Head of Fundraising

Salary: £65,000-£80,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF (hybrid working - office-based three days per week)

Be the force behind our fundraising future

We re looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Fundraising to lead the acceleration of Lift Schools comprehensive fundraising strategy and scale a proven fundraising income stream that supports our ambitious mission and long-term growth.

This newly created central role offers a unique opportunity to shape and scale how Lift Schools attracts philanthropic support, builds strong partnerships and unlocks new income streams to transform education for thousands of children. You ll lead the delivery of a high-impact fundraising strategy, and develop a fundraising and major gifts pipeline with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.

You ll be joining an organisation with philanthropic momentum, supported by a compelling strategy which you would have the opportunity to shape. Our foundation for growth is proven, including a track record of securing significant donations and grant successes. This is an opportunity to build upon prior successes for immediate, large-scale impact and rapid growth.

You ll be someone who:

• Is motivated by our mission to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day
• Brings a proven track record in securing income from major donors, trusts, foundations and corporates
• Has the vision and drive to both scale existing and establish new income streams from the ground up
• Understands how philanthropy can unlock opportunities for young people across the country

You ll also need to bring:

• A strong track record in successful fundraising, ideally in education or the wider non-profit sector
• Experience leading or establishing a fundraising function
• Confidence in engaging high-value supporters, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking, strong project management and a solutions-focused mindset

You ll be ambitious, creative and values-driven someone who s energised by our mission and ready to lead.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

• We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
• With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
• We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

How we support you

At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work life balance with two days a week working from home, 33 days of annual leave, and the freedom to work remotely outside of term time.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can t wait to hear from you.

The role is due to commence as soon as possible.

Closing date: 19th November 2025, 5pm

Interview dates: 3rd and 8th December 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.