Area fundraising manager jobs

Job overview

In this dynamic role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership to grow our income streams to £2 million annually and beyond, while maintaining low costs and embedding innovation through AI-driven insights, digital fundraising, and creative projects.

Oversee governance, financial management, grants, lotteries, major donor stewardship, marketing, and a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and delivering measurable social value. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for NHS charities, proven fundraising expertise, and the agility to handle hands-on operations—from event planning to risk management—apply now to drive meaningful change and represent us on national stages.

Flexible working with office presence required frequent travel between sites essential.

We kindly request that applicants submit a one-page cover letter along with a curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages in length when applying. 

Main duties of the job

The Charity Director is responsible for driving the purpose and impact of Frimley Health Charity (FHC), ensuring the charity delivers meaningful benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community. The role combines strategic leadership with active operational involvement, across income growth and translating the charity’s vision into practical initiatives and improvements. The postholder will develop and implement a plan to deliver on the newly agreed FHC strategy to grow income streams, maximise impact, and maintain low operating costs, while also engaging directly in day-to-day operations to ensure the charity runs smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to strategic planning, the Charity Director undertakes hands-on tasks such as financial management, data analysis, market research, process improvement, and reporting to the Charitable Funds Committee and Trust Board. The role involves leading a small, high-performing team, supporting staff in their day-to-day work, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and accountability. The postholder also engages directly with patients, staff, donors, and community partners, and oversees marketing, communications, creative projects, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align to the charity’s purpose. The charity aims to generate an income of £2 million per annum and there is an expectation of the postholder to grow the charity over the coming years.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours positioning the University as one of the world leaders in University development. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to help grow our philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level. 

Our world has many challenges that will deeply affect our generation and the next. As a Philanthropy Manager, you will cultivate significant gifts for amazing education and charitable research projects, you will provide funding for scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and will raise philanthropic funds for priority research areas including cancer, other global health issues and climate change. You will encourage and inspire donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts.

You will be joining an established team of fundraisers made up of Senior Philanthropy Managers, Philanthropy Managers and Philanthropy Officers. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Philanthropy Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area and generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the sector-leading academic research to a range of audiences. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Job Description

Job title Regional Fundraising & Partnership Officer

Responsible to Head of Fundraising

Location Home-based in the South East of the UK, with regular travel across your region and occasional trips to the charity’s Head Office in Ashford, Kent

Hours  35 per week (flexible working patterns considered)

Contract Permanent

Salary £35,622 (rising to £36,035 after probation)

Role purpose

To generate sustainable income and grow our community of supporters through regional fundraising campaigns, community fundraising, local trusts and corporates, and regional membership recruitment. This role also supports project-specific giving, ensuring alignment with our priority impact areas, such as raising awareness, patient services and glaucoma research.

Key responsibilities

Fundraising & Income Generation

• Deliver regional fundraising appeals and campaigns aligned to local services.
• Develop and support community fundraising activities and events.
• Research and apply to relevant rusts and grant makers.
• Identify and engage regional corporate supporters.
• Create compelling sponsorship proposals and corporate packages.
• Lead on regional project-led fundraising tied to specific impact areas (e.g. our ‘Eye Health for All’ outreach programme, glaucoma research).

 Membership & Supporter Development

• Support regional membership recruitment.
• Help move individuals from initial contact through to deeper engagement and long-term membership of the charity.
• Promote opportunities for deeper supporter journeys including legacy giving.

 Stewardship & Supporter Care

• Follow up with community and regional supporters to thank and update them.
• Tailor recognition to reflect local efforts and giving.
• Share stories of impact from regional initiatives.
• Identify supporters for deeper conversations (major giving, legacies, etc.).

Marketing & Communications

• Provide regional case studies, stories, and testimonials.
• Support regional visibility through PR opportunities and storytelling.
• Work with the Communications team to develop tailored regional materials to support campaigns and stewardship.

