The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust to recruit a new Director of Development at a key stage of organisational development, following a period of consistent growth.
Director of Development
Salary: £90,000
Location: Hybrid (London HQ)
The National Literacy Trust exists to ensure that children, young people and adults from disadvantaged communities have the literacy skills they need to succeed. They work directly with young people and their families, schools, nurseries, prisons and young offender institutions, alongside leading community-based literacy programmes across some of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas. Their model enables them to work in both a place-based way as well as nationally, unlocking multiple avenues for funding, partnerships and influence.
As Director of Development you will lead the National Literacy Trust’s fundraising and development strategy, working closely with the CEO, leadership team, trustees and senior stakeholders to secure transformational support that helps shape the organisation's long-term sustainability and impact. It's a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys operating at both a strategic and operational level and is motivated by the chance to create lasting change through literacy.
The charity has reached an exciting stage where it is well positioned for the next phase of growth. By deepening supporter engagement, growing unrestricted income and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth, you'll help build the flexibility and resilience needed to deliver the organisation's long-term ambitions. This is where the National Literacy Trust’s enterprising culture comes to life and why we’re looking for candidates who bring curiosity, ambition and commercial awareness to test new ideas, unlock funding opportunities and maximise the organisation’s unique assets. Whether leveraging its work with major brands, expanding philanthropy through its emerging giving circle, or identifying new routes to sustainable growth, this role offers significant scope to drive change, build momentum and help the charity reach even more people.
You’ll lead a well-established and high-performing team of 20 (5 direct reports) that currently generates c.£17m annually across a broad portfolio of corporate partners, trusts, foundations and statutory funders. Philanthropy represents an exciting growth opportunity, with the recent launch of a giving circle designed to support unrestricted fundraising and provide greater flexibility to invest in the charity's mission and research.
The National Literacy Trust has an exceptional platform from which to deliver the next phase of growth, combining a compelling mission with an enviable network of partners, supporters and advocates, from the Premier League and The Gruffalo brand through to the patronage of Her Majesty The Queen, who is an active champion of the organisation.
As Director of Development you will:
- Lead and deliver a high value income strategy across Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts, Foundations and Statutory funding with a focus on unrestricted funding opportunities.
- Work as an effective member of the senior management team to develop high value, strategic propositions aligned to National Literacy Trust’s organisational strategy.
- Provide strategic oversight of the broader fundraising portfolio, maximising existing partnerships and relationships while identifying new opportunities that enable sustainable growth.
- Collaborate closely with marketing and communications to effectively deliver fundraising campaigns that enable greater intersection across supporter audiences.
- Motivate and lead a high-performing team, ensuring effective planning, management and pipeline development and offering operational assistance as required.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- A strong track record of leadership across high value fundraising, with experience developing and delivering successful relationship fundraising strategies that have generated sustainable income growth.
- Strong understanding of major donor fundraising, partnership development and strategic account management that deliver income and impact.
- The ability to develop compelling value propositions and cases for support that resonate with high-value audiences and enable long-term support.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders, trustees and executive leaders internally and externally to secure buy-in and support.
- A strong coaching and leadership style, with experience developing individuals, teams and fundraising capability.
- Strategic thinking combined with operational credibility and strong commercial awareness.
How to Apply
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 17th November with 1st stage interviews to take place on Friday 27th November. To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role via our website using the apply now button.
Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.
