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Kate Collins
Chief Executive Officer at Teenage Cancer Trust
Professional Background
Kate Collins is a highly accomplished fundraising professional with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly within organizations focused on cancer care. She has dedicated her career to driving impactful fundraising initiatives that generate both capital and revenue, effectively supporting vital services for individuals in need. As a seasoned Chief Executive Officer at the Teenage Cancer Trust, Kate has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills while navigating complex fundraising environments. Her roles have ranged from Deputy Director to Chief Executive, showcasing her ability to manage transitions and implement strategic changes that align with organizational missions.
Throughout her career, Kate has specialized in various aspects of fundraising, including community and local fundraising, corporate partnerships, trusts and major gifts, education fundraising, and in memoriam and legacy fundraising. Her comprehensive knowledge allows her to craft tailored fundraising strategies that resonate with diverse donor bases while ensuring the sustainability and growth of the organizations she represents.
Kate’s leadership style combines distance management, coaching, and change management expertise, which has empowered her teams to excel and perform at their best. She is passionate about mentorship, ensuring that her colleagues feel supported, valued, and driven to achieve their goals while adhering to the overarching mission of the organizations she serves. Her focus on performance management emphasizes continuous improvement and adaptation in an ever-changing fundraising landscape.
Education and Achievements
Kate's academic background is rooted in a strong foundation of strategic and leadership training. She has attended prestigious institutions such as Ashridge Executive Education at Hult International Business School, where she honed her skills in Leading Strategy & Change, Situational Leadership, and Strategic Planning. This education has equipped her with the tools to effectively guide organizations through periods of transition and growth, a skill that has proven invaluable in her leadership roles.
Additionally, Kate pursued a diploma in Marketing at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, studying critical areas such as International Marketing, Marketing Communications, and Planning & Control. This knowledge has enabled her to innovate and refine fundraising campaigns that capture the attention and generosity of both local communities and major donors alike.
Kate’s undergraduate study in History at the University of Leeds further complements her professional expertise by providing her with valuable insights into the importance of narrative and context in advocacy and fundraising. This combination of education empowers her to create compelling stories that connect with donors on a personal level, thus enhancing their engagement with the cause.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Kate has transformed fundraising outcomes at a variety of prominent organizations. At the Teenage Cancer Trust, she contributed to significant advancements in fundraising strategies, ensuring that critical services remained accessible to adolescents facing cancer. Her tenure as Director of Fundraising & Marketing enabled her to not only lead a talented team but also to foster partnerships that translated into substantial funding increases.
Her previous experience as the Head of Regional Fundraising at the Teenage Cancer Trust and her roles at Cancer Research UK further solidified her reputation as a fundraising expert. Kate implemented corporate fundraising strategies that empowered the organization to reach diverse donor segments, enhancing community engagement and financial stability.
Collins's strategic approach to fundraising has extended to her previous positions as the Head of Corporate Fundraising at Cancer Research UK and the Marketing Manager at BBC Children in Need. She played a pivotal role in shaping innovative campaigns that engaged audiences and maximized funding opportunities. During her time at Penny Brohn Cancer Care and Regent's University London, she utilized her marketing expertise to bolster fundraising efforts and enhance community outreach, leading to consistent increases in donor support and engagement.
In summary, Kate Collins is a dynamic fundraising executive dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by critical illnesses through strategic leadership and innovative fundraising initiatives. With her extensive background in management, corporate partnerships, and community engagement, she continues to make a lasting impact on the charitable sector, showcasing a passion for driving positive change. Her commitment to fostering relationships with donors, along with her strategic vision for fundraising, positions her as a leader in the nonprofit landscape.