 Collaboration with Support Services Team

• Collaborate closely with our local outreach teams to ensure relevance of fundraising activities:
  • Identify potential projects and fundraising needs.
  • Share local insight and opportunities.
  • Provide updates and feedback from supporters.
  • Build your knowledge of local projects and services that could inspire donations

 Supporter Journey Stages You Will Support

• Awareness & Introduction – Inspire new supporters through local presence.
• First Gift / Contact – Encourage entry-level giving and membership.
• Engagement & Involvement – Grow relationships through updates and tailored communication.
• Deeper Connection – Identify and nurture high-potential supporters.

Person specification

Skills and Experience Required

Essential

• Proven experience in fundraising (community, trusts, corporates or individual giving).
• Strong relationship-building skills across a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to write compelling fundraising proposals and stories.
• Confident in working independently and collaboratively.
• Good project management and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written and interpersonal.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the charity sector and supporter journeys.
• Experience of working with membership or volunteer-based organisations.
• Experience using CRM systems (we use Raisers Edge NXT).
• Understanding of eye health, research or medical charities.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement

25 days holiday per annum (rising by one day per year to 28 days after 3 years’ service), plus Statutory Public Holidays, pro-rated for part-time employees.

Healthcare

Benenden Healthcare cover, with access to a range of services including private diagnostics, treatment and other essential services. 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme for problems which may impact on health or wellbeing.

Pension

Up to 5% contributory pension.

Learning & development

Funded support for learning and development to help employees grow their skills, knowledge and behaviours in pursuit of our strategic objectives.

Working arrangements

Home-based, with regular travel across the South East and occasional trips to the charity’s Head Office in Ashford, Kent.

How to Apply

To apply for the post, please email your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification by 5th January 2026

Interviews will take place on 15th or 16th January. Interested candidates are urged to keep these dates free.  We will be in touch with shortlisted applicants by 10th January.

Glaucoma UK is the operating name of the International Glaucoma Association, a charity registered in England and Wales no. 274681 and in Scotland no. SC041550

Designed by families, for families, The Ark was opened in September 2019 by the Mayor of London. The grounds offer wheelchair accessible outdoor experiences, including a Woodland Walk through a 7-acre nature reserve, a hydrotherapy pool and overnight suites for families to be close to their loved ones. At The Ark we are able to provide Specialist Care and Nursing for babies, children and young people, supporting their full clinical, emotional, social and practical needs. We have created a space where children who are seriously unwell are accepted as they are, safe to play, explore, express themselves and build confidence.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity aspires to become a centre of clinical excellence for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

We’ve been on a major upward trajectory in recent years, with more children being supported, more major hospitals being partnered with and more supporters donating. We’ve transformed from being an enthusiastic start-up delivering care in the community, to a serious player delivering major impact both in the community and at our state-of-the-art hospice building, The Ark, opened in 2019.

Philanthropy, which covers Grants, Trusts & Foundations and Major Donor fundraising streams, is pivotal to Noah’s Ark, typically accounting for around 50% of the charity’s voluntary income. This is an area of real expertise for Noah’s Ark, with much scope for further refining. The successful candidate will therefore be instrumental in taking this key income stream forward, add to an exciting portfolio and gain further training and support, working as part of a high-performing and super supportive team, ready for its next development phase.

The Grants, Trusts & Foundations Manager will work closely with and report to the Head of Philanthropy to develop the Trust pipeline, along with instrumental cross-team work on applications and reporting processes for other income streams. Whilst we work towards developing a more diverse funding model and navigate changes to the external Trust environment, sustaining and growing income from Trusts will remain vital.

The post-holder will manage a Philanthropy Officer (Trusts & Major Donors) and, together, they will be instrumental in taking the Trust programme to the next level, establishing lasting relationships with funders, securing new grants, increasing multi-year gifts and improving both quality and volume of applications and reports. They will also support the Philanthropy Officer, and the wider team, to the same end with their respective portfolios.

