Bid and research manager jobs

Fundraising Officer – 4‑day week, hybrid, high‑impact charity based in Oxford

If you want a fundraising role where you can see the direct impact of every partnership, pitch and campaign this could be the right move.

About the role:
We’re looking for a Fundraising Officer to join Aspire’s small, agile and supportive Fundraising & Communications team. You’ll be an all‑round fundraiser, working across corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and community, events and individual giving. You’ll help grow and diversify our voluntary income so that more people across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley can move out of homelessness, poverty and long‑term unemployment into secure work and housing. 

This is a hands‑on role with real variety: one week you might be crafting a pitch for a new corporate partner, the next you could be pulling together a trust report, planning a community fundraising event or writing supporter communications. You’ll have room to shape the role around your strengths while learning from experienced colleagues.

About Aspire:
Aspire is a multi‑award‑winning employment charity and social enterprise. We support people who have faced serious barriers – including homelessness, offending histories, substance misuse, mental ill health and long‑term unemployment – to build confidence, skills and ultimately secure housing and work. In the last year alone, we supported over 1,800 people experiencing disadvantage to move closer to employment and housing and achieve lasting change. 

We are guided by our values: Ambitious, Supportive, Participatory, Inspiring, Reliable and Enterprising. You will see these lived out day to day – in how we work with participants, partners and each other. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Helping to grow and steward corporate partnerships across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, from prospect research and pitches to volunteering and sponsorship. 
• Supporting a strong pipeline of trust and foundation applications and reports, telling Aspire’s story with clarity and evidence. 
• Leading on community fundraising and events, building relationships with local groups, schools, faith communities, businesses and individual fundraisers. 
• Maintaining and developing individual giving through engaging, well‑timed communications. 
• Using our CRM (Salesforce) to keep supporter data, pipelines and reporting accurate and up to date. 
• Playing a full part in a collaborative team where ideas are welcomed and everyone pitches in at busy times. 

About you:

You don’t need to tick every box, but you will bring:

• Experience in at least one of: corporate fundraising, trusts and foundations, community/events or individual giving, plus enthusiasm to grow across all three. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your tone for different audiences. 
• Confidence building and managing relationships with supporters, customers or partners. 
• Good organisational skills and comfort working to deadlines and targets. 
• A genuine commitment to tackling homelessness, poverty and disadvantage, and alignment with Aspire’s values. 

Experience with Salesforce or AI tools would be helpful, but we’re more interested in your mindset: curious, proactive, organised and keen to learn. 

What we offer:

• A 4‑day working week (0.8 FTE). 
• Salary: £29,234 - £35,305 per annum (FTE), depending on experience (0.8 = £23,387 - £28,244) . 
• Hybrid / remote‑first working, with at least two in‑person team days per month in Oxford and occasional events and meetings. 
• The chance to shape and grow a varied fundraising role in a small, supportive team. 
• A values‑driven culture and the opportunity to see the tangible impact of your work. 

How to apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter directly to by noon on Friday 17th July 2026. In your covering letter, please ensure you tell us how you meet the Person Specification and share examples of relevant achievements. 

We are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert early if we appoint, so we encourage early applications. 

Do you have a passion for working in the heart of your local community and are driven by making a difference?  Then Citizens Advice Mid Mercia is the organisation for you.

Our free and independent advice helps people solve problems in a confidential and impartial manner. Whatever the problem, we won’t turn people away.  We make a difference. Our trusted brand and the quality of our research mean we make a real impact on behalf of the people who rely on us.

