The Search Brief

Charity People were delighted to be retained by the Foundation for Liver Research (FLR) to recruit their first-ever Fundraising Manager, a newly created role marking a pivotal moment in the charity’s journey. This appointment signalled the start of a new strategic era, with FLR seeking to build sustainable income streams to support ambitious research and academic programmes.

The brief was to identify a candidate with a strong track record across multiple income streams, particularly Trusts and High Net-Worth Individuals—who could shape and deliver a bold fundraising strategy. The ideal candidate would bring strategic thinking, relationship-building skills, and the ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders including the COO, Trustees, and the Scientific Research Team. 

The Charity

Established in 1974, the Foundation for Liver Research has supported over five decades of pioneering research into liver disease. This includes landmark work in liver transplantation and acute liver failure at King’s College Hospital, led by founding Director Professor Roger Williams.

Since 2016, research has taken place within the charity’s purpose-built facility, recently renamed The Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS). RW-ILS represents a unique clinical academic partnership between FLR, King’s College London, and King’s College Hospital, encompassing a multi-disciplinary team focused on liver research and improving outcomes for patients with liver diseases. 

The Role

The Fundraising Manager role was designed to lead FLR’s income generation strategy, build on existing relationships, and identify key priority areas for growth. It offered a unique opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at the charity. 

Key responsibilities included: 

• – Developing and implementing a new fundraising strategy 

• – Building compelling cases for support around complex scientific work 

• – Delivering sustainable income growth across Trusts, Major Donors, Individual Giving, and Campaigns 

• – Collaborating with the COO, Trustees, and Scientific Research Team 

• – Engaging and inspiring a range of stakeholders and funders 

Our Exclusive Search Process

Charity People delivered a bespoke and highly targeted search campaign, combining: 

• – Headhunting: Proactive outreach to fundraising professionals with relevant experience and values alignment, using tailored messaging and insight-led engagement 

• – Key Connections: Leveraging our extensive network in the charity sector to identify hidden talent and warm referrals 

• – LinkedIn Recruiter: A focused LinkedIn campaign using advanced search filters and personalised engagement to reach candidates with the right strategic and relationship-building profile 

• – Charity People Database: Our proprietary database of fundraising professionals enabled us to quickly identify and engage candidates with proven success in income generation and strategic development 

This multi-channel approach ensured we reached both active and passive candidates, with a strong emphasis on values fit, scientific curiosity, and strategic capability. 

Search Outcomes

• – Engaged over 50 candidates 

• – Conducted 14 in-depth screening interviews via Teams 

• – Submitted a shortlist of 7 candidates for client interviews 

• – Successfully placed a brilliantly talented candidate in post 

In addition to candidate sourcing and screening, Charity People provided comprehensive support throughout the recruitment process, including: 

• – Development of the application pack 

• – Designing interview questions aligned with the role’s strategic priorities 

• – Creating a bespoke interview task to assess candidates’ fundraising vision and approach 

The Outcome

The search resulted in a highly competitive shortlist of candidates, each bringing a unique blend of experience, creativity, and passion for FLR’s mission. The appointed candidate impressed with their strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and ability to translate complex research into compelling cases for support.

This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Foundation for Liver Research, with fundraising now positioned as a central driver of growth, innovation, and long-term impact.