Commercial & Fundraising Director

Commercial & Fundraising Director

£55,000 - £60,000 per annum

Loughborough/hybrid working

The Youth Sport Trust believes in a future where every child enjoys the life changing benefits of play and sport. We are passionate about building a brighter future where our children are happier and healthier because we know when children are happy and healthy they learn, and if children learn we have a society fit for the future.

Over 25 years we have developed a unique way of maximising the power of sport to grow young people, schools and communities through the development of physical and mental health, fostering inclusion and building character and leadership skills.  We have been fortunate enough to work closely with government to influence policy and deliver national strategy, as well as in delivering and co-creating projects for a range of Trusts, Foundations, Lottery distributors and Corporates. 

Our new strategy recognises that COVID has had a huge impact on children and young people with many of the consequences yet unknown.  This has compounded some of the emerging consequences of a digital age on children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing and too many have been left feeling anxious isolated, lonely.  In particular the pandemic has widened the gaps created by disadvantage.  There is so much we can do to help children recover, rebalance their lives and build brighter futures, but we need more support and resource to meet current demand.  This is a key driver for the creation of this new and exciting role.

This is a unique role combining professional expertise and business acumen with a strong and inspirational moral purpose.  As Commercial & Fundraising Director, you will help us improve hundreds of thousands of children’s lives each year by raising funds and generating essential unrestricted income.  The resources you bring to the charity will be used to raise aspirations, reduce inequality, drive wellbeing and improve educational outcomes.

As a member of the senior management team, you will collaborate with colleagues to attract income and other resources by leveraging our brand to its fullest potential. Critical will be the ability to cultivate new partnerships as well as steward existing funders and supporters. Your remit will include developing and executing a commercial plan which generates new income and other resources through corporate and commercial partnerships and oversee the implementation of a fundraising plan to grow funding through, trusts & foundations, and individual giving. Responsible for negotiating and reviewing contracts, stakeholder reporting and monitoring performance, you will also ensure we meet all obligations and commitments related to fundraising and commercial activities.

Important, will be the capacity to lead, manage and inspire the Commercial team to hit annual income targets as well as encourage a positive culture.

Experienced at operating at a senior level, you will have a record of successful commercial and/or fundraising management and demonstrable expertise in creating and implementing a commercial strategy and/or fundraising strategy. You will excel at networking, stakeholder management and building productive relationships and partnerships. You will possess strong communication, analytical and influencing skills, and will have experience of developing organisational policy and building high performing teams too.

You will also demonstrate a good understanding of market research methods and analysis, reporting and financial/budgeting processes, and be fluent in the use of CRM systems.

An understanding of the not-for-profit sector or the education and sporting landscape would be an advantage.

In return you will get to join a dynamic and energetic charity passionate about improving children’s lives where all staff are given the opportunity to engage in the leadership and direction of the organisation. Our values underpin everything we do, and we pride ourselves on a work culture which fosters innovation, creativity and personal passion. Benefits include generous annual leave entitlement, health cash plan, employee assistance programme and volunteering days. In 2022 we were ranked one of the best Mid-Sized Companies to work for in the UK.

If you have the skills to help us deliver our strategic ambitions and share our passionate belief in the benefits of sport and play for young people, we would love to hear from you. Please go to our jobs page and complete an online application.

The Youth Sport Trust believes that diversity drives excellence and that representation is important. The Youth Sport Trust therefore positively welcomes and seeks to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment. We encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. 

Please note that this position is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Closing date: 11.59pm on 28 June 2022.

Interviews planned for 8 July 2022 in Loughborough.

Registered charity number: 1086915