hours
Hybrid in Borough, London – currently three days (Tuesday to Thursday) in the office
Full time
Some out of hours working will be required.
Term Permanent
Salary
£90,000 per annum
Job summary
The Director of Fundraising & Communications will develop and implement a fundraising and communications strategy to ensure a step change in results and help us achieve our strategic goals. Leading a team of talented fundraising and communications professional, you’ll develop our strategies across all income streams, oversee the stewardship of key supporters and identify new opportunities for income generation. You’ll work alongside services colleagues to identify major, multi-year funding opportunities.
Building on our fundraising reputation and expertise, you’ll identify opportunities for innovation and diversification of our fundraising mix, and ensure we have a well-balanced portfolio of activities to enable sustainable growth.
You’ll develop our brand, marketing and communications strategies and oversee ambitious plans to build awareness of and engagement with Whizz Kidz. You’ll work the team to develop our marketing plans to increase reach and influence with young people, their families and supporters.
You’ll inspire and motivate colleagues across Whizz Kidz to support our fundraising and communications goals and activities so that we can better support young wheelchair users and their families.
Key accountabilities
• Lead, inspire, motivate and develop the Fundraising & Communications team to work together to execute ambitious income generation and communications strategies.
• Strengthen and maintain relationships with key supporters, and network to build new strategic relationships.
• Raise funds from diverse sources in the most cost effective and sustainable way and help develop new income generating opportunities to support our work.
• Plan, direct, monitor and evaluate all targets for the Fundraising team and ensure that each stream of income defined in the fundraising strategy has a detailed work plan.
• Develop and lead our Communications team to deliver marketing activity across all channels and platforms with clear strategic objectives and measurable impact.
• Inspire action and change through impactful campaigns and communications across multiple channel, and test new digital tools, ideas and approaches that will improve our impact.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of communications and marketing activity including brand, website, marketing campaigns, content, social media, PR, crisis communications and Ambassador stewardship.
• Use enhanced data management techniques and analytics to focus marketing efforts on highest impact and return on investment.
• Champion and implement best practice business processes across the team with tools and technologies, insight and analytics to support income generation and digital performance.
• Drive forward collaboration with other teams to enhance and improve public understanding and perception of Whizz Kidz, and to embed a culture of fundraising across the charity.
• As a member of Exec, contribute to developing and delivering our overall organisational strategy, objectives and business plans, and champion an inclusive and enabling culture.
• Ensure the team is up to date and complies with fundraising, data protection and other relevant legislation, standards, and best practice.
The post holder will also
• Work within all policies, procedures and budgets set by Whizz Kidz.
• Act at all times in the best interest of Whizz Kidz.
• Form effective working relationships with all colleagues, members, volunteers and outside organisations as appropriate.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times.
• Respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with the Data Protection Act.
• Not disclose to an unauthorised person any confidential information acquired through official duties unless they have received official permission to do so.
This list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and job rank of the post.
Please note: This post is subject to a Basic level DBS Disclosure, which will be sought prior to the confirmation of a job offer.
Person specification
The person
We are looking to appoint an exceptional individual with a proven background in having delivered sustainable income growth in another charity. You’ll have an excellent track record as a Director of Fundraising & Communications in leading and nurturing income generating teams, alongside significant experience in identifying, developing and securing major partnerships and donations which deliver towards agreed organisational strategic plans.
You’ll have substantial experience in leading marketing and communications teams, building brand awareness and delivering impactful multi-media marketing campaigns.
Accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment as part of a high performing Executive team, you’ll be values-led, ambitious and excited about the growth we are looking to achieve.
You’ll have:
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Fundraising and communications strategy development and implementation skills.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Outstanding communication and storytelling skills, able to inspire and enthuse others.
• Excellent judgement and decisionmaking abilities.
• The ability to respond quickly, creatively and decisively to opportunities.
• Advanced financial and commercial awareness and understanding.
• Experience of reporting to and engaging with a Board of Trustees.
Experience
• Extensive track record of success in leading teams to drive growth in income and awareness.
• Experience of influencing senior stakeholders, major donors and corporate partners.
• Proven ability to test, develop and optimise new activities to drive income and profile.
• In depth knowledge and expertise across a spectrum of fundraising streams.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering digital, communication and marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of communications crisis management and reputational risk issues.
• Public engagement and speaking.
• Charity sector/not-for-profit experience.
• Experience of reporting to a Board of Trustees.
Personal qualities
• Inspirational and ambitious leader who is driven to make a positive contribution to the lives of young wheelchair users and societal change.
• Alignment with our valuesyoung-people focused, ambitious, collaborative and inclusive.
• Unbounding determination and curiosity to seek out, develop and steward new relationships and partnerships.
• Empathy with the needs of young wheelchair users and their families.
• Self-motivated, proactive and creative problem solver.
• Hands-on approach, with the ability to lead from the front and help grow a team.
• Goals driven with a real drive for success.
• Commitment to creating a workplace focused on equity, diversity and inclusion.
A few perks
The wellbeing of our colleagues is of paramount importance to our success as an organisation, and we want to ensure that our benefits package provides something of value for everyone, whether it is our generous holiday entitlement, wellbeing days, Healthcare cash plan, long-service awards. We hope you agree!
Annual leave
25 days of annual leave per annum plus Bank Holiday (pro-rata for part time colleagues).
Christmas closure
In addition to annual leave, employees get three days of paid Christmas leave.
Pension
Automatic enrolment for all colleagues with the option to opt out. Contributions of 5% gross salary made by both Whizz Kidz and employees. We will match higher contributions of up to 6% of gross basic salary.
Simply health
Automatic enrolment in a fully paid for cash plan that assists you with everyday health costs. This scheme is also available to your families for an extra charge.
Season ticket loan
An interest free loan of up to £5,000 following the successful completion of the Probationary Period.
You can find out more about our perks at: https://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/about-us/careers/
How to apply
To apply for the role, please upload the following documents to the Prospectus website:
• Your CV, drawing out relevant experience for the role.
• A supporting statement of up to 1,000 words that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification as well as your interest in the organisation’s work.
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
If you wish to apply using an alternative format please contact Prospectus on 020 7405 4999 or email us. Please also notify us if you require a postal application.
Applications via the Prospectus website should be made at: https://www.prospect-us.co.uk/ jobs/191279
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 14th April
Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 21st April
Interviews with Whizz Kidz:
Stage one: w/c 28th April
Stage two: w/c 5th May
Queries
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained partners Rhiannon Mehta or Jessica Stoddart at Prospectus on 020 7405 4999, or email: rhiannon.mehta@prospect-us.co.uk jessica.stoddart@prospect-us.co.uk
Created by the Prospectus Advertising team.
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© Whizz Kidz 2023. Registered charity in England and Wales (802872) and Scotland (SC042607). Company registered in England and Wales (2444520).