Head of Relationship Fundraising

Duchenne UK works tirelessly to challenge barriers, deliver practical solutions, and speed up progress for families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The charity collaborate with leading researchers, clinicians, industry and charity partners to deliver hope and measurable progress for people living with DMD in the UK.

Founded by two mothers whose sons were diagnosed with DMD, the charity has raised more than £34 million to accelerate research, improve care and help transform outcomes for families affected by this life-limiting condition.

As the charity enters a new phase of growth, it is investing in the structures, stewardship and fundraising expertise needed to build on that success while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and close community connections that have made it so successful.

A newly created role, the Head of Relationship Fundraising will lead a diverse portfolio spanning Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value and major donor relationships, charity partnerships and corporate fundraising opportunities. Reporting to the Director of Income Generation, you will inherit an established portfolio of supporters and partners while identifying new opportunities for growth across the Duchenne community and beyond.

A key focus will be Duchenne UK s Family & Friends Funds programme, a nationwide network of more than 50 family-led funds. You will combine ambitious income generation with exceptional supporter care, building trusted relationships with families, supporters, partners and donors whose connection to DMD is often deeply personal.

Working closely with the Director of Income Generation, CEO and co-founder Emily Reuben OBE, co-founder Alex Johnson OBE, and wider senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of relationship fundraising and helping to build a more strategic and sustainable fundraising programme for the years ahead.

As Head of Relationship Fundraising, you will:

• Lead delivery of Duchenne UK s relationship fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth across multiple income streams
• Develop and grow Family & Friends fundraising, community fundraising, mid-value, major donor, partnership and corporate fundraising opportunities
• Build and steward a pipeline of supporters and prospects, developing meaningful long-term relationships
• Develop the Family & Friends Funds programme, ensuring excellent and compassionate supporter experiences
• Develop supporter journeys, stewardship plans and relationship management processes that increase engagement and retention
• Strengthen fundraising systems, processes and ways of working to support future growth
• Operationally lead relationships with charity partners and key stakeholders
• Monitor fundraising performance, pipeline activity and KPIs
• Line manage the Community & Events Fundraiser and help shape the wider fundraising function s future direction, structure and growth

Essential skills and experience:

• Significant experience in relationship fundraising, with a track record of delivering sustainable income growth
• Experience managing complex supporter or donor relationships in emotionally sensitive or values-led environments
• Experience working with high-value supporters or philanthropy audiences
• Experience developing community, peer-to-peer, high-value or partnership fundraising relationships
• Demonstrable success in achieving income targets and building fundraising pipelines
• Strong relationship management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience developing supporter journeys and stewardship approaches that improve engagement and retention
• Strong financial awareness, including pipeline management and forecasting
• Excellent communication skills and experience using CRM systems effectively
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, empathy and a commitment to outstanding supporter care
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach

Desirable:

• Experience within a health, medical research or disability-related charity
• Experience of diagnosis-led, in-memory or bereavement-related fundraising
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and Gift Aid
• Experience using Salesforce

Employee benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Summer Fridays half days on Fridays in July and August (pro rata)
• Team wellness day and team away day
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support