head of fundraising

Aware is a national organisation providing free support, education, and information services to people impacted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and related mood conditions. The organisation delivers its services through approximately 300 highly trained volunteers and 50 mental health professional contractors. In 2024, Aware supported over 40,000 people through its range of Support, Education & Information services. A new therapeutic counselling service has also been launched, which is free of charge for people seeking support for mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Aware will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 and is one of Ireland's most well-known and respected charities.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Aware is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Fundraising & Communications to join its Senior Management Team. This key leadership role is responsible for delivering an integrated fundraising and communications strategy to meet Aware's ambitious goals for income generation, public awareness, and service engagement.

The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team and oversee all fundraising activities, including statutory and non-statutory income streams such as corporate, philanthropic, events, donations, and community fundraising. They will also take full ownership of Aware's brand, external communications, digital content, and public relations, ensuring messaging consistency and strong stakeholder engagement.

Depression is one of the leading causes of disease burden in Ireland, and Aware plays a vital role in supporting the recovery of tens of thousands of people across the country each year. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior professional who shares Aware's mission and has a passion for storytelling, income growth, and building strong, lasting partnerships.

REQUIREMENTS

Suitable candidates should have extensive experience managing and delivering revenue generation in a multi-channel environment, ideally including corporate and philanthropic partnerships, community fundraising, and events. Experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable but not essential.

A strong background in communications is required, including developing and implementing communication strategies, media and PR management, and digital content creation. Financial acumen, including cash flow and P&L oversight, is essential.

Applicants should have a minimum of 8 years' professional experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an excellent communicator, and a collaborative leader committed to Aware's mission and values.

REMUNERATION

A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you meet the requirements for this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available 'Apply Option' in strictest confidence, addressed to Mark Middleton, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections – executive search, on or before 12 noon on Friday 15th August 2025.

For a confidential discussion, contact Mark Middleton at +353 (0)1 703 88 03.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this appointment. We are committed to equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

Applications will be sourced through both advertised and executive search processes. Only applications submitted via the online application options or email, as specified in the advertisement, will be considered.

Any employment offer will be subject to satisfactory references and background checks.

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ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS

Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving Ireland, the UK, and internationally. Part of Agilium Worldwide LLC, established in 1984, ranked among the top global executive search groups with over 55 offices in 30+ countries and 250+ consultants.

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