ABOUT YOU

You will be a highly organised, dedicated and reliable individual ready to play a significant role in income generation. An exceptional and eloquent communicator, excellent at managing your time and a natural relationship builder. You will have a collaborative mindset, and be willing to engage with colleagues across the fundraising team and wider charity to create the greatest outcomes for the children and families we support.

You will have considerable experience fundraising from grant makers and will be able to demonstrate your success with securing high value gifts and building meaningful relationships. You will have confidence in your ability to make an impact through collaborative lateral thinking. You will also support other team members with their applications, as well as acting as a key liaison with our Care team to obtain latest information about service delivery.

If you have ample experience of fundraising from Trusts, have achieved outstanding success in a short period of time or have held a key position within a Trust programme, including securing numerous significant – ideally six-figure – grants, we would love you to apply.

Please refer to the Job description for further information on this role. 

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff.

Our diversity council is working hard to construct positive changes within our organisation. We are a disabilty confident employer and part of our commitment is to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities.

Location

Hybrid – with regular travel to shops and centres within Nottinghamshire region. Post holders expected to be working flexibly across their community 4 days out of 5, within minimum 1 day per week from our Nottinghamshire Centre – and attend regular team meetings in an agreed location.

Due to the scope and nature of the role, you will need to live within, or in close proximity to, Nottinghamshire. You will be required to have a valid driving license and access to a car to enable you to travel freely across the area without reliance on public transport.

Salary: £27,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week (with occasional weekend and evening work as and when the role requires)

Role Purpose: 

You will be responsible for Community, Events and local Corporate fundraising across the Nottinghamshire Region. You will deliver excellent stewardship to supporters and volunteers and develop relationships with key local contacts who can help to further Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s mission.

You will collaborate with colleagues across the wider charity to ensure you are offering the best possible supporter experience. You will attend local events with, and through, volunteers, work with colleague in our retail sites, and spot other opportunities to promote Jerry Green Dog rescue in your community and drive support for our work.

Key Relationships:

Internal Contacts

· Wider fundraising team

· Marketing team

· Retail team

· Operations team

External contacts

· Supporters

· Volunteers

Key Outputs & Tasks:

Community Fundraising

- Identify, engage and steward individual and group supporters, developing strategies to promote fundraising activities and grow income from your local area.

- Proactively pursue local business partnership opportunities, developing a pipeline of potential corporate support and making applications to secure support.

- Provide high quality stewardship of individual supporters, groups and businesses within the community, responding to enquiries in a timely way and ensuring relationships are developed and maintained at a high standard.

- Represent Jerry Green Dog Rescue as the first point of contact within the community for Nottinghamshire, promoting our mission, vision, and values alongside fundraising and volunteering opportunities.

- Ensure that the fundraising CRM is up-to-date and develop regular reporting mechanisms to inform the Volunteering and Community Fundraising Manager of outputs and results, and support understanding of local audiences.

- Act as a champion for fundraising compliance across the organisation, ensuring adherence to relevant legislative requirements.

Volunteering

- Work with the Volunteering and Community Fundraising Manager and Volunteering Assistant to recruit, induct and train volunteers to support fundraising and other relevant initiatives in the local community.

- Work collaboratively with the wider organisation to recognise and celebrate volunteers that support the charity.

Other duties

- Contribute content for marketing communications including; social media, newsletters, local media to support marketing objectives and increase our engagement with potential supporters.

- Keep up to date with sector trends and developments in community fundraising and volunteering.

- Work collaboratively and purposefully with your team and the wider department and organisations to build strong working relationships and to be an internal ambassador for Fundraising and Marketing.  

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

· A target-driven and tenacious professional with some experience in community or corporate fundraising, or a similar role with transferable skills in relationship building.

· Entrepreneurial, with a drive to seek out new opportunities to drive income generation and pursue them with a continual eye on hitting KPIs and targets.

· A positive approach to your work and supporting your colleagues to achieve shared objectives.