We are seeking an experienced Bid Writer to join our established funding team. The successful candidate will develop persuasive, compelling and compliant tender responses to support income generation for our charity. The role requires excellent writing skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues across various departments.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent communication skills
• Can manage own time effectively with a keen eye for detail
• 2-4 years of bid writing experience
• Experience of contributing to or supporting high-quality written submissions (e.g. bids, tenders, funding applications)
• Ability to understand complex information and present it clearly and concisely

Responsibilities / Key Tasks:

• Write, edit and improve tender responses and supporting documents
• Develop clear, concise, and persuasive content demonstrating impact and outcomes
• Create supporting materials such as case studies and summaries
• Work with colleagues across funding, operations, finance and partnerships to gather information
• Translate service delivery information into clear, structured written responses
• Support the coordination of tenders, timelines and requirements

What we offer in return:

• 28 days entitlement plus bank holidays pro-rata
• Opportunities for further training and continuous professional development
• Internal progression opportunities
• Supportive environment
• Remote/flexible working opportunities, subject to management approval
• Paid DBS application, where applicable
• 5% pension contributions
• 3 month’s full contractual pay for maternity, upon meeting qualifying criteria

The essentials

• Salary: £35,000 – 40,000 per annum
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Hybrid Working – mainly from home with occasional travel to one of our offices
• Contract: permanent

Please visit our website to find the full Job Description and Person Specifications for this role and a helpful Candidate Guide on our recruitment process

To apply: send your CV and cover letter, explaining why you would be suitable for this role 

Closing Date: 11 August 2026

Thank you for your interest in our vacancy.  The above role is advertised on a rolling recruitment basis.  We reserve the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time, without prior notice, before the advertised closing date. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you do not hear back from us within 10 working days after the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.  Please do not be discouraged from applying for other positions within our organisation. 

We are a Disability Confident Employer

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia are an accredited (Level 1) Disability Confident employer, and values diversity and promotes equality. We encourage and welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates from all backgrounds. We follow the social model of disability which believes that it is the barriers created by society which disable people. We will use reasonable adjustments wherever possible to remove those barriers. 

Help transform women's lives - one grant, one opportunity, one future at a time.

Anawim are seeking their next Trusts and Foundations Manager to join the team so they can continue to secure the funding that makes their vital work with women possible.

Role: Trusts & Foundations Manager
Salary: £36,825 - £43,430
Hours: 37 hours per week (0.8 considered)
Location: Balsall Heath, Birmingham (hybrid working available with 1-2 days on site)
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday. Staff also benefit from enhanced maternity and sick pay, a pension scheme, hybrid working, and access to a healthcare cash plan. Additional support includes wellbeing initiatives, clinical supervision where appropriate, and ongoing training and development opportunities.

About Anawim:

Anawim exists for women who have experienced trauma, abuse, poverty, mental health issues, addiction, and contact with the criminal justice system. They provide a safe, welcoming space and long-term, holistic support, helping women rebuild their confidence, independence, and their futures. Anawim's work spans early intervention through to intensive support, including community sentences, prison support, drop-in provision and one to one casework. Their ambition is to continue expanding their reach and impact beyond Birmingham and across the West Midlands.

About the role:

This business-critical role is responsible for managing and growing income from trusts and foundations, which accounts for around half of overall funding. You'll oversee an established pipeline of funders and deliver high-quality applications in a competitive funding environment.

You will:

• Manage and deliver the trusts and foundations pipeline end-to-end
• Research and identify funding opportunities aligned with organisational priorities
• Write high-quality, compelling applications and reports across a range of funders (from small grants to large multi-year bids)
• Build and maintain relationships with funders
• Work closely with colleagues to translate impact into strong, evidence-based funding cases
• You will be joining a team with strong internal support, including finance, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising colleagues - giving you the tools and insight needed to succeed.
• Your work will directly enable women to access life-changing support.

About you:

We're looking for someone with:

• A strong track record of securing grant income or writing successful bids 5-6 figures (trusts and foundations or similar)
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive applications and reports
• Experience managing multiple deadlines and priorities independently
• The ability to assess opportunities and focus on the most impactful funding prospects
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across teams
• This role will suit someone who enjoys the practical side of grant fundraising - getting high-quality bids out the door consistently - while still contributing ideas and insight where needed.
• A genuine commitment to social justice and supporting women is essential.

Why join Anawim?

