charisma logo
Jobs
Upload CV
Podcast
Contact us
menu containermenu pattern
Home
Our story
Meet the team
Diversity and inclusion
Recruitment solutions
Executive search
Team recruitment
Board and trustee
Interim
Specialisms
Leadership
Governance
Fundraising
Faith
Health and social care
Heritage, arts and culture
Insights
Jobs
Upload CV
Podcast
Contact us
menu containermenu containermenu container
contact-us-cta
Back to Find Jobs

London Director of Development - Young Life International

London, United Kingdom
£55,000 - £68,000 depending on experience (plus up to 16.8% inner London weighting if applicable)
Permanent
Closing on 23 November 2025

We're thrilled to be partnering with Christian charity Young Life International, a charity that believes in the power and potential of young people and helps them find hope and purpose. Their work begins with caring adults who meet young people right where they are, offering genuine friendship, a listening ear, and a heart for what really matters to them. By showing up with consistency, kindness and unconditional support, Young Life leaders help young people discover that their lives are full of worth, meaning and purpose. With fun, adventure, and authentic relationships, they create safe spaces where hope can take root. Through these trusted relationships, they gently earn the opportunity to share with young people the life-changing message of God’s love for them.

Young Life has been working with young people in communities across the UK and Ireland, and over the past five years, the London Team has grown from a few staff serving one borough to 12 staff and 63 volunteer leaders supporting over 1,000 young people across 11 boroughs.

We are seeking a passionate London Director of Development to build and develop meaningful relationships, initially with London-based high-net-worth individuals, securing significant funding to grow Young Life International's impact on young people in London and beyond. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in expanding a mission-driven charity's capacity to transform young lives.

In this influential brand new role, you'll develop an active portfolio of major donors and potential major donors, working towards establishing new funding each fiscal year including annual and multi-year commitments. You'll cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals and major trusts, represent Young Life in high-level meetings and networking events, and plan impactful vision events to inspire and engage supporters. Working collaboratively with senior management and fundraising colleagues, you'll connect donor interests with different aspects of Young Life's mission, inviting supporters to experience first-hand the life-changing work being done. You'll also lead on securing grants from key UK trusts and oversee an effective stewardship process to retain and grow donor support.

With the potential for wider influence across the UK and Europe, you'll lead by example in donor stewardship, train the wider team, and play a key role in expanding Young Life International's philanthropy efforts.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

  • Proven ability to build strong relationships with major donors and secure funding in the range of £10,000+
  • Experience in securing multi-year funding from trusts, foundations, and institutional donors
  • Ability to organise and deliver high-quality vision events to enable prospects to hear the case for support
  • Leadership experience, capable of managing a high-performing team

This is a unique opportunity for a practicing Christian to combine strategic fundraising expertise with a passion for youth mission. You'll be part of a team that believes every young person deserves to be safe, loved and supported, helping young people in London discover hope and purpose through Jesus.

DBS Requirement: Enhanced and a PVG (due to camp in Scotland)

Your application should include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with the Young Life Statement of Faith.

Location: Hybrid – Ideally in London at least 3 days per week

Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: Tuesday 25th November 2025

First stage interviews with Young Life International (Virtual): w/c 1st December 2025

Final stage interviews with Young Life International (In-person): w/c 8th December 2025

Nick Thomas
Senior Consultant
Contact us
For more information on this role or for a confidential chat, please call 01962 813 300 or email us via info@charismarecruitment.co.uk
Share this job
Apply now
Related jobs