Head of Fundraising vs Director of Fundraising: Which Role Does Your Charity Need?

Head of Fundraising vs Director of Fundraising: Choosing the right leadership for your fundraising team can be a pivotal decision for your charity.

When it comes to senior fundraising positions, organisations often face a key question: Head of Fundraising vs Director of Fundraising: Which Role Does Your Charity Need?

While both roles aim to secure the income necessary to support your mission, their responsibilities and levels of influence vary. Here, we break down the distinctions to help you make the best choice for your organisation.

What Does a Head of Fundraising Do?

The Head of Fundraising plays a hands-on role in managing your organisation’s fundraising efforts. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the fundraising team, ensuring campaigns are delivered effectively and targets are met.

As outlined in our Head of Fundraising job description, this role typically involves:

• Managing a team of fundraisers across various income streams, such as individual giving, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising.
• Planning and delivering campaigns to meet income targets.
• Monitoring and reporting on fundraising performance to senior leadership.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

The Head of Fundraising focuses on operational delivery and is ideal for organisations that need someone to drive immediate results while managing a team.

What is the Role of a Director of Fundraising?

The Director of Fundraising operates at a strategic level. This senior leadership position involves shaping the organisation’s long-term income strategy and ensuring it aligns with broader organisational goals.

According to our Director of Fundraising job description, key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Building relationships with high-value donors, trusts, and foundations.
• Representing the organisation externally, including at key stakeholder events.
• Contributing to organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team.

This role is particularly suited to charities looking to scale up or diversify their income streams. A Director of Fundraising brings vision and leadership, helping to secure long-term sustainability.

How Do These Roles Differ in Focus?

Although both roles contribute to income generation, their focus and scope are different:

• A Head of Fundraising concentrates on implementing campaigns and managing the operational aspects of fundraising. Their primary focus is ensuring the team performs effectively to meet targets.
• A Director of Fundraising, meanwhile, takes a broader view, developing strategies that guide the organisation’s income generation for years to come.

For example, a Head of Fundraising might be responsible for delivering a campaign to grow individual giving by 20% over a year. A Director of Fundraising, by contrast, would design a five-year strategy to increase overall income, diversify revenue streams, and enhance donor relationships.

What Skills and Experience Are Required?

For a Head of Fundraising

A Head of Fundraising is typically a highly skilled practitioner ready to step into a leadership role. Their experience often includes:

• Expertise in a variety of fundraising techniques.
• Strong team management and motivational skills.
• An ability to analyse performance data and adjust tactics accordingly.
• A results-focused approach to achieving income targets.

For a Director of Fundraising

The Director of Fundraising role demands significant senior-level experience, as well as the ability to think strategically and lead with vision. Essential skills include:

• A proven track record of securing high-value gifts and building lasting donor relationships.
• Strategic planning and implementation experience.
• Leadership skills to inspire and guide teams through change.
• The ability to represent the charity with credibility and authority at the highest level.

Which Role is Right for Your Charity?

The right choice depends on your organisation’s needs and ambitions:

• If you’re looking for someone to lead the team, execute campaigns, and deliver short-term results, a Head of Fundraising is likely the right fit.
• If you need a senior leader to shape your organisation’s income strategy and lead at an executive level, a Director of Fundraising will be better suited.