This is more than a fundraising role - it's a chance to support a service that transforms lives every day, helping create a world where women are safe, valued, and equal. You'll take on a high-impact role with strong internal support, a diverse funding portfolio, and the autonomy to make a real difference within a collaborative team. It's an excellent opportunity for someone ready to step up or an experienced trusts and foundations specialist seeking a focused, hands-on role.

How to apply:

To find out more or to apply, please contact Ellen Drummond at Charity People with a copy of your CV in the first instance. If your experience aligns with what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with further information.

Application Deadline: 9am on the 22^nd of July
Interviews: w/c 3^rd of August

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both bid writing and relationship building.

Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, you will play a key role in securing income from trusts and foundations, supporting donor stewardship, and helping to grow community fundraising activity. You will contribute directly to the financial sustainability of the charity while helping more children gain access to books of their own.

The role is ideally suited to someone who is highly organised, a strong writer, and confident managing multiple fundraising activities simultaneously.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Trusts and Foundations Manager

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and relationship-driven Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on securing income from Trusts and Foundations from first engagement to account management, delivery and reporting. 

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, willing to try new things. We are looking for an exceptional writer, someone who can translate the impact of our work into proposals that inspire and motivate the reader to give.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships and the Director to manage relationships with existing donors, and leading on the development of high value bids to expand our work. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident communicator and grant fundraiser with experience managing and deepening relationships with high value trusts and foundations gifts – someone who thrives on storytelling and social impact. We currently have a strong pipeline of trusts and foundations and are looking for someone eager to write applications and secure funding.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week; core hours - 10am till 4pm

Location: We have office space at the Pears Hub in West Hampstead, where some people come in one or two times a week, we're very flexible. 

Application process:

- Application form

- Task and interview (interviews will be conducted on MS Teams)

Please also fill out this equality & diversity monitoring form (this will not be linked to your application).

1. Application closes: 20th July 9am

2. Interviews: 23rd and 24th July

3. Start date: 1st September

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to ensure that we are recruiting, retaining and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please get in touch with Carmen O’Loughlin if you would like to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or have any queries about the role.

Fawcett is recruiting a Fundraising Manager to own day-to-day fundraising delivery and help strengthen how fundraising works across the organisation. This is a manager-level role with real responsibility: bringing structure, judgement and follow-through to live fundraising activity, leading trusts and foundations as a core technical area, and helping develop wider fundraising opportunities over time.

You would work closely with our Head of Income and Organisational Development, who leads the strategic side of this work, while this role acts as its operational counterpart. We are looking for someone with strong fundraising experience, especially in trusts and foundations, excellent bid and report writing skills, and the ability to operate autonomously in a small organisation.

We know that women and people from marginalised backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If this role feels like a strong match for your skills and approach, we would encourage you to apply.

As a key member of the management team, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering our development and fundraising strategy at the Garden, contributing to ensuring a strong, diverse and sustainable income portfolio that enables us to reach more people and move closer to a world that values and conserves biodiversity. As the Development and Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for donor cultivation and stewardship, as well as meeting income targets realised through using various techniques to generate funds from multiple sources, including donations and fundraising from trusts, foundations, statutory sources, the corporate sector and/or legacies. You will support the Board of Trustees Income Generation Committee, the Senior Leadership Team and Managers with funding applications to grant providers, as well as fundraising from donors, sponsors and commercial funding sources. You will research grant and funding opportunities, produce background notes, and develop and manage a database of funding sources that will support delivery of the charitable outcomes of the Garden. You will play a critical role in supporting development of the Garden by advising and guiding the team on funding sources and the preparation of funding bids to the highest possible standard, as well as identifying and implementing fundraising initiatives. You will work in close co-operation with staff across a range of disciplines to maximise access to funds. A passion for sustainability and the Garden’s wider mission is highly desirable. Fluency and confidence in written and spoken Welsh will be an advantage.

Full details can be found on our website below. 

https://garddfotaneg.cymru/ein-gwaith/cenhadaeth/gweithio-gyda-ni/ 

https://botanicgarden.wales/our-work/mission/work-for-us/

Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager

We are seeking an experienced Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager to secure vital funding and help drive the growth of an ambitious charity supporting people affected by serious health conditions.

