The Barrie Wells Trust is a successful children’s charity dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories for seriously ill and disabled children and their families.
Our flagship initiative, Box4Kids, provides VIP experiences at major sporting and entertainment events. Since 2010, more than 29,000 children and family members have enjoyed these experiences.
We are now seeking an exceptional Director of Fundraising to help take the Trust into its next phase of growth. Working closely with founder and Executive Chairman Barrie Wells MBE, you will build on the Trust’s strong foundations while developing a sustainable fundraising function to increase its reach and impact.
The role
This is a senior, hands-on role for an experienced charity professional with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation. You will be responsible for developing and implementing a fundraising strategy, building relationships with corporate supporters and high-net-worth individuals, and securing both financial and in-kind support.
You will also oversee the Trust’s events programme and key relationships with hospitals, hospices, charities, donors and volunteers, ensuring everything comes together to deliver exceptional experiences for children and their families.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement a sustainable fundraising strategy to grow income and support the Trust’s future ambitions.
- Identify, approach and build long-term relationships with corporate partners, major donors and high-net-worth individuals.
- Secure financial donations alongside in-kind support, including hospitality boxes and experiences.
- Lead and develop relationships with hospitals, hospices, charities, donors and volunteers.
- Oversee the planning and delivery of the Trust’s events programme.
- Lead and support the team, managing resources, budgets and operational priorities.
- Develop communications and engagement activity to strengthen relationships with supporters and stakeholders.
- Ensure fundraising and operations meet relevant regulatory, governance and best-practice standards.
About you
We are looking for an experienced charity professional with demonstrable fundraising success, including experience of developing and significantly growing income.
You will have:
- A proven track record in fundraising and income generation.
- Experience securing support from corporates, major donors and/or HNWIs.
- Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and communication skills.
- The ability to develop and implement a fundraising strategy and turn opportunities into income.
- Strong leadership, organisational and project management skills.
- Commercial judgement and an entrepreneurial approach.
- The warmth, energy and emotional intelligence to represent the Trust and build meaningful relationships.
Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys bringing people together to achieve something special and understands the difference that the Trust’s work makes to children and their families.
Why join the Barrie Wells Trust?
This is a unique opportunity to join a highly successful charity and build its fundraising capability virtually from the ground up. Working directly with its founder and Executive Chairman, you will have significant scope to shape the Trust’s future, develop new partnerships and create sustainable income that enables more seriously ill and disabled children to benefit from extraordinary experiences.
If you have a strong fundraising track record and are looking for a senior role where your relationships, energy and expertise can have a direct and tangible impact, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV with a covering letter outlining specific examples of your fundraising achievements, including the scale and type of funds you have personally raised or been responsible for developing, and why you are suited to this role.
Applications close: Midday, Monday 5 October 2026
Interviews: Monday 26 October 2026