· Knowledgeable about your local community.

· Organised, with a keen eye for detail and a confidence in managing competing priorities effectively.

· A credible and clear communicator, with a love for building relationships with charity supporters.

· A willingness to travel across the Nottinghamshire region, and to attend face-to-face meetings with your team as required.  

How you’ll work in line with our Values:

Jerry Green Dog Rescue upholds the organisational Values of Kindness, Compassion, Honesty & Purposefulness in all our work.

Kindness – You will treat all your colleagues, supporters and volunteers with respect and kindness, and contribute to a supportive working environment.

Compassion – You will act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting our mission to rehome dogs in need. You will ensure that you work in a compassionate environment – for each other, and for our supporters.

Purposeful – You will work in line with your team operational plan to ensure a clear direction in your work, in alignment with the Fundraising and Organisational strategies.

· Honesty – You will manage expectations with your colleagues and supporters and communicate with them openly and honestly and ensure there is a culture of trust and openness within your direct team and your interactions with the wider organisation.

Key Performance Indicators:

·Community Fundraising income targets and KPIs

·Volunteering KPIs

Date Job Description Prepared:

December 2025

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the requirements of the role. It is not a contractual document and does not form part of any contract of employment. The duties and responsibilities outlined may be subject to change at any time to meet the needs of the organisation.

Cambridge Science Centre
For more than ten years, Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) has been sparking
curiosity and a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in
young people across the East of England.

Job Description
This role is central to positioning CSC as the leading small-to-medium-sized science
centre and STEM engagement organisation in the UK. Working with the CEO and
Directors, you will help identify opportunities, shape CSC’s marketing strategy, and
translate that into an objective-led plan of action. You will be responsible for all CSC
marketing campaigns and activity, owning the brand and its development across all
key audiences, including the public, community groups, teachers and school leaders,
corporate CSR teams, and educational grant providers.
You will lead CSC’s marketing partnerships and publicity channels, including the
website, social media, YouTube, and press contacts. You will set the strategic
direction that informs our creative approach, energising staff to push creative
boundaries across video, social media, digital platforms, and live engagements.
In addition, you will ensure the organisation is supported with up-to-date collateral
across all major functions and initiatives, while fostering a customer-focused approach
through media and marketing skills training across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
● Develop and manage all CSC marketing and advertising activity, strategically
prioritising initiatives to achieve annual targets within the marketing budget.
● Own all aspects of CSC’s brand and the development of CSC’s storytelling
framework, ensuring content consistently communicates impact, inclusivity,
scientific curiosity, and community value.
● Support the CEO in the development and revision of a multi-year marketing
strategy, identifying top-priority objectives for focused campaigns which you
will then own.
● Maintain a cross-organisation annual marketing plan and quarterly update
schedule with key staff members to help identify ongoing opportunities to
promote CSC activities, products, community engagements and programmes.
● Working with the broader CSC team, create and manage a marketing content
development plan, including case-studies, blogs and social-media threads, to
best seize publicity opportunities and achieve annual marketing objectives.
● Establish annual marketing targets, and own and track marketing metrics
across all key audiences, including the public, schools, community groups,
corporate partners, and the informal education sector, including quarterly
reports on progress.
● Identify and manage marketing risk for the organisation, including considered
fast-response on public platforms as appropriate.
● Develop and manage all CSC marketing relationships with partners and
press.
● Own all press and publicity channels, driving up quality engagement with CSC
through the CSC website, social media, YouTube, etc.
● Create and manage a CSC collateral database, ensuring responsiveness to
business development priorities.
● Empower and upskill CSC staff to actively support marketing campaigns and
storytelling efforts.