Position: Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager
Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 per annum pro rata, depending on experience
Location: Leeds office, hybrid or remote working available
Hours: Part-time, 2-3 days per week (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent. Contract or freelance arrangements may also be considered.
Closing Date: 11th July

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced trusts fundraiser to join a well-established charity with a strong track record of grant funding success.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead on securing income from trusts and foundations, while also identifying opportunities from corporate and statutory funders where appropriate. You will manage existing funder relationships, develop new prospects and create compelling applications that support both project delivery and core organisational costs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a trusts and foundations fundraising strategy
• Writing persuasive funding applications and impact reports
• Managing a portfolio of existing and prospective funders
• Building and maintaining strong funder relationships
• Researching and identifying new funding opportunities
• Working with colleagues to align funding opportunities with organisational priorities
• Monitoring fundraising performance and providing reporting and analysis
• Ensuring fundraising activities meet relevant regulations and best practice standards

About You

You will have proven experience securing funding from trusts and foundations and be confident managing a varied portfolio of funders.

You will also have:

• A successful track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Excellent proposal and report writing skills
• Strong research and prospecting abilities
• Experience building and managing funder relationships
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Experience using CRM systems to support fundraising activity
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Knowledge of the healthcare or charity sector would be advantageous.

About the Organisation

This charity supports people with brain tumours and their families. They help individuals navigate the healthcare system, offer emotional and practical support, and drive campaigns and awareness. From solo ocean rowers to children raising thousands, their community of fundraisers is extraordinary and we’re looking for someone just as exceptional to support them.

The employer aims to be an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Trust Fundraising Manager, Trusts Fundraiser, Grants Manager, Grants Fundraising Manager, Philanthropy Manager, Funding Manager, Fundraising Manager, Trusts and Grants Manager, Bid Writer, Development Manager. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. Applications will be reviewed on receipt and the organisation reserves the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be appointed.

This is a particularly exciting moment for Bath Cats and Dogs Home. We’ll soon be merging with a neighbouring animal charity. Together, we’ll be stronger and more sustainable, working across a large area that stretches from west Wiltshire to the Bristol Channel, and doubling the size of the population we serve.

This new chapter will significantly expand our reach, increase our impact for local animals, and strengthen the support we can provide to pet owners across our communities. As part of this transformation, fundraising will play a critical role - making this a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to shape meaningful growth and help deliver ambitious plans for animal welfare.

You’ll lead on developing and securing income from charitable trusts and foundations, managing existing relationships while identifying and cultivating new opportunities. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and Retail and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll create compelling funding proposals, build strong funder relationships, and help bring innovative projects to life.

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care. 

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home. 

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Trusts and Foundations Officer. This role will play a key part in increasing and diversifying our income, enabling us to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome even more dogs during this pivotal moment in our charity’s history. 

Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Trusts & Foundations fundraiser who is ready to strengthen and diversify their experience, to work with small, medium and high-value funders, and to play a meaningful role within Greyhound Rescue Wales.

The Trusts and Foundations Officer is responsible for securing grants of varying sizes, translating all aspects of GRW’s work into compelling, high-quality applications for a diverse range of prospective funders.

As part of our Income Generation Team, you will work closely with the Head of Fundraising, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to help deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

You’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of trust and foundation relationships, building on warm funders while also researching and developing new prospects at the four-to six-figure level.

This role offers hands-on experience across the full trusts fundraising cycle — from research and relationship-building to bid writing, reporting and stewardship with strong support and clear opportunities to grow

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

Weston Park Cancer Charity is here to face cancer with you.  Our services, advice and support are for you and the people close to you, helping everyone to live with and beyond cancer. The funds we raise also support vital, pioneering research and clinical trials led by the exceptional medical experts at Weston Park Cancer Centre.  It’s our job to care in every sense for our patients and their families.  Our help is free, and we’re here for you, together every step.

