Fundraising and Marketing Manager

Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a vibrant, proactive national charity working with more than 5,000 families with a child or young person with Down syndrome. Our vision is for people with Down syndrome to lead their best lives.

Role Overview

This role is responsible for achieving fundraising targets, managing the community fundraising team and freelance grant writer(s), and leading all marketing initiatives, including social media management.

 Reporting to the CEO, this role is ideal for someone with a strong background in fundraising, marketing, and team management who is passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to meet financial targets.
• Identify and develop new funding opportunities, including corporate sponsorships, business network, regular giving, legacies and fundraising campaigns.
• Support and manage the community fundraising team to maximise income from individual giving, sponsored events, and community-led initiatives.
• Oversee and work closely with the freelance grant writer(s) to ensure timely and high-quality funding applications.
• Maintain and develop relationships with funders, donors, and key stakeholders, providing impact reports and updates. Develop and deliver innovative fundraising events and campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and best practices.

 Marketing and Communications

• Develop and implement an effective marketing strategy to enhance awareness, engagement, uptake of services and fundraising.
• Oversee all communications, ensuring a consistent and compelling message aligned with the charity’s vision.
• Work with Trustees and the Senior Management Team to significantly build our brand.
• Manage the social media team, ensuring engaging, timely, and impactful content across platforms.
• Oversee content creation for digital and print marketing materials, newsletters, press releases, and the website.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
• Strengthen relationships with media outlets and influencers to increase the charity’s profile. 

 Team and Budget Management 

• Lead and support the community fundraising team, the marketing and communications team and freelance grant writer(s), ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Monitor budgets related to fundraising and marketing activities, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and achieving ROI targets.
• Report on fundraising and marketing performance, providing regular updates to senior management and trustees.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
• Experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, ideally within the charity sector.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience managing teams and external contractors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences.
• Strategic thinking, with the ability to identify and capitalise on fundraising and marketing opportunities.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of SEO optimisation, social media management and digital marketing strategies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM and fundraising platforms.

 Desirable Skills & Experience:

•  Experience in grant writing and securing funding from trusts and foundations.
• Knowledge of Google Ads and analytics.
• Familiarity of using Sales Force.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations and best practices.
• Experience working with volunteers and community groups.
• A personal connection to or experience within the Down syndrome or wider disability community.

 Additional Information

• This is a remote role, but you will need to sometimes travel to attend events and meetings.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required to support fundraising events and campaigns

Closing date 14th April 2025.