Assistant Director of Income Generation (Major Donors)

Assistant Director of Income Generation Opportunity at Grief Encounter

Second-in-command for income generation, with real scope to shape how fundraising works

Grief Encounter is entering a period where stronger leadership within our income generation function will be critical to sustaining and growing our work. We are now looking for an Assistant Director of Income Generation (Major Donors) to act as a key member of the senior team and a trusted deputy to the Director.

This is a broad, outward-facing role, combining leadership, oversight and hands-on delivery. Alongside helping shape how the team operates, you will lead and grow our major donor fundraising – building relationships with high-value supporters, owning a portfolio, and playing a central role in securing significant gifts.

Who is Grief Encounter?

Grief Encounter was founded by Dr Shelley Gilbert MBE, and we work to offer a way through the anxiety, fear and isolation so often caused by grief. Bereavement is devastating at any age, but for a child it is life changing.

We are an open-access charity, funded by the generosity of our supporters. We are here to help ease the pain and confusion caused by the death of a parent or sibling. Our services include one-to-one counselling, music therapy, grief relief kits and much more.

What matters to Grief Encounter?

Our vision is a world where no child grieves alone. Our mission? To give every child, young person and their families access to the best possible support following the death of someone close.

We lead with empathy and kindness, putting people first.

If you join us at Grief Encounter…

You’ll be a senior leader in our Income Generation team, working closely with the Director of Income to help lead a nine-strong team and shape how the function develops. You will provide day-to-day management support, help bring structure and consistency to ways of working, and play a key role in building a collaborative, supportive culture across the team.

Alongside management and strategy duties, you will lead on Major Donors fundraising, building strong and lasting relationships with major donors while confidently leading on stewardship. You’ll help us to secure sustainable income in a wholly donation-funded model, while raising awareness of childhood bereavement.

Ultimately, you’ll help create a more resilient, well-structured fundraising function that can deliver consistent year-on-year growth. We look forward to welcoming you to a team that upholds values of integrity, compassion and excellence.

Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Grief Encounter!

If you have specific questions about the role or the application process, please email John Sanger to arrange a convenient time at [email protected]. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.