Head of Fundraising and Relationships

Reports to:

• Chief Executive Officer

Direct reports:

• Fundraising team members, volunteers and contracted fundraising partners

Contract:  

• Permanent, Full-time

Salary:           

• Circa £45,000 adjusted for experience

Key benefits:

• Competitive Contributory Pension. Additional holiday between Christmas and New Year.

Hours:

• Full-Time or part-time (four days per week)

• Hybrid working with 2-3 days in the office (per week)

Location:   

• Blackbushe Airport, Surrey, GU17 9LQ (Hybrid options considered)

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Develop and implement a fundraising and partnerships strategy that prioritises corporate and event led income.

• Lead income planning, forecasting and budgeting, working closely with the Finance team and Senior Leadership Team.

• Ensure fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, fundraising regulations, GDPR, and the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.

New business development

• Proactively identify, research and secure new corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.

• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects, securing ongoing, multi-year support.

• Develop compelling partnership packages and sponsorship propositions.

• Lead proposals and pitches to senior decision makers, adapting style and narrative for different audiences.

Account management and stewardship

• Work with the Chief Executive to provide exceptional relationship management for existing corporate partners, maximising income and long-term engagement.

• Create account plans for key partners and oversee delivery of campaigns, co-branded activity, volunteering programmes and impact reporting.

Events and representation

• Co-create, attend and support Aerobility events, including aviation, corporate and fundraising events, occasionally including evenings and weekends.

• Use events as platforms for cultivation, stewardship and new business development.

• Represent Aerobility confidently at external forums, speaking engagements and networking events.

Leadership, finance and other income

• Manage the fundraising and communications function, providing clear leadership and direction to staff and volunteers.

• Set, monitor and report on income targets and financial performance for corporate partnerships and events.

• Maintain accurate and timely partnership data in the Salesforce CRM system.

• Manage a small portfolio of trusts, foundations and grants, and support other income streams such as individual giving and community fundraising where these align with corporate and event activity.

About you

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior role involving corporate partnerships, sponsorship or business development

• Proven track record of securing new corporate partnerships and growing income from corporate and event-based activity.

• Strong relationship management and account development skills, including work with senior stakeholders.

• Experience of designing partnership packages and leading proposals or pitches.

• Strong financial awareness, including income forecasting and target management.

• Experience of managing and developing staff and volunteers.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A confident, professional manner with a positive, solutions focused approach.

Desirable

• Experience in aviation, disability or youth focused organisations.

• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM.

• Experience of major events, sponsorship or partnership based fundraising initiatives.

How to apply

To make a formal application, please complete our job application form or alternatively send a covering letter and a copy of your CV to recruitment@aerobility.com. Please include the vacancy title in the subject line of your email.

We may begin interviewing as applications are received and reserve the right to close the advert if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Aerobility is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you are invited to interview.

Charity Overview

Aerobility is a national aviation charity that transforms lives by making the magic and freedom of flight accessible to disabled people. Through adapted aircraft, specialist instruction, and inclusive programmes in the air and on the ground, we enable disabled people of all ages to build confidence, independence, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Our work is made possible through strong relationships with corporate partners, event sponsors, trusts, supporters, and volunteers.

The Head of Fundraising and Relationships plays a vital role in enabling this mission. By leading a programme of corporate partnerships, sponsorship and event led fundraising, supported by a smaller portfolio of trusts and grants, the post holder will secure and grow the income needed for Aerobility to reach more disabled people through the power of flight.