DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING AND MARKETING.

Barnardos is one of Ireland’s leading children’s charities, working to support children and families and achieve meaningful and lasting positive change in their lives.

With a strong and trusted national brand, Barnardos is seeking to appoint an outstanding Director of Fundraising and Marketing to provide strategic leadership across its fundraising, marketing and retail functions and support the organisation’s continued impact and long-term sustainability.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Fundraising and Marketing will provide strategic leadership across Barnardos’ fundraising, marketing and retail functions, contributing to the organisation’s strategy, sustainability and performance.

The Director will be responsible for generating and sustaining approximately €10 million in annual voluntary income, leading a diverse fundraising portfolio and developing high-value corporate and philanthropic partnerships. They will also hold executive responsibility for the Barnardos brand and marketing strategy, strengthening public awareness, engagement and support.

Leading a large multidisciplinary team, the Director will drive sustainable income growth, innovation and supporter engagement, while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture and ensuring fundraising and marketing continue to support Barnardos’ mission and long-term impact.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in fundraising, income generation, marketing, philanthropy or a related discipline, and the ability to operate effectively at organisational leadership level.

They will demonstrate experience of developing and delivering ambitious and diversified income-generation strategies, managing significant budgets and investment decisions, and developing high-value corporate, philanthropic and strategic relationships. Strong experience of marketing, brand management and integrated campaigns, together with an understanding of digital fundraising, CRM, data and evolving supporter behaviour, will also be important.

Candidates will bring strong strategic, commercial and financial capability, exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills, sound judgement and an innovative and evidence-led approach. A collaborative leadership style, high standards of integrity and a strong commitment to social impact will be essential. A full clean driving licence is essential.

REMUNERATION

A competitive remuneration package will be on offer to the successful candidate.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe that you meet the requirements necessary to take on this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available ‘Apply Option’ in strictest confidence, for the attention of Eilish Devine, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections – executive search on or before Friday 23rd October 2026.

For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on +353 (0)1 703 88 09.

PLEASE NOTE

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Principal Connections has been retained as the exclusive executive search partner to manage this important appointment process and is acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client.

• Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

• Candidates for this appointment will be identified through a combination of advertised selection and targeted executive search activities.

• Only applications submitted via the designated online application channels (or, where applicable, through the email address provided within a print advertisement, briefing prospectus, job description etc.) will be considered as part of the formal selection process.

• Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory reference checks together with any additional background screening, verification procedures, or assessments considered appropriate to the appointment process.

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ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS

Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally. We are also part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (Est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world’s top global executive search groups. (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants).

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