We are looking for a competent, ambitious Head of Fundraising within striking distance of Shrewsbury who might be keen to take the next step in their fundraising career and join the senior leadership team of our ambitious and impactful organisation. If you care about people and the environment (or know someone who does!), live in Shropshire or close by, and are keen to lead a small team to grow sustainable income, then please take a look at this advert and share with your networks. Details of the role below.
Please note that applications are in writing to [email protected] and need a cover letter and CV. Please get in touch if you would like an informal chat about the role.
Shrewsbury Food Hub – Head of Fundraising
Salary: £40,000.00 per annum
Location: Shrewsbury (primarily office-based with some flexibility)
Reports to: CEO
Manages: Trusts & Foundations Manager (0.8 FTE); Community & Individuals Fundraising Manager (0.8 FTE)
Contract: Full-time (5 days per week)
Start: ASAP (subject to notice periods)
About Shrewsbury Food Hub
Shrewsbury Food Hub is an award-winning environmental charity that stops good food from going to waste and gets it to where it’s needed. Every week our volunteers collect surplus from supermarkets, producers and local retailers, and redistribute it to community groups, food projects, shared meals, and families across Shrewsbury. You can find out more here: https://www.shrewsburyfoodhub.org.uk/
With rising need in our community and ambitious organisational plans, we are seeking to grow our annual income from £350k to £500k and beyond. The Head of Fundraising will play a pivotal role in achieving this step change and enhancing the sustainability of income.
Job Purpose
The Head of Fundraising will lead the growth, diversification, and professionalisation of Shrewsbury Food Hub’s fundraising. They will develop and deliver a high-value fundraising strategy, drive new income generation from major donors, corporates, and large trusts/statutory funders (£100k+), and ensure the charity consistently meets the expectations and due diligence requirements of larger funders.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will also oversee marketing and communications in support of fundraising, identify and remove barriers to income growth, and ensure compelling cases for support and campaigns are developed to inspire giving at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Income Growth
- Develop, implement, and monitor a multi-year fundraising strategy to increase income from £350k to £500k+.
- Identify and pursue high-value opportunities, with a focus on:
- Major donors
- Corporate partnerships
- Large trusts, foundations, and statutory bids (£100k+)
- Lead the development of a clear organisational Case for Support, ensuring alignment with strategic plans.
- Evaluate and strengthen systems, processes, and data practices that underpin strong fundraising performance.
- Produce accurate income forecasts, KPIs, and progress reports for the Executive Director and Board.
- High-Value Relationship Management
- Personally steward a portfolio of senior corporate partners, major donors, philanthropic prospects, and key funders—building long-term, meaningful relationships.
- Develop compelling, tailored proposals, pitches, impact reports, and stewardship journeys.
- Support the CEO and Trustees to act as effective ambassadors and cultivate high-level supporters.
- Ensure the charity maintains excellent due diligence, reporting, and compliance standards expected by large funders.
- Line Management & Team Leadership
- Lead, support, and develop the Trusts & Foundations Manager and Community & Individuals Fundraising Manager, creating a high-performing, collaborative team culture.
- Foster cross-team working and ensure fundraising activity is coordinated, effective, and strategically aligned.
- Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and innovation.
- Marketing & Communications Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of communications and marketing related to fundraising.
- Ensure clarity, consistency, and impact across supporter communications, campaigns, digital channels, and appeals.
- Lead on the creation of fundraising collateral—including stories, case studies, impact materials, and campaign messaging.
- Work with colleagues to integrate fundraising messages across the charity’s public and community presence.
- Organisational Collaboration
- Work closely with operations, finance, volunteer support, and project leads to shape fundable propositions, and articulate impact clearly through reports and updates.
- Champion a fundraising mindset across the organisation, embedding strong stewardship principles.
- Represent Shrewsbury Food Hub at events, networks, donor meetings, and community forums.
- Governance, Compliance & Data
- Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Regulator, GDPR, and internal policies.
- Maintain accurate records and supporter intelligence on the CRM.
- Manage fundraising budgets, ensuring effective ROI and resource allocation.
- Monitor external fundraising trends, insights, and opportunities to keep the charity competitive.
Person Specification
Experience & Skills
Essential
- Proven track record in high-value fundraising—major donors, corporate partnerships, or large trusts/statutory sources—with evidence of securing gifts of £50k+ or £100k+.
- Experience of developing and delivering fundraising strategies with ambitious income targets.
- Strong relationship-building skills with senior stakeholders, philanthropists, and corporate leaders.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, including high-quality bid writing and case creation.
- Experience line managing and developing fundraising staff.
- Understanding of due diligence, compliance, and reporting requirements for major funders.
- Strong organisational, financial, and project-management capabilities.
Desirable
- Knowledge of food insecurity, environmental sustainability, community projects, or related charitable sectors.
- Experience leading or overseeing communications functions.
- Institute of Fundraising qualification or equivalent.
- Experience with CRM systems.
Personal Attributes
- Inspiring, confident leader able to motivate others and model collaborative working.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Creative and innovative—able to identify new opportunities and craft compelling narratives.
- Persuasive and influential communicator with excellent emotional intelligence.
- Tenacious, resilient, and results-driven.
- Passionate about social and environmental impact and committed to Shrewsbury Food Hub’s mission.
General Requirements
- Commitment to Shrewsbury Food Hub’s values of sustainability, community, kindness, and reducing waste.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends for donor or fundraising engagements.
- Full compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and data protection policies.
- Ability to travel within Shrewsbury and occasionally further afield for meetings.
How to apply
Please email [email protected] with a copy of your CV and a cover letter (maximum of 2-pages) outlining your suitability for the role. Please directly address the criteria outlined in the person specification above and provide examples where possible. DEADLINE NOW EXTENDED TO: 2 February 2026. We will only accept applications where a cover letter is provided.