Senior Leadership Recruitment for UK Charities

For over a decade, AAW has redefined executive search and recruitment for world-leading charities. Our partners have delivered hundreds of successful leadership appointments across the UK and globally - from CEOs and Directors to interim specialists and emerging leaders.

Whether you are looking to appoint a transformational CEO, secure expert interim talent or browse the latest senior vacancies in the charity sector, our specialist recruitment team is here to help. We combine deep sector connections with a proven search methodology to match the right talent with the right mission.

I’m looking for:

An executive search partner
An interim leader
Shortlisting services
Current vacancies

Our record speaks for itself

80%

Of the top 25 charities that we’ve placed roles for

500+

Fundraising leaders placed over 10 years

£1b+

Raised by AAW appointments

Learn what drives our success

  • "The results were wonderful. Not only did they fill our four positions first time round, but the experience we had working with Suzie and her team was outstanding"

    Joanne Dunsford | Global Director of Fundraising and Communications | Animals Aisa

  • "AAW’s search for our Director was expertly conducted, using eye-catching and striking social media assets to drive up an excellent response rate. The team are responsive, intuitive, brings challenge in the right way when needed, and delivered the result we all hoped for"

    Craig Jones | CEO | Royal Osteoporosis Society

  • “AAW have phenomenal knowledge and connections in the not-for-profit fundraising sector. They understood our brief, listened to our feedback and we are delighted with the successful appointment"

    Rose Caldwell | CEO | Plan International UK

Looking for the right leader?

The right appointment can shape a charity’s direction, income and impact for years to come. AAW brings deep charity sector experience, an extensive network and a rigorous approach to finding people who can make a difference.

From CEOs and Directors of Fundraising to senior marketing, engagement and philanthropy roles, we help charities define the brief, reach the right people and make confident appointments.

If you’re planning a senior hire, need an interim leader or want to talk through your recruitment needs, get in touch.

Roles we have recently placed

  • Chief Fundraising & Marketing Officer

    Appointing a leader to drive a bold, values-led fundraising and marketing strategy.

  • Executive Director of Brand, Marketing & Fundraising

    Finding an inspirational leader to integrate fundraising with marketing and brand success.

  • Chief Executive Officer

    Appointing a CEO to develop and lead a new fundraising and commercial strategy at the start of an exciting period of change for the Hospice.

  • Executive Director of Engagement & Fundraising

    Appointing a leader to drive bold, new fundraising and engagement strategies to strengthen visibility and reach.

  • Director of Fundraising

    Recruiting a strategic, high-value specialist to design and deliver a high-performing philanthropy programme.

  • Director of Philanthropy

    Recruiting for a new role to lead the cultivation of transformative philanthropic and corporate partnerships.

Leadership Insights

Featured
New Insights: The AAW Fundraising Leadership Salary Benchmark Report 2025
New Insights: The AAW Fundraising Leadership Salary Benchmark Report 2025

It’s been quite a year for AAW and our benchmarking work — and we’re delighted to launch our first ever Fundraising Leadership Salary Benchmark Report, offering a clear snapshot of pay levels for senior fundraising leaders across the UK’s top charities in 2025.

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Who are the top fundraisers?
Who are the top fundraisers?
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Effective Ways to Find C-Suite Interim Executives for UK Non-Profits
Effective Ways to Find C-Suite Interim Executives for UK Non-Profits
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To Mark, With All Our Love
To Mark, With All Our Love

Mark has been a close friend, colleague and mentor to me for over 20 years. From our time when we first met as part of the DEC to when 7 years ago, he left his beloved Red Cross to join Tobin Aldrich and myself in the newly formed consultancy practice Astarita Aldrich Ward.

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The Art of Asking for What You Want.
The Art of Asking for What You Want.

Last week I received an email out of the blue that made smile. I have permission to share it with you and I wanted to do so, to as it’s a great reminder to all fundraisers especially, as well as candidates looking for new roles, to be brave – and that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. And if you ask beautifully, you are unlikely to be ignored and will stand out from the crowd.

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The Way of Work - Insights From 2023 So Far…
The Way of Work - Insights From 2023 So Far…

As a specialist consultancy and executive search agency working with the charity sector, we’ve known for a while that the market for job-hunters has transformed. A rise in flexible working, changing practices around recruitment, and new technologies have altered the way we work, and the process of landing that dream job.

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Our Clients

AAW work across a diverse range of clients, sectors and projects, with a selection below. To see a full list of our work with non-profits of all sizes globally that demonstrates our scale, diversity and range click here.