Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Fundraising & Communications
at Metabolic Support Uk
🏢 About Metabolic Support Uk
Metabolic Support UK is the UK's leading patient organization for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs), advocating for rare disease research, newborn screening, and community support since 1981. What makes this organization unique is its dual focus on both individual patient empowerment and systemic change in healthcare policy, serving approximately 40,000 people in the UK affected by these lifelong genetic conditions. Working here offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a specialized area of rare disease where your efforts directly impact a vulnerable community.
About This Role
As Head of Fundraising & Communications at Metabolic Support UK, you'll lead both strategic planning and hands-on execution of all fundraising and communications activities for this rare disease organization. This role is impactful because you'll be responsible for driving sustainable income growth that directly funds patient support services and research initiatives, while also elevating the organization's profile to advocate for better care and understanding of IMDs nationally and internationally.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning strategy sessions with the Chief Executive to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals, followed by drafting grant proposals for medical research trusts in the afternoon. You could spend time crafting patient stories for communications materials while also cultivating relationships with potential corporate partners interested in rare disease initiatives, all while managing multiple income streams from your remote workspace.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Metabolic Support Uk Is Looking For
- Has proven experience specifically in nonprofit fundraising with demonstrable success in at least one key area mentioned in the requirements (trusts & foundations, corporate partnerships, or major donor cultivation)
- Possesses exceptional storytelling abilities with the emotional intelligence to sensitively share patient and family experiences while maintaining dignity and respect
- Is a confident self-starter who can work autonomously in a remote, small-team environment while collaborating effectively with the Chief Executive
- Has experience or strong interest in healthcare, rare diseases, or patient advocacy organizations, understanding the unique challenges of fundraising for specialized medical conditions
📝 Tips for Applying to Metabolic Support Uk
Quantify your fundraising achievements with specific metrics (e.g., 'increased corporate partnership revenue by X%' or 'secured X number of trust grants totaling £X') rather than just listing responsibilities
Demonstrate your understanding of IMDs by referencing specific aspects of Metabolic Support UK's work in your application, such as their newborn screening advocacy or research initiatives
Highlight any remote work experience and self-management skills, as this is a part-time remote position requiring strong independent work habits
Showcase your ability to integrate fundraising and communications strategies by providing examples where your communications efforts directly supported fundraising goals
Tailor your application to emphasize experience with diverse income streams, as the organization specifically mentions trusts, foundations, corporates, major donors, and community fundraising
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience with fundraising in healthcare, rare diseases, or patient advocacy organizations, and why this background prepares you for Metabolic Support UK's unique context", "Examples of how you've successfully integrated communications and fundraising strategies to achieve organizational goals", 'Your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in fundraising for a specialized rare disease organization with approximately 40,000 affected individuals in the UK', "How your approach aligns with the organization's values of compassion, empowerment, and making tangible differences in patients' lives"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → The specific Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) that Metabolic Support UK focuses on and their current research priorities
- → The organization's recent campaigns, publications, and public statements to understand their current communications tone and strategy
- → Their existing corporate partners, trust supporters, and fundraising events to identify potential gaps and opportunities
- → The UK rare disease policy landscape, including the UK Rare Diseases Framework and how patient organizations like Metabolic Support UK engage with it
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic fundraising language without demonstrating specific understanding of healthcare or rare disease charity contexts
- Focusing only on communications OR fundraising rather than showing integrated experience with both functions
- Applying with a template cover letter that doesn't reference Metabolic Support UK's specific mission, patient community, or 40+ year history
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Metabolic Support Uk!