Head of Development

ABOUT US

RUHX is the working name of RUH Charitable Fund, the official NHS charity of The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH). In 2022 we changed our working name from “The Forever Friends Appeal” to RUHX to better reflect the extra-extraordinary work we fund and capture the exceptional commitment and generosity of our supporters who give us the power to do more.

At RUHX, we are more than a hospital charity. Since 1999 we have gone further to give every patient the extra extraordinary care they deserve, while supporting our staff to do what they do best and furthering innovation within our hospitals. We are out there in our community, collaborating with the people and organisations who drive real change. And we’re making sure that every penny we raise goes towards improving health, happiness and wellbeing for everyone in our community. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Head of Development will be a dynamic leader within the RUH and a charismatic ambassador externally. Responsible for leading the Development Team across all funding streams and personally managing a select portfolio of major gift prospects, the role will transform our approach to fundraising and philanthropy, delivering against demanding targets and key projects (research, patient & staff support, capital campaigns, medical equipment and ‘where the need is greatest’). This is an exciting opportunity to help lead, grow and re-shape the Development Team and is a pivotal role within the SLT, reporting directly to the Head of RUHX.

The successful candidate will be the entrepreneurial force behind leading a team to grow income to £4m+ to support projects and campaigns across the RUH. You will be an experienced fundraising professional with a proven track record of delivering significant income across all funding streams and meeting challenging targets to deliver growth. As an innovative and strategic leader, you will focus on driving donor-centric partnerships, providing exceptional supporter experiences while bolstering exceptional stakeholder relationships.

The Head of Development will be an inspiring and compassionate leader, used to recruiting and motivating a high-performing team and operating a learning and development approach. A skilled communicator and influencer with exceptional diplomatic skills, you will have an ability to develop strong working relationships with staff, trustees, donors and other stakeholders. You will have extensive budget management and planning experience, and will be working closely with the SLT, the Director of Finance and the Charities Committee.

Above all, you will be dedicated to RUHX, the RUH and the NHS - committed to transforming patient care through a business-minded and innovative approach towards driving development. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development—The post holder will line manage a successful team of fundraisers and will be responsible for securing a team total of £1.5m per year. The Head of Development will manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and will be responsible for the identification and cultivation of potential donors, typically in the region of £250,000 and above, delivering a £1.5m a year.
• Leadership & Management- responsible for providing inspiring and innovative leadership and team management, nurturing a culture of ambition, support, and inclusion at RUHX. Ensure the alignment of the charity's vision, values, and behaviours while managing a high-performing Development Team, in line with best practice.
• Strategy - responsible for the strategic leadership and delivery of all development functions of the RUHX’s income generation, in line with the charity’s objectives and the Charities Committee.
• Governance and Compliance- responsible for ensuring RUHX's is compliant with all fundraising regulatory and legal obligations, including GDPR, The Fundraising Regulator and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Financial & Risk Management- responsible for leading and managing the Development Team to meet financial fundraising targets and oversee budgets. Working with the SLT, ensure timely updates to the Head of RUHX and Charities Committee, reporting on risks with recommendations.
• External Relations and Communications- working with RUHX Director and Marketing & Communications Team support with corporate communications, public relations, and brand consistency.