Palliative care for children aged 0-18 is delivered at Acorns’ hospices in Birmingham, Worcester, and Walsall, as well as in family homes or elsewhere in the community. Their holistic, tailored approach meets each child’s clinical, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual needs. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.
Over the past 18 months, Acorns’ leadership team has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and focused on embedding an organisation-wide fundraising culture, deepening internal relationships, and harnessing data analysis to drive performance. With this strong foundation in place, they are seeking a Director of Income Generation to play a key role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction while leading and integrating fundraising and retail operations.
About the role
As a key member of Acorns’ Executive Directorate, you will play a central role in shaping the organisation’s leadership and strategy. You’ll develop and implement innovative strategies to maximise fundraising income across individual giving, corporate partnerships, community fundraising, trusts, and legacies. In addition, you will oversee the performance and continued success of Acorns’ retail operation, strategically supporting the Retail Director in driving growth across a portfolio of c.50 shops.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior fundraiser seeking a strategic leadership role with a broad scope in a collaborative and positive culture. Under the leadership of a CEO who deeply values fundraising, Acorns is committed to investing in bold ideas and developing your team, setting the stage for future growth and long-term success.
As Director of Income Generation, you will:
- Join a high-functioning Executive Director team to effectively govern and lead the organisation’s strategic development
- Provide strategic direction, inspiration and leadership to the fundraising and retail teams, ensuring alignment with Acorns’ mission and values
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and innovative income generation strategy to meet ambitious financial targets
- Work closely with the Director of Retail to lead the strategy and operational management of 43 high street shops and 4 superstores, driving sales growth and profitability
- Build collaborative relationships across the organisation, contributing to a culture of cross-function working
- Explore new opportunities, including prize-led giving and digital fundraising, to keep Acorns at the forefront of fundraising innovation
- Act as an ambassador for Acorns, including addressing prospective donors and partners at events
About you
Ideal skills and experience:
- Extensive experience in fundraising leadership across multiple income streams
- A track record of creating and implementing innovative fundraising strategies
- A skilled leader with experience managing high-performing teams, providing guidance and support to maximise the strengths of staff
- Proven ability to think creatively, offering fresh approaches to fundraising that are both innovative and practical
- Ability to use data insights to drive strategy and decision-making, including tapping into demographic insights and donor behaviour to inform innovative fundraising strategies
- Strong public speaking and networking skills, including representing organisations at high-profile events, conferences, and other functions
- Passion for Acorns’ mission of supporting children and families and a willingness to learn and adapt to the hospice sector
Employee benefits
Benefits include:
- 31 days annual leave including bank holidays, rising to 35 days after 3 years’ service
- 7.5% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
- Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support