Head of Fundraising and Engagement
Job Title: Head of Fundraising and Engagement
Salary: £45,000
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week – with some evening and weekend when required.
Responsible to: Managing Director
About the Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of London’s leading city farms and play a key role in providing opportunities, education and training to the local community and beyond. As a small yet growing charitable organisation, this also offers candidates an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Vauxhall City Farm turns 50 in 2026, and you will join a team that is committed, enthusiastic and future focused. This is a key role that is part of the three-person Senior Management Team leading the organisation. This role will lead in the growth and development of our income streams enabling the organisation to continue delivering our mission to our community.
Main Purpose of the Job:
You will be closely involved in the of the development of a new five-year strategy and masterplan for the farm and will lead on the fundraising and communications strategies that will deliver these ambitious plans. Working with the team, this role will be critical for identifying and developing income streams to meet these goals. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on growing the Charity’s multifaceted approach to proactive and innovative fundraising, supported by a clear marketing and communications proposition. The role-holder will also have a full appreciation of how delivering great outdoor learning experiences and positive community engagement will enhance the Charity’s local, national and international reputation, helping to create a compelling case for support across all fundraising workstreams.
Main Responsibilities
Management:
Direct line management of the Community Engagement Officer, the Administrator and freelance Events Project Manager/s.
Fundraising:
- Organisation lead for fundraising working with the whole team to hit fundraising targets.
- Develop and implement a new fundraising strategy to deliver long-term income generation goals, whilst putting in place a robust plan for ensuring the short to mid-term fundraising targets are met.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with high-level stakeholders of current and potential corporate partners, major donors, supporters, advocates and decision-makers from charitable and statutory funding bodies, working with the Chair, MD and Trustees where appropriate.
- Maintain a professional awareness of sector trends and developments, implementing changes and improvements to the organisation’s fundraising as appropriate.
- Champion the Charity’s mission as an articulate spokesperson and representative at public events and promote and support the engagement and involvement of the MD, senior team and the Board of Trustees in public relations and media opportunities.
Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement:
- Develop and deliver integrated marketing and communications strategies to raise awareness, drive engagement, and support organisational goals.
- Lead targeted campaigns with measurable outcomes across digital, print, media, and events.
- Strengthen brand visibility and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
- Use audience insights to inform content and engagement strategies.
- Work with the SMT to embed the Charity’s mission into education, outreach, and events.
- Champion the organisation’s impact to diverse communities and stakeholders.
- Promote inclusive, transparent, and responsive communication.
- Build partnerships that extend reach and support long-term growth.
Event Management:
- Work with the team to plan, develop and deliver a programme of seasonal and income generating events.
- Manage our freelance Project Managers for larger/offsite events.
- Manage bespoke onsite events such as filming requests.
- Develop and coordinate a programme of mission led events to increase income and footfall for bar/event space, working closely with bar/café team.
- Liaise with other staff and the MD on planning of events requirements – e.g. marketing, equipment, use of Farmyard animals, hiring contractors, drivers etc.
- Manage customer and partner relationships.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate and promote the values of Vauxhall City farm.
- Maintain a commitment to high standards of health and safety at all times, ensuring all work is undertaken within the Vauxhall city Farm health and safety policy and processes.
- Make active use of information and resources gained via personal networks to inform the development of this role.
- Perform any other duties consistent with the role and / or reasonably required by your line manager.
- Deliver an impactful and efficient operation, maintaining effective financial control whilst doing so.
- Create quarterly reports for the Board, which has oversight of fundraising, communications and community engagement.
Person Specification
You will have:
- Proven senior leadership with ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
- Strong track record in growing income through fundraising and partnerships.
- Deep knowledge of charity fundraising, marketing, and campaign delivery.
- Skilled in leading multiple teams and complex projects.
- Strong understanding of compliance, risk, safeguarding, and governance.
- Excellent planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
- Experience of engaging with Boards and external stakeholders.
- Exceptional communicator with diplomacy and advocacy skills.
- Strategic thinker with ability to deliver operational results.
- Experience in managing events, budgets, and external suppliers.
- Detail-oriented problem solver, calm under pressure and self-motivated.
- Collaborative, empathetic, forward-thinking, creative, and committed to organisational vision.
This job description sets out the main duties of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
How to apply
To apply for the Head of Fundraising and Engagement position please submit:
- C.V. – maximum 2 sides of A4
- A covering letter (no more than 2 pages) letting us know:
1. What do you love about your current job?
2. What would working at The Farm mean to you?
3. What skills and experience will you bring that align with the job description?
4. What is your super strength?
Email the above to: recruitment@vauxhallcityfarm.org with the subject: Head of Fundraising and Engagement recruitment
Closing Date: 21st September. Interviews for successful candidates will be held Week Commencing 22nd September.
Employment requirement
The post holder must have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide the necessary paperwork to verify this. As the role requires close working with children/young people the post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance on appointment.
Terms and conditions
• Location: Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, London SE11 5HS
• Hours: 35 hours per week (open to 28 hours/4 days pw)
• Length of contract: Permanent
• Probation period: 6 months
By applying for this vacancy, you consent to the safe storage and handling of any personal data you have provided us with. We will never share your data with a third-party without your consent. You can request the removal of your data at any time, by emailing info@vauxhallcityfarm.org
August 2025
