Head of Events & Community Fundraising

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Stockport, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading and Leeds. Over the past eleven years, Smart Works has helped over 40,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. We are on track to achieve this by expanding the reach of our existing centres and opening new centres in areas of need including Bristol; set to open in early 2025.

About this role

This is an exciting role that will lead the successful growth and delivery of the Smart Works events and community fundraising programme. Managing the Events Manager, Community Fundraising Manager and Retail Relationship Manager, you will work closely with the Partnerships Team to deliver exceptional events, raise vital funds and secure stock for clients and fundraising.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust Events and Community Fundraising strategy, to generate £800k+ of in-year income, and bolster future financial and community engagement opportunities. The candidate will also work closely with the Head of Wardrobe, growing partnerships with retail brands which support Smart Works’ activities.

We seek an excellent events manager, with experience in delivering end-to-end events, as well as demonstrable experience of fundraising through challenge events and regional community fundraising. An ability to juggle conflicting priorities and exceed set targets will be key.

Smart Works has a collaborative environment, with dynamic teams and ambitious plans. It is also a rewarding place to work and a lot of fun, with valuable opportunities to attend nationwide fundraising activities, expert leadership panel discussions, fashion sales and exclusive events.

If you are a dynamic, proactive self-starter, with a sense of urgency and exceptional organisational skills, then this could be the ideal opportunity for you. We would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please read through the full job description and then please submit a CV and a cover letter which answers the following questions by 5pm on Sunday 24th November. Your application should be addressed to Hannah Sanders, Director of Partnerships.

1. How is Smart Works an effective cause with which to raise money from events and community fundraising? (Max 400 words)
2. What experiences and skills do you have that make you well suited for this role? (Max 400 words)
3. What are the key components to successfully delivering a programme of events? (Max 400 words)

First round interviews will take place online on 29th November or 2nd December and second round interviews will take place in person in London on 9th December. 

Smart Works is committed to best practice employment practices, including reducing the burden for those seeking work. Smart Works will therefore reimburse reasonable costs of travel to interviews if required.