Head of Development

This role is critical for enhancing the performance of fundraising and income generation across the charity. You will identify and pursue opportunities mainly focusing on trusts and foundations, major donors and individuals, and other statutory funding bodies. We continually seek out higher quality and more effective ways of providing existing or new services which meets the changing needs of service users and commissioners. We are therefore looking for someone innovative and creative. As part of the senior management team (SMT), you will actively contribute to the strategic direction, planning and leadership of The Maypole Project. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and understand the importance of embedding a culture which is open, honest, and transparent. Working closely with key partners, funders, and commissioners to create and maintain diverse, robust, and positive partnerships, you will be required to work at a strategic level. You will deputise for the CEO as and when is required. Income Generation Take a pro–active role in researching, identifying, and following up all potential sources of funding, gathering, maintaining, and disseminating information about funding opportunities, partnership projects, commissioning strategies and tendering opportunities to the CEO and SMT. Developing funding bids, liaising closely with the CEO, Senior Managers and Managers, engaging the help and expertise of The Maypole Project colleagues and service users to produce high caliber proposals in the formats required by funders and commissioners. Maintain awareness of and respond to government agendas and emerging best practice that may help to secure both traditional and new forms of income. This role will develop, lead, manage and set goals and outcomes for, managing activity, and setting Proactively engage with commissioners, funders, and other stakeholders, building effective networks that help to promote The Maypole Project as a potential provider of services. Further develop a database of existing/ potential funders, donors and contacts to maximise income. Partnerships, Volunteering, Marketing and Communications Develop and sustain positive working relationships with key commissioners, partner organisations, funders to identify new trends, emerging needs and opportunities for partnership projects. Develop and oversee the implementation of a Communications & Marketing plan which promotes The Maypole Project as a specialist support service for children with complex medical needs and their families. Oversee content for website, social media and promotional materials in formats that are accessible, compliant and informative. Lead the Volunteer Administrator to further develop and continue providing a high–quality volunteering programme Continually explore new and innovative ways to tell The Maypole Project's story and those of our service users in order to increase support and raise awareness. Oversee the development of The Maypole Project's digital and social media to maximise its potential as a communication, fundraising and marketing too Sign off all artwork and materials (both digital and non–digital) to ensure continuity of The Maypole Project's brand and accuracy of communications Leadership and Management As part of Senior Management Team, you will work on the development and delivery of the organisation's strategic and business plans ensuring managers and teams are supported to engage with this process. Provide effective leadership and management support to your team, optimise effectiveness, and fulfil potential in accordance with The Maypole Project's ethos, values, and policies. Take management responsibility for agreed posts and maintain appropriate records for staff including recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, and professional development. Prepare and present work reports to Trustees as required and keep the CEO, SMT, volunteers and trustees up to date. Support the induction of new Trustees, including sharing information about the impact of this role on The Maypole Project. Monitor income and expenditure with project leads against budgets to ensure they remain financially viable and flag risks sufficiently early to take mitigating steps. Take lead responsibility alongside other Senior Managers for risk assessment and decision making for areas of service managed under this role in line with The Maypole Project policies. Liaise with Administration staff to ensure all data collection requirements for services under this role are adhered to and that annual audits of performance are completed. Ensure the service is updated and kept informed about legal or policy developments relevant to the services managed under this role. Drive a high–quality performance culture responsive to the needs of the organisation and service users.