Meet our fundraising team

Our fabulous fundraising team has a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help you get started or take your fundraising efforts to the next level.

In this exclusive series, we will introduce you to the people behind the job titles. First up is our small but mighty fundraising team, each bringing a unique and expert focus with them to create a brilliant collection of skills and experiences to power their team

First in the spotlight is Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising.

Hi, I’m Jen, the Director of Fundraising and I have been with Headway for two years. I’ve got a background in Events and Community fundraising and have worked in the charity sector for over 17 years. Outside of work, I have three daughters and two dogs that keep me very busy, and I love the gym and socialising. Life’s all about balance, right?!

I have a degree in Event Management, completed ILM level 5 in Leadership and Management and am continually looking for ways to develop professionally. In addition to my day job, I am a Trustee for a local mental health charity.

Tell us about your role at Headway.

As the Director of Fundraising, I’m responsible for leading our fundraising team who steward our wonderful supporters in whatever capacity they choose to support Headway. I am also responsible for our retail portfolio and work closely with both teams to generate income for Headway services.

What would you love people to know about your job?

My role can vary day to day from speaking and thanking supporters for their activities or meeting with external stakeholders and learning from others in the sector as to how we might diversify our income streams, develop more fundraising activity, and widen our reach outside of the network areas. No day is ever the same.

Why is Fundraising so important?

For every £1 we spend on fundraising, we generate £4 more to support our work in improving life after brain injury. Without our fundraising efforts, the charity simply would not be able to deliver the information, services and support that those affected by brain injury need and deserve. I am proud to lead the team that generates this income and am always looking for ways to expand further.

How do you support our #HeadwayHeroes in their fundraising efforts?

I’ve recently worked on refreshing our materials and supporter experience so that the team have helpful packs to hand when our supporters ask, ‘How can we help?’. I continuously support my team to offer a wide range of fundraising opportunities, share our expertise and enthusiasm, and ensure every fundraiser is glad they chose to be a #HeadwayHero.

What do you love about your job?

It sounds corny, but my team. They inspire me continually with their suggestions and ideas for us to be even better at what we do. We also share our supporter stories with each other, which motivates me hugely. It’s great to be able to send personal thank you’s to our fundraisers, and in some cases, they get back in touch to tell me more which is lovely!

What is the highlight of your year at Headway?

Our Annual Awards lunch is always a highlight of the year. It’s a privilege to be there and celebrate the dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers and others in the Headway community. It is an emotive and spectacular event which really reinforces why the work Headway do is so important.

Tell us about an achievement you are proud of.

Outside of work it would be my daughters, they’re growing up to be kind, caring and independent young women who know what they want and speak their minds (which does come to bite me sometimes!) At work, it’s rebuilding the Fundraising team after the pandemic. We’re in a strong position to build on our foundations and continue to grow our offer to our amazing supporters who choose to fundraise for us and support the lives of people living with brain injury.

How would you describe the working culture at Headway?

Collaborative, motivating and fun! We all work really well together across the teams and have so many brilliant ideas which we can’t wait to bring you.

Click here to find out more about the fundraising opportunities Jen and her team can support you with.