Calibre Audio is a national charity providing free, unlimited access to audiobooks for people who cannot read print due to sight loss, disability, or health conditions. Every day, around 1,500 books are distributed to children and adults whose lives are transformed by access to literature.

Long established as a trusted service with a respected legacy programme and consistent success with trusts and foundations, Calibre is now entering a new chapter. With a bold strategy, national debates on literacy and inclusion gaining momentum, and the 2026 Year of Reading ahead, this is a pivotal moment to grow income, raise their profile and increase impact.

This new role brings fundraising and communications together for the first time. By unifying storytelling, campaigns, and fundraising propositions, the Director will amplify Calibre’s voice, grow income, and ensure that profile-building and fundraising reinforce one another.

This is a strategic and hands-on role, setting direction, managing key relationships and leading change, while securing income and providing clarity and structure for the teams. You will benefit from strong CEO commitment, external consultancy support with bid writing, and the freedom to shape team structure and invest in growth.

As Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will:

• Sit on the Executive Management Team alongside the CEO, COO, and Head of Communities & Learning, driving strategy and cultural change
• Develop and deliver an ambitious strategy across both functions, aligning activity to drive income, membership growth, and visibility
• Build on Calibre Audio’s respected legacy programme, deepen trust and foundation partnerships, and explore untapped opportunities with major donors and individual supporters
• Personally manage and cultivate high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and major donors, while shaping new opportunities in corporate and individual giving
• Strengthen legacy and in-memory giving, and oversee compelling member appeals
• Lead the development of a powerful case for support, positioning Calibre as a force for change in literacy, disability inclusion, and mental health
• Partner with the Head of Marketing to deliver bold, creative campaigns that amplify Calibre’s national voice and directly support fundraising

About you

This role will suit a senior fundraising leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of securing significant income from high-value donors and funders
• Expertise in developing fundraising strategies and compelling cases for support
• Experience of leading, or working closely with, communications and marketing teams
• The credibility and emotional intelligence to influence at senior leadership level
• Strong staff management skills, with the ability to build and lead a high-performing team
• The ability to unify and bring clarity to fundraising and communications
• This role offers the chance to seize momentum, tell Calibre’s story in new ways, and harness national conversations about literacy and inclusion

Employee benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day at Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contribution