What you do

Main purpose of post

This is an important role in the fundraising team which is responsible for identifying, developing, and converting opportunities to generate income to achieve Weston Park Cancer Charity’s strategy. This role will support the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager to secure income generation through corporate organisations. It carries an income target aligned to the grade of the post holder, within an overall corporate income target of over £400,000 per annum.

You will be expected to understand Weston Park Cancer Charity’s unique offer, the needs and priorities of our corporate partners and be capable of taking our propositions and clearly shaping them to create mutual value for the communities we support and our partners.

Key Responsibilities

 · Responsible for an income target of which aligns with the grade of the post, contributing to an overall corporate income target of over £4000k pa.

· Delivers income growth through gifts from corporates, workplace fundraising and public facing corporate donations.

· Support the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager in developing and implementing a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy which is data driven and demonstrates strong ROI.

· Develop and deliver concepts and ideas, from early discussion through to detailed proposals, working with colleagues across the charity. 

· Contribute to maximising sponsorship of our key programmes such as Big Purple Bus and Grant-Giving for cancer research and other initiatives.

· Write detailed, accurate and compelling bids and proposals that clearly articulate how Weston Park Cancer Charity are the preferred choice to meet the partner and project objectives for Charity of the Year or long-term strategic partnerships.

· Work with our events team to promote opportunities for corporate partners to support the annual events programme e.g. tables at events , team challenge events

· Succinctly communicate the impact of our work, ensuring it inspires and clearly matches the requirements of potential corporate partners and major donors.

· Be a key interface for external corporate enquiries and act as an external ambassador, undertaking significant networking across the region and representing the charity at key meetings and events.

· Be responsible for the management of an agreed number of accounts, providing excellent relationship management.

· Ensure that the resource and capability exist to deliver partner/funder requirements and proactively identify and seek to fill any gaps.

· Ensure we collect detailed and continuous feedback so that we learn from experience and effectively evaluate both successful and unsuccessful funding proposals and initiatives.

· Develop and maintain a prospect pipeline that is realistically capable of meeting agreed income targets and reflects both the strategic priorities of Weston Park Cancer Chairty and the external funding priorities of our corporate partners

· Maximise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunities, work place fundraising and volunteering, and Gifts in Kind.

General Responsibilities:

Every employee is required to:

· Adhere to, and comply with, organisational policies, procedures and guidelines at all times.

· Take all reasonable steps to manage and promote a safe and healthy working environment which is free from discrimination.

· Comply with the organisational policy on confidentiality, and the General Data Protection Regulations

· Respect the confidentiality and privacy of donors, guests and staff at all times.

· Maintain a constant awareness of health, welfare and safety issues affecting colleagues, patients, volunteers, visitors and themselves.

·Participate in personal and organisational training and development and performance framework meetings

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Who you are

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who shares our values to join Weston Park Cancer Charity’s busy charity team. Our Corporate Fundraising Manager will play a vital part in our team and help us to deliver our vision: a better life for those living with, and beyond, cancer in our region. If you are interested in being part of an organisation which makes a real difference to the lives of thousands of people, we’d love to hear from you.

 About you

· You have proven experience of growing income and achieving income targets from corporate partnerships, ideally in a health charity environment.

· You are passionate about people and place: you want the best outcomes for people in South Yorkshire living with and beyond cancer

· You understand that income growth comes from inspiring with impact and excellent relationship management

· You thrive working collaboratively in a team which is driven to achieve whilst being supportive and rooted in our mission

· You have strong interpersonal skills which you use to inspire people about the cause and how their support can make a difference

· Act as an ambassador for Weston Park Cancer Charity, reflecting the objectives and values, and to always work in the best interests of the charity

· Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working relationships

Our Total Rewards Package

Our Total Rewards Package is the result of staff feedback and best practice across the charity, public and private sectors. Some of our key benefits, depending on eligibility, include:

· 27 days (plus bank holidays) annual leave

· Option to purchase additional five working days per year

· Westfield Health level 4 coverage

· 12 weeks maternity leave at 100% pay and an additional 6 weeks at 50%

· Up to 2 weeks full paternity pay

· NHS benefits

· Hybrid working

· A minimum 4% employee / 6% employer contribution through our Auto Enrol private pension scheme. *Tax relief is automatically claimed for the staff member.

