Director of UK Fundraising

Smile Train is the world s largest cleft-focused organisation, supporting life-changing surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children and adults globally. Through its unique local model, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries and works with medical partners across 75+ countries to deliver sustainable, high-quality care.

The UK plays a vital role within this global organisation, contributing significant income, insight and strategic input. The programme is performing strongly, with income expected to reach c.£14 15m this year, underpinned by a successful individual giving and legacy programme.

Smile Train is now entering its next phase of growth in the UK, with a clear opportunity to build and strengthen high-value income, particularly across major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations. We are seeking a Director of UK Fundraising to lead this next stage shaping strategy, strengthening delivery and building a more balanced, sustainable income portfolio over time.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer in New York, you will lead the UK fundraising programme and team of six, sitting at the heart of a global organisation. You will combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, setting direction while personally driving key relationships and opportunities at the highest level.

With a strong foundation in place and growing investment in the UK, this is a significant opportunity to build high-value fundraising from a relatively early stage, while contributing to a global fundraising strategy and organisation with exceptional scale and impact.

As Director of UK Fundraising, you will:

• Lead and deliver the UK fundraising strategy, aligned to global priorities
• Drive income growth across all streams, with a particular focus on high-value fundraising
• Develop a more structured, relationship-led approach to major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects
• Lead, develop and bring clarity to a UK team of six staff
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Work closely with global colleagues to translate strategy into effective UK delivery
• Act as a senior ambassador for Smile Train in the UK

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies, including high-value income streams
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting and performance management
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including trustees or boards
• The ability to operate both strategically and operationally in a senior leadership role
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills

Desirable:

• Experience working within a global or matrix organisation
• Exposure to mass fundraising or individual giving programmes
• Experience contributing to organisational or multi-market strategy development

Experience working in an international or globally distributed organisation is strongly preferred. This will include experience of effective collaboration in a global organisation ensuring strategic alignment with headquarters and across global teams.

Employee benefits

Benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Up to 7 days paid sick leave per year
• Interest free Travel to Work loan