Belong to Something Amazing…
Catalyst is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Fundraising to join our passionate and dynamic team.
About Catalyst
We are a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology innovation in Northern Ireland with buildings and hubs in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry where companies can use our flexible workspaces to operate from. We use the profits generated from our property portfolio to deliver entrepreneurial support programmes, facilitate funding, inform policy and accelerate technology-based research and development, by linking with academia and government.
Working at Catalyst
A certified Great Place to Work® and awarded as one of the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK for 2024, Catalyst is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting employers.
With a strong vision of Opportunity for all from world-leading innovation, this is a workplace brimming with ambition to create social, cultural, and economic advantage. We are a force for good, bold in our approach with integrity at our core and passion in everything we do.
Diversity and Inclusion at Catalyst
Diversity and inclusion aren’t boxes to tick on a CSR list. At Catalyst, they are part of our DNA, lived, breathed, seen, and heard across our community, projects, and co-working spaces.
We not only want to foster and empower a culture of innovation, but also an environment where people can be their true, authentic self and thrive, and we are proud to be recognised by the Diversity Charter for achieving silver status, with ambitions to progress to Gold.
As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based solely on the individual’s ability to perform the role, and that’s allowed us to create an inclusive workplace which celebrates the diversity of our teams and community.
What are we looking for?
As Head of Fundraising, you will play a pivotal role in driving our fundraising efforts, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Catalyst Strategy. You will lead the development and implementation of fundraising strategies, building strong relationships with funders to help us unlock new opportunities and make an even greater impact.
Key information
- Full time, permanent contract
- Competitive salary: £45,000 – £55,000 depending on experience.
- A comprehensive benefits package.
- Based at the Innovation Centre, Queen’s Road, Belfast (hybrid working arrangement available).
- Reporting to Director of Finance.
- Closing Friday 13th June at 12noon.
Employee Perks
- Competitive Benefits Package including Private medical insurance for you and your dependents.
- Generous pension contribution.
- Generous life assurance policy.
- Enhanced parental leave packages.
- Free open access to company organised events.
- Free parking onsite.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned with Catalyst’s vision and mission.
- Proactively identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies, to diversify and strengthen funding streams.
- Work collaboratively across teams to design high-quality grant proposals with accurate budgeting and compliance with funder guidelines and requirements.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with funders and partners, acting as a trusted representative of Catalyst.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance, using data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead Catalyst’s readiness for funding bids, including preparing due diligence documents, evidence of impact, and risk assessments.
- Drive funder engagement through compelling communication of Catalyst’s impact, priorities, and funding opportunities
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials, proposals, and reports.
- Any other reasonable duties required for this role.
Essential Criteria
- At least 3 years’ recent experience in a fundraising role with a proven track record of securing grant funding and successful bid submissions aligned to organisational priorities.
- Detailed current knowledge of the funding landscape with demonstrable success in identifying and maintaining funder relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver strategic fundraising plans to amplify organisational impact.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively across all levels of an organisation.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey and confidently present Catalyst’s mission and impact to diverse audiences.
- Proactive and results-driven with strong project management skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple initiatives and deadlines simultaneously.
- Demonstrated discretion and professionalism when dealing with sensitive or confidential information.
- Passion for Catalyst’s vision and mission, with a genuine desire to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in developing individual giving campaigns and securing corporate partnerships.
- Experience using CRM systems or grant management software for pipeline tracking and reporting.
- Awareness of and/or experience using AI tools to enhance bid development, prospect research, or proposal writing.
Special Requirements
- Proof of right to work in the UK.
Get in touch
If you are an experienced fundraising professional driven by our vision, we invite you to get in touch.