· Death in service cover

How to apply

Closing date:Wednesday 8th July 2026

Interview date: Thursday 16th July 2026

Application format: Please complete the Expression of Interest form for roles which are ring-fenced as part of this restructure process. Please ensure you give strong evidence, with examples where possible, of how you meet the person specification (the Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Attributes listed on the previous page).

Weston Park Cancer Charity is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and values diversity of culture among our staff.  All applications are anonymised as part of the selection process, so please do not forward any documents in PDF format.

Finance Director

Hours of work 30 hrs / 4 days per week, permanent contract

Based Newhaven, with some hybrid working available after completing induction

Starting Salary £60K per annum pro rata

Are you an experienced senior level finance decision maker with broad cross sector knowledge, who demonstrates excellent communication skills, and wants to use your skills to support a community facing organisation? If so, we would welcome your interest and application!

You will be a qualified accountant, with an understanding of the complexities of working within the 3rd sector funding framework.  With responsibility for providing expert strategic financial advice and professional input right across the organisation, you will ensure the finances of the Charity run smoothly and efficiently.  You will consider the wider internal and external factors presented to you by our internal knowledge experts alongside the financial position in order to support the delivery of the services and enterprises, which fulfil the organisation’s mission and values.

You will also provide effective leadership and direction of the well-regarded finance team with a person-centred approach.

Providing sound financial, contract & risk management advice and ensuring compliance with legal, statutory and audit requirements, you will contribute to the strategic leadership of the charity as an active member of our Senior Management Team.

We are looking for people to join our team who have the qualities and skills we feel would most benefit our internal and external clients; professionalism, empathy, kindness and understanding. In return, we understand people want to work in a supportive environment with friendly colleagues. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to delivery wherever possible, annual leave of 25 days per year pro rata plus bank holidays and sick pay from the start (increasing with service), additional sick pay per year for planned operations and recovery, a pension scheme, bereavement leave, and managers who are available to you… plus a day off for your birthday!

Interviews will be held in Newhaven.

Closing date: 5pm on Sunday 19th July 2026

1st stage interviews:  Wednesday 29th  July 2026 / 2nd stage interviews: w/c Monday 3rd August 2026

 For the job description and to apply, please visit the website

Completed application forms can be sent to HR

 You may think that you’re not a 100% match to what we’re looking for, but we recognise that some skills and experience may be transferable rather than an exact match. If you’re unsure about whether to apply, please do contact the HR team, and we would be happy to arrange an informal discussion with the CEO or current FD.

SCDA includes: Employability; Community Advice and Wellbeing; Community Development & Health

Registered Charity Number: 1094905

Company Limited by Guarantee: 3387617

Fundraising Lead  
£45,000–£55,000 F/T 
Remote with regular travel 

About Metabolic Support 

Metabolic Support is the UK umbrella patient organisation for people living with Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) — rare, lifelong genetic conditions affecting around 40,000 people in the UK and 1.43 million worldwide. Since 1981 we have been at the forefront of rare disease advocacy, research and community support. 

About the Role 

This is a strategic, hands-on opportunity to lead our fundraising activity, drive sustainable income growth and position Metabolic Support as the leading international patient advocacy group for IMDs. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you'll shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy, build relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, and work across our small, agile team to embed fundraising principles into everything we do. The role has no direct reports but requires a collaborative, proactive approach and the confidence to work autonomously. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and deliver an integrated fundraising strategy covering corporate partnerships, individual giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies, community and events 

• Lead on high-value bids and build compelling donor propositions 

• Manage donor stewardship, CRM (Nutshell), budgets and board reporting 

• Instil fundraising principles across the team and maximise income opportunities organisation-wide 
   

About You 

• Proven fundraising or income generation experience with expertise in at least one area: trusts and foundations, corporates or major donors 

• Strong relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Highly organised, self-starting and comfortable managing competing priorities 

• Committed to Metabolic Support's mission; willing to travel in the UK and internationally 

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July