Head of Fundraising & Communications

Vision

We work towards a society that enables all people with Down syndrome to participate to their fullest potential, as equal members with full entitlement as Irish citizens.

Purpose

Our purpose is to create the environment for people with Down syndrome to achieve their potential, with a particular focus on health, education, employment, and life in the community. Down Syndrome Ireland is a confederation of local branches, who work together to ensure consistency, quality and a common approach which celebrates, supports, and advocates for people with Down syndrome.

Values

Inclusivity, Passion, Integrity, Respect, Collaborative

About Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI)

DSI is the national charity for people with Down syndrome and their families in Ireland, supporting over 3,500 members across 25 branches nationwide. We believe every child has a right to supports to fulfil their full potential. We are working to achieve an optimal quality of life for people with Down syndrome, as equally valued, independent citizens and we support their lives across key pillars of our strategy - health, education, skills training and access to employment opportunities. We continue to advocate to effect policy change and to build more inclusive workplaces and communities. Our work is funded through public fundraising both locally and nationally. DSI has gone through a period of change in the last twelve months and has appointed a new CEO commencing August 2025. The board and senior management now wish to appoint a new role within the team :

Head of Fundraising & Communications

Job Purpose

To build, develop and lead the DSI fundraising and communications team to achieve significant growth in fundraising income while driving increased awareness of DSI, and amplifying the voices of our membership.

This is an exciting and demanding new role within a progressive not-for-profit that seeks to ensure people with Down syndrome have the support they need to live their lives to the full, their voices heard by government and public, and to strengthen DSI in achieving our ambitious goals. This new role will provide the successful candidate with an opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, communications and advocacy at this exciting time in the organisation's development. DSI will be developing the organisation strategy for 2025 onwards and the person appointed to this role will play an important role in shaping the communications, advocacy and fundraising plans of this milestone strategy.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

In collaboration with the CEO and the wider management team and branches, develop and roll out a new fundraising & communications strategy for DSI

Lead, manage, recruit and develop the fundraising and communications teams to deliver on the ambitious plans for our membership and people with Down syndrome in Ireland

Be an active senior manager within DSI focused on understanding, the wider DSI membership needs, the sector environment, political arena, corporate trends and media landscape

Be a strong advocate for our membership through collaboration, listening and building trust across stakeholders

Fundraising

In conjunction with the CEO, management team and membership, and using data-led insights, develop, manage and roll out a fundraising strategy for DSI which integrates communication, advocacy and membership objectives

Develop inspiring and effective cases for support across individual giving, corporate, trust and legacy giving

Manage the existing income generating activities including retail and ensure high levels of return on investment (ROI)

Lead out on the development and deployment of a new CRM to maximise supporter journeys

Develop and deliver effective reporting and KPI tracking for fundraising within DSI

Develop a strong working relationship with the branches to ensure fundraising volunteer needs are understood and delivered

Develop a strong working relationship with to ensure overall organisational objectives are achieved

Ensure DSI's fundraising practices meet all good governance and legal requirements

Communications

In conjunction with the CEO, management team and membership, and using data led insights, develop, manage and roll out a communications strategy for DSI which integrates fundraising, advocacy and membership objectives applying expertise in strategic Communications, Public Relations, Social Media and Digital Strategies

Drive and manage strong stakeholder engagement across the organisation, especially with members and families to ensure the voices of people with Down syndrome are amplified and heard across Ireland

Build a strong calendar of communications and advocacy moments throughout the year to maximise public awareness and media coverage of issues that affect people with Down syndrome and help to build DSI brand

Build strong relationships with media, government and the wider political community to help drive DSI advocacy objectives

Act as the DSI Brand guardian, ensuring consistent, professional communications

Person Specification

Training, Experience and Qualifications

At least five years senior fundraising and communications experience

Strong communications background and a thorough understanding of all fundraising methodologies

A strong understanding of CRM capabilities and its importance to fundraising

Proven ability to build external relationships in media, government & corporate fundraising an advantage

Track record of innovation in fundraising

Very strong understanding of digital fundraising

Excellent budgeting, financial reporting and strong understanding of communication KPIs & fundraising ROI

Knowledge & Skills

Excellent communicator that can encourage colleagues in a fast-moving environment

Proven track record of achieving outstanding results in fundraising & communications

Good understanding of the Irish fundraising landscape

Proven commercial acumen

Strong influencing and people skills

Energetic self-starter

Results driven with a passion for going above and beyond

Competencies

Values driven

Influencing people

Delivering results

Solving problems

Strategic

Behaviours

Excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills

Self-starter with lots of energy

Empowering of others

Target driven

Benefits

Salary €75,000 - €80,000 per annum depending on experience.

Permanent Full-time role with six-month probationary period

25 Days annual leave

2 Company / Discretionary Days

Employee Assistance Programme

Company Sick Pay Scheme

Location

The position will be based in Down Syndrome Ireland's National Office in Ballymount, Dublin

Hybrid working will be considered with minimum three days in Ballymount due to the importance of the role

To Apply

Please forward a detailed CV and Cover Letter :

Closing Date 18th July 2025