3
● Ensure that community and partner engagements are effectively supported
with marketing and awareness-raising initiatives.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
● Significant experience in a senior marketing role, including annual budget
planning, press engagement, and campaign management.
● Proven experience in brand development and stewardship of brand identity.
● Experience in managing publicity channels, including websites and social
media.
● Experience in setting marketing targets and measuring progress to achieve
specific business development objectives.
● Experience in business-to-consumer advertising, ideally within a family, youth,
or event-oriented organisation.
● A people person: you enjoy working with others to help bring their stories to life.
● Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
● Driven to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes in everything you do.
● Proven ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing priorities.
● A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● A collaborative work ethic, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues and
partners across a wide range of projects.
● Competent with digital tools, comfortable working with digital content and
analytical platforms.
Able to achieve a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Desirable Criteria
● Business-to-business marketing, and business partnership marketing
experience
● Relevant business, charity or educational press contact network
● Work with community- and value-based organisations
● Experience in developing and maintaining product and marketing collateral
● Experience in science communications or of working with families, adults and
children
● Customer service skills and experience
● Level 3 or equivalent qualifications in a STEM subject
● Full clean driving license

About the Role

2026 marks 100 years since Gunnersbury Park was opened as a public park, and Gunnersbury Museum and Park Development Trust are looking to hire a freelance development manager to help us make the most of our centenary year. 

We are looking for an experienced development professional to join our team on a freelance basis as part of an Arts Council funded project. This role will be a real opportunity to become embedded in an organisation at the beginning of a transformative period, as we focus our energies on raising awareness of the great work of GMPDT.

The successful candidate will lead GMPDT towards increased financial resilience by identifying new funding opportunities and managing the development of a new fundraising campaign.

They will work with staff and volunteers to develop a ‘project bank’ of fundable projects across the Museum and Park and identify appropriate funding streams for each.

They will also identify one key project to launch Gunnersbury’s first fundraising campaign, working with freelancers/subcontractors to create supporting materials for the chosen campaign.

About You

Experience

• Experience of fundraising and donor engagement in museum/heritage sector and/or environmental sector
• Proven ability to create and deliver successful fundraising campaigns
• Experience of writing compelling cause messaging, or managing the delivery of cause messaging
• Experience of working with small organisations
• Experienced in CRM databases including Beacon
• Confident in managing projects to tight deadlines
• Extensive knowledge of grant writing and reporting
• Experience in writing and producing impact reports

Skills:

• Self-starter with the confidence to work alone as well as within a small, busy team
• Excellent communication skills to reach a wide range of audiences
• A strong leader and trainer of others
• Comfortable working with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
• Creative thinker with new ideas for donor engagement and fundraising campaigns.
• Attention to de reporting requirements and compliance for successful grants.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit the existing fundraising/development functions of the organisation, and identify any gaps or missed opportunities
• Working with the Project Board hold workshops with staff and volunteers to develop a ‘project bank’ of fundable ideas, which will include detail of the ideas, potential funding sources and timeline for completion
• Develop new cause messaging, and help to foster a culture of identifying key stories to share with our audiences
• Work with the project team to identify a single project to anchor a new fundraising campaign
• Develop a suite of digital and print content to support the fundraising campaign, and train existing team on the best way to deliver messaging around the campaign
• Report regularly to the project board on the progress of the work stream, and identify any project delivery risks

 The Opportunity:

As Operations and Impact Manager, you will provide the operational stability and strategic insight that enables our team to fight for equality for young migrants. By ensuring strong systems, financial health, and data-driven impact evaluation, you will help us deliver campaigns, advocacy, and support that change lives. Your work will empower We Belong to grow sustainably, remain accountable, and amplify the voices of young migrants across the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

·Lead organisational systems and operations to ensure smooth, efficient processes across finance, compliance, and team workflows.

·Drive impact and learning frameworks, embedding data-driven insights into strategy and reporting.

·Manage cross-team projects and fundraising pipelines, supporting timely delivery of proposals and reports.

·Support governance and strategic planning, preparing board papers and ensuring compliance.

·Line manage communications, ensuring campaigns and content reflect We Belong’s mission and values.

BIND UK is a specialist team offering expert advice and guidance to organisations that are determined to deliver practical, positive and permanent impact to the UK’s Food Waste Challenge. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose here. 

