Charity People are working with the brilliant charity, Music of Life, to find their very first Head of Development and Communications, to welcome a new and pivotal era for this wonderful organisation.

Music of Life was set up in 2003 by Chief Executive, Maria Teterina who qualified as a concert pianist and music teacher. Maria is passionately committed to supporting young people with disabilities, and Music of Life has to date supported over 6,000 children nationally.

Music of Life exists to build and strengthen the skills, well-being and confidence of children and young people with disabilities through music-making. Their vision is of a world where these children and young people have the same access to music-making as any other child. They provide high-quality musical education and performance opportunities to children and address a real lack of opportunity for them to experience the benefits of music education, all of which is carried out by highly qualified music teachers on a contract basis.

The Charity has an income of around £250K today with a target to double this in 5 years. The Board is chaired by Ray Longbottom, a former senior executive of a major company, and has a dynamic group of Trustees who are actively engaged in its work. The Head of Development and Communications will work closely with the CEO and the Board to achieve this funding target.

This is Music of Life’s first ever Head of Development position, marking an incredibly important moment in their history, and the postholder has an exciting brief: to take fundraising to the next level, shape and deliver a new strategy, and build a solid foundation for years to come.

Salary circa £45,000-50,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Home based but with a requirement to meet regularly in person with the CEO and Chair, attend Board and other meetings (London, Midlands) and visit our projects and events.

* 3% employee pension contribution
* 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
* Personalised training and development budget
* Home-based with the expectation of regular in-person catch ups with CEO and Chair and meeting key partners and stakeholders as required

Flexible working: The charity is very happy to have a conversation around the flexible needs of candidates, and open to discussion on flexible working patterns.

The Role
The postholder will lead the development and implementation of a new fundraising and communications strategy to grow charitable donations, shaping the exciting journey ahead.

As this is a new role, we want to be guided by an experienced individual, who can take ownership of their strategy, and communicate vision and plans for fundraising clearly, effectively, and with genuine passion for our work, and help move Music of Life into a new era of income generation, growth, and greater impact.

Ideal candidates will have strong stewardship skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a strategic mindset. They should be flexible, adaptable, and open to collaboration, with a commitment to innovation and improvement in the charity’s systems and processes. This role is suitable for both experienced fundraisers and those looking to advance their leadership careers.

Some of the key skills and experiences that would bring success to this role include:
– A strong and evidenced record of generating fundraising income from multiple income/ revenue streams
– Experience of building fundraising campaigns for a wide range of stakeholders
– Strong stewardship skills
– Excellent communication skills with the ability to write compelling copy, engage a variety of stakeholders and to communicate plans effectively and clearly
– Willingness and ability to innovate and improve the charity’s systems and process, including CRM
– Strong commercial and financial acumen. Able to think strategically and develop future growth plans

Charity People are the chosen recruitment partner for this incredible search.
If this new leadership role sounds like the next brilliant opportunity for you, please get in touch with kevin@charitypeople.co.uk to request an application pack and to discuss how to apply.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 6th September
FIRST INTERVIEWS: w/c 16th September
SECOND INTERVIEWS: 23rd September