Director of Development

• Suffolk Community Foundation 
• Address: The Old Barns, Peninsula Business Centre, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2BB
• Salary: £62,000 - £65,000 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
• Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 0984

Suffolk Community Foundation are looking to appoint a Director of Development.

As Director of Development, you will drive fundraising across a diverse and high impact portfolio.

This includes corporate giving, community benefit funds linked to NSIPs (National Significant Infrastructure Projects), health sector partnerships, local council relationships, and applications to national charitable trusts.

You will lead and inspire our Philanthropy Team, supporting their work with private donors, family funds and legacy giving. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will help promote the Foundation to new partners, raise our profile, and unlock significant investment into Suffolk’s communities. 

What you will lead on

• Corporate giving – building strong, values aligned partnerships with Suffolk businesses. 
  National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) funding; securing community benefit investment from major infrastructure projects. 
• Suffolk Infrastructure Fund – expanding a flagship fund supporting communities impacted by development. 
• Health and ICB partnerships – developing funding programmes that improve community health and wellbeing. 
• Local council engagement – develop income opportunities with Suffolk’s public sector partners. 
• National trust fundraising – securing multi year grants from major UK funders. 
• Leadership of the Philanthropy Team – supporting high quality donor stewardship and growth. 

Your responsibilities

• Lead strategic income generation through corporate partnerships, infrastructure projects, public sector relationships and national grant fundraising.
• Grow and diversify funding streams, securing long-term investment that benefits Suffolk communities.
• Manage and develop the Philanthropy Team, ensuring a strong focus on high-value opportunities and exceptional donor stewardship.
• Build and maintain senior relationships across business, government, health and voluntary sector partners.
• Represent SCF externally at events, meetings and public engagements, raising the organisation's profile and influence.
• Work collaboratively across teams to develop impactful funding programmes and a joined-up organisational approach.
• Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting strategy, financial planning, risk management and organisational culture.
• Provide income forecasting and performance insight to the CEO and Board, helping drive long-term financial sustainability.
• Champion SCF's values of collaboration, transparency and trust-based philanthropy.

What you will need

• Have around 3 bullet points dedicated to detailing qualification/s required and main skills Detail any essential criteria (eg Qualifications or equivalent)
• Educated to A-Level standard (or equivalent) with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience in fundraising, business development or income generation.
• Strong track record of building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders, donors, trusts and partners. 
• Experience working with public sector, health, corporate, or charitable funding sources. 
• Strong leadership and people management skills. 
• Ability to develop compelling funding proposals and secure grant funding. 
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence and work across complex systems. 
• Confident presenter and public speaker with excellent communication and networking skills. 
• Strong database, CRM and data analysis skills. 

About us

Provide an introduction/ overview to the school, selling the positives about you as an employer.

Suffolk Community Foundation was founded in 2005 to respond to local needs and has since become the largest independent grantmaker in the county. In 2025/26, through the support of our donors and partners, we awarded £3.8 million in grants to charities and voluntary organisations across Suffolk.

We work closely with charities and community groups to help them access funding that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

Our grants support a wide range of initiatives, from foodbanks and homelessness services to youth programmes and organisations addressing mental health, inequality and social isolation.

Suffolk benefits from a generous network of individuals, families, businesses, public sector organisations and charitable trusts who are passionate about making a positive impact in areas like health, wellbeing, social justice and inclusion. With our local insight and experience, we ensure that their support is delivered safely and efficiently. 

What we will offer you

Our additional benefits include 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 5% employer pension contribution, an employee assistance programme and free onsite parking when in the office.

After a period of office-based familiarisation, some hybrid working would be available, although the majority of time would be office based or working across Suffolk.

Unparalleled opportunity to engage and work in partnership with several significant organisations in the county.

Encouragement to grow your personal profile with Suffolk’s charitable networks. UK network of communication peers across Community Foundations, including learning groups, conferences, national opportunities and intelligence sharing.

The opportunity to make a significant contribution of the lives of people in Suffolk and to gain a depth of understanding of the need in our county. 

For more information

Please read our Recruitment Pack (pdf).

To find out more about us, please visit the Suffolk Community Foundation website. 

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter stating how your skills and experiences match those required to Lesley by emailing [email protected].

Closing date: 7.00 pm, 15 November 2026.

Interview date: 3 and 4 December 2026, in-person at Wherstead, Ipswich. If needed, second interviews will be held on 10 and 11 December 2026.