About Eat Smart 

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness.

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level. 

As we expand our delivery across the UK, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Development Manager to lead the expansion via a franchise model, build partnerships, and oversee the operational excellence of our growing network.

This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling the Eat Smart model nationally. The postholder will drive growth by developing regional and national partnerships, securing funding streams, recruiting and onboarding delivery partners, and ensuring quality and impact across all Eat Smart schools and organisations. 

You will combine strong operational management with strategic business development — ensuring Eat Smart continues to grow sustainably, aligning with Bind’s aims and values. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Growth & Project Development 

• Co-develop and deliver a UK-wide expansion strategy for Eat Smart
• Develop and manage the franchise/licensing model for national delivery partners
• Lead on the recruitment, onboarding, and support of partner organisations to deliver the Eat Smart programme effectively 

Funding & Partnership Development 

• Identify, establish and nurture partnerships with national and local government agencies, policy makers, school bodies and funders
• Build strategic relationships with relevant education, environment and community organisations 
• Research relevant funding opportunities for delivery partners and Bind
• Support delivery partners with the submission of funding applications 

UK Network Management & Evaluation 

• Co-design/develop the Eat Smart monitoring and evaluation system to monitor KPIs and the environmental and social impact of Eat Smart across the UK
• Lead on the management of the monitoring and evaluation system, supporting delivery partners where necessary 
• Create local and national impact reports for Eat Smart and use insights to inform improvement and growth 
• Manage the support network of UK delivery partners, ensuring they are able to deliver the programme effectively 
• Assist delivery partners with meetings with Local Authorities and catering organisations 

Marketing & Communications 

• Co-design and lead on delivery of annual Eat Smart conferences
• Represent Eat Smart at events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the UK 
• Manage Eat Smart UK social media channels 
• Develop digital and print materials to support programme promotion and recruitment

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Align with Bind’s values. If you are this, we can teach you the rest!
• Understanding of third sector grant funding landscape and experience in successful bid writing 
• Strong project management and organisational skills 
• Experience in partnership and stakeholder recruitment and management
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams of partners remotely
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for improving environmental and education outcomes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communicator and proficient in IT systems (shared documents, spreadsheets, Zoom/Teams/Meet, social media, website editing and emails) 

Desirable: 

• Interest in, and awareness of, food waste on a local and global level
• Experience in business development, franchise management, or operational leadership
• Experience working in education, environment or social impact sectors
• Knowledge of primary school systems 
• Experience of community engagement in the UK 
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle 

** A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Check will be required for the post, but a clean DBS certificate is not essential for the role - we will review employees with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. **

What We Offer 

• Opportunity to shape and lead the national growth of an amazing educational programme 
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with real social and environmental impact 
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive leadership. Many of our Eat Smart staff choose to work term-time only 
• Remote working, with an office in Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley 
• Being part of a small and passionate team, who believe in a positive disruptive mission to change the food waste landscape across the UK. 

Key Information

• Deadline for all applications is Mon 12th January 2026 at 9am – applications received after this date will not be considered.
• In-person interviews will take place on 21st January 2026 in Newcastle.
• Based in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley but this role can be worked remotely/hybrid (some UK-wide travel required incl. a trip to Newcastle minimum monthly)
• Contract: 30-32 hours per week (with the option of increased hours during term-time and reduced hours in school holidays). 
• The start date will be end of February 2026, but start dates will be discussed at interview.
• We will contact all applicants as soon as possible to inform them of the status of their application.

The role

At Ability Consultants, we specialise in helping charities, community groups, schools, social enterprises, and CICs to grow and make a bigger impact. From homelessness and health to youth work, arts, disability, and international development, our clients work across some of the most important themes in society. We provide the fundraising expertise so they can focus on delivering life-changing work.

Ability Consultants is proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer, Disability Confident Committed, and a VONNE Membership Plus Organisation. We’re also SHINE accredited - reflecting our commitment to fair, inclusive, and supportive employment practices.

