Charity People is delighted to be partnering with The Passage to recruit an exceptional interim Head of Supporter Engagement and Events for a maternity cover contract.

This is a pivotal leadership role within The Passage’s Fundraising and Communications team, responsible for driving supporter engagement and delivering a diverse portfolio of fundraising programmes. From special events and individual giving to community fundraising and celebrity ambassador engagement, this role ensures supporters are at the heart of everything The Passage does.

About The Passage
The Passage are an incredible charity based in Westminster providing people experiencing homelessness with the support to transform their lives. Their vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home. Last year, they supported over 2,000 people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

• Location: London, with some hybrid working
• Salary: £56,960
• Contract: Maternity Cover (exact dates TBC)
• Annual Leave: 33 days including Bank Holidays
• Hours: 40 hours per week

The Role

As Head of Supporter Engagement and Events, you will lead a talented team to grow and diversify income streams, ensuring a first-class supporter experience. As part of the Senior Management Group, you will also contribute to organisational strategy and represent The Passage externally.

Key Priorities During the Contract

For the duration of the maternity cover, the successful candidate will focus on:

• Personally leading the development and delivery of core events including Garden Party, Big Sports Quiz, A Little Night Music, and Laughter to the Rafters.
• Developing and implementing processes to streamline, improve and enhance supporter data and communications.

• Leading the implementation of the supporter journey strategy, collaborating with colleagues across fundraising and communications to ensure a seamless, personalised, and data-driven experience for all supporters.

• Managing relationships with Passage Ambassadors, particularly Dara O’Briain, who plays a key role in our annual comedy event, Laughter to the Rafters.
• Working closely with the Head of Development to enhance the special events programme and identify opportunities to uplift income across corporate, trust and major donors.
• Provide coaching and direction to a multi-functional team, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Budget Management: Prepare accurate forecasts and monitor KPIs to achieve ambitious income targets.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic leader with:

• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.
• A track record of achieving and exceeding income targets.
• Expertise in event planning and delivery at a senior level.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing multi-functional teams.
• Ability to leverage celebrity involvement and deliver exceptional supporter stewardship.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and KPIs.

To apply

To register your interest in this brilliant opportunity and request a job pack, please send your updated CV to Kevin Croasdale (kevin@charitypeople.co.uk)  from our recruitment partner, Charity People. If your profile fits what we're looking for we'll be in touch with lots more details and to arrange a follow up call.

Key Dates:

Closing Date: Midday Monday 12th January

Interviews Stage 1 w/c 19^th January

Interviews Stage 2 and Offer -w/c 26^th January

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform Kevin if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Could you use your fundraising and leadership skills to support the movement to end homelessness in Greater Manchester? 

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation that has grown rapidly in terms of brand, visibility and most importantly, impact. Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity exists to ensure homelessness has no place in our city region. Since launching in 2019, they’ve raised millions to fund emergency responses like A Bed Every Night and are now scaling impact by growing emphasis on prevention and systemic change. Backed by the Mayor of Greater Manchester as Patron, they bring together business, civic and community partners together to deliver practical solutions and champion innovation.

Salary: £50k
Location: Hybrid (based in and around Greater Manchester)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Benefits: 33 days holiday (including bank) + Christmas closure, statutory employer pension contribution

About the role 

There’s something extra special about Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – uniquely positioned as a connector of people and places, with the ability to be agile and move at pace due to their small, but mighty make-up. 

You’ll report to an engaged and proactive Chair and Board of Trustees and lead a small, committed team, to ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and measurable impact.

First and foremost, this job is about fundraising, so you’ll need to get excited by the prospect of rolling your sleeves up, engaging with high-value supporters and ‘doing the doing’.As CEO, we’ll be looking for you to:

• Shape strategic direction and drive innovation across emergency response and prevention.
• Deliver high-impact income generation as fundraising lead (focused on corporates and philanthropists), building and delivering a sustainable pipeline.
• Champion our inclusive approach to grant-making and growing our portfolio of trants.
• Act as a respected voice in the homelessness sector, convening stakeholders and influencing policy.
• Embed a values-led culture that is Pioneering, Accountable, Collaborative and Effective.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who can inspire supporters and deliver results. This might be your first CEO role, but we’ll be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience and the ability to build strong external relationships.
• Track-record in fundraising, income generation or partnership development.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and a team.
• Exceptional communication skills and confidence in public speaking.
• Understanding of (or demonstrable commitment to) homelessness, housing and social justice.

Why is this a brilliant opportunity for me?

This is your chance to make a tangible difference in Greater Manchester, leading a high-profile charity that is ambitious and committed to ending homelessness. If you are looking for a supportive and collaborative Board and the opportunity to grow and develop your skills and experience alongside a charity that intends to continue evolving, then this one could absolutely be for you.

Just to be crystal clear, we welcome applications from first-time Chief Execs for this role.

How to Apply

All you need to do is send a copy of your CV or a draft profile over to Amelia Lee as the first step.

We’re anticipating a high volume of applications for this role, so from there we’ll be in touch with full application details if you meet the minimum skills and experience required.

Deadline: 9am on Monday 22^nd December. However, please do get in touch ASAP if interested – we’ll never close early, but it would be great to ensure you have enough time to apply around the busy Christmas period.

Interviews will be held mid-January, after the festive season – dates TBC soon.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.