As a Bid Writer: Trusts and Foundations, you’ll play a vital role in securing the income that keeps this work possible. You’ll research opportunities, develop compelling cases for support, and write high-quality funding applications on behalf of our clients. You’ll also help to build strong relationships with funders and ensure excellent stewardship, so that income is sustained and grown.

You might already have proven experience writing successful funding applications, or you could be looking for your next step if you have the skills, passion, and drive to learn. Either way, you’ll be someone with strong writing ability, great attention to detail, and the confidence to work directly with clients to tell their story in a persuasive and impactful way.

In return, you’ll join a supportive and ambitious team that works across the UK and internationally, making a measurable difference every day. If you’re ready to use your talent to help non-profits thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Important Information

How to Apply: You can visit our website to download an application pack. Please apply by sending us a copy of your CV and a covering letter (optional) to the email address in the job pack with the subject heading ‘Recruitment – Bid Writer: T&F. If you have any difficulties accessing our documents please get in touch with us.

Closing Date: 19/12/2025, 23:59

Role: Bid Writer (Trusts & Foundations) | Hours: 40 Hours Per Week | Salary: £28,000 - £29,000 | Period: Permanent

Interviews: Week commencing 5th January 2026 (provisional)

Sifting will take place on an ongoing basis, if successful at sifting stage, we may decide to invite you to an initial virtual call, and if successful a face to face interview may follow. 

Got a question?

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email us. 

About Ability Consultants

At Ability Consultants, we support our clients everyday to thrive and deliver their vital work, while trusting us with their fundraising and income generation needs. We work across all four nations of the UK and internationally, including partnerships in East Africa.

Our expertise spans a wide range of themes, including homelessness, equality and diversity, sport, suicide prevention, addiction, youth work, disability, health, food poverty, the arts, hospice care, international development, and schools. From bid writing and funding strategies to senior management support, and organisational development, we give charities, CIC and community organisations the tools and capacity they need to succeed.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1 million volunteer hours, positioning the University of Birmingham as one of the leaders in philanthropy in the UK. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Head of Philanthropy – Global, to maximise philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Philanthropy team, you will be responsible for growing major gifts opportunities and building a sustainable pipeline of future donations from global philanthropic markets. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As the Head of Philanthropy - Global, you will be responsible for growing our international major gifts programme. In collaboration with the Associate Director of Philanthropy you will develop and implement fundraising strategies to increase major giving in Asia and North America as well as emerging areas of focus. You will manage a personal portfolio of six figure + (GBP) potential supporters and personally raise gifts in excess of £1m p/a. You will manage the international philanthropy team of two individuals and support them to deliver their annual fundraising and supporting targets.

As a senior fundraiser in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities. As part of a dynamic team and led by some of the most respected names in higher education fundraising, you will work across the University to generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the game changing work of our academics and clinicians.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are and how we work.

Department

The Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA)

Office of Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA) works with a community of global alumni and donors to  deepen their ties with York and each other, and encourage them to support the University through York Giving.  This role is part of the Individual Philanthropy Team, which manages major individual philanthropy and the legacy giving programme, working closely with the other OPPA teams:

Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy: developing long term, strategic partnerships with philanthropic  corporate and foundation supporters.

Fundraising Programmes: managing mass fundraising appeals, crowdfunding campaigns, community  fundraising and student projects.

Operations and Experience: providing business intelligence, information and insight, governance and  stewardship of supporter and alumni relationships, and managing all mass communications with alumni and  supporters. 

York for Life: developing alumni communities, volunteering and alumni engagement programmes in  support of the University’s strategic aims. 

OPPA is part of the University’s Directorate of External Relations, and works closely with other sections of the  directorate, which are Marketing, Recruitment, Outreach and Admissions, Communications, Public Engagement  and Events, and International Student Recruitment, Partnerships and Mobility.

About the Role

The role of Philanthropy Manager is to inspire and encourage philanthropic income from major individual donors to the University of York.  You will work to build engagement and involvement of potential major donors and colleagues across the University to develop and deliver a pipeline of significant philanthropic gifts to York Giving’s priority projects. 

You will manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and have responsibility and accountability for fund management and other priority projects for philanthropic funding, including liaising with academic theme coordinators.

This is a demanding and rewarding role that requires resilience and a long term view.  The post holder will work to individual financial cash and pledge targets and KPIs based on meetings, moves, proposals and asks made.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Proven experience in a relationship management role, with both internal and external stakeholders.  Ease at working with people and developing personable relationships with a wide range of people.
• Experience of fundraising or role generating new business.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles related to donor cultivation, asking and  stewardship
• Experience of organising events
• Experience of working in a high education or not for profit fundraising environment.
• Knowledge of data protection laws as they related to donor information
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge / NXT database or similar relationship management database

Interview date:To be confirmed

The Funding and Development Officer will play a key role in identifying, securing, and managing income streams through grants, partnerships, donations, and fundraising initiatives. This role will also support organisational growth by developing strategic relationships, improving funding processes, and enhancing the charity’s visibility and impact.

The Funding & Development Officer will work closely with the Centre Manager to identify a strategic funding & finance plan to ensure sustainability for all the charities projects.

LYCC is a youth and community organisation (registered charity) dedicated to empowering young people, adults and strengthening local communities. We provide inclusive programmes, opportunities, and support that help individuals develop confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging. Our name change in 2011, to Litherland Youth & Community Centre, and our building redevelopment in 2014/2015 reflects how our organisation had shifted from a traditional “boys club” and “youth centre” to now a youth and community centre. Taking a holistic approach in relation to our services facilitated and support offered. LYCC identified the need for this holistic approach and has worked since to provide services and support for individuals of all ages within our community. The Funding & Development Officer, will help LYCC be proactive to local identified need and help to source and secure funds to faciltiate support. 

Current charity turnover approx. £300k. 

Are you an exceptional fundraiser who excels at cultivating high-value relationships and securing transformational gifts? Do you enjoy working with senior volunteers and philanthropists who are deeply committed to changing children’s lives?

Step into a pivotal role within one of the UK’s leading philanthropy teams as you lead our flagship Tick Tock Club appeal — inspiring major donors and volunteers to drive extraordinary impact for seriously ill children.

Salary

The salary for this position is £52,526 per annum and we operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a personal fundraising target of £1.5m+, securing six- and seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments from high-net-worth individuals and charitable trusts.
• Lead the £20m Tick Tock Club appeal, shaping strategy and driving one of GOSH Charity’s flagship philanthropic initiatives.
• Recruit, inspire and collaborate with senior volunteers, campaign boards and influential supporters to accelerate high-value fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, using insight-led approaches to build long-term engagement and maximise impact.
• Oversee campaign events, communications and tailored proposals, ensuring activity aligns with income targets and delivers an exceptional supporter experience.
• Provide motivating line management to a small team, fostering professional development, wellbeing and high performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A strong track record of securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts.
• Experience partnering with senior volunteers and campaign boards on major fundraising initiatives.
• Strategic leadership skills with the ability to galvanise a team around ambitious goals.
• Exceptional relationship-building, influencing and presentation abilities.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset with resilience under pressure.

Please refer to the full job description below for more information.

About the team
 

You’ll join our sector-leading Philanthropy team — recognised as one of the most high-performing and respected in the charity sector. We partner with some of the most generous and committed philanthropists in the UK and beyond to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

Our talented and supportive team of 20+ works closely with colleagues across fundraising, clinical, and research teams to create inspiring, high-impact opportunities for supporters. In partnership with senior volunteers and committees, we drive landmark campaigns including the £300 million Build It. Beat It. appeal and the Tick Tock Club, with exciting plans for a major new research-focused campaign on the horizon.