Bid writer jobs in chichester, west sussex
We are delighted to be partnering with STEM Learning to find their next Head of Fundraising.
Fundraising has developed rapidly for the organisation in recent years, with investment, board-level commitment and a growing team driving success. With strong foundations in place and a portfolio of high-value partnerships across corporate, trust, foundation, and major donor income, they are now poised to scale their strategic influence and deepen their impact.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and leading a five-strong team, the Head of Fundraising will shape and deliver the long-term fundraising strategy, strengthen the organisation's positioning as a trusted, high-impact partner, and drive sustainable, multi-year income growth that enables transformational change.
As Head of Fundraising, you will:
- Lead the development and delivery of a high-level fundraising strategy, securing multi-year six-figure+ partnerships across corporates, trusts, foundations, major donors and HNWIs
- Manage, develop and inspire a team of 5 direct reports (responsibility for 7), fostering a proactive, collaborative and high-performing culture
- Engage senior stakeholders including the CEO, Chair, Trustees and senior partners to unlock networks and open opportunities
- Represent the organisation at senior-level networking events, conferences and sector forums, influencing decision-makers and strengthening brand positioning
Essential skills and experience:
- A strategic, senior-level fundraiser with a proven track record delivering six-figure, multi-year partnerships from corporates. Experience across trusts, foundations, and/or major donors highly desirable
- A proactive new business mindset, with eagerness to meet with donors and attend events
- Strategic leadership experience, with proven ability to motivate and develop fundraising teams
- An experienced relationship-builder who has used confidence and gravitas to engage CEOs, trustees, C-suite leaders and high-net-worth individuals — and successfuly make compelling asks
STEM Learning offer a sector-leading employee benefits package, which includes 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays and up to 15% employer pension contributions.
This is a mostly home-based role, with travel to N.England and London for office time and meetings. There are travel-cost reimbursements available - please discuss.
Detailed briefing notes and full support with CV and cover letter will be provided for suitable applicants.
Please ensure that your CV aligns with the person spec above, or add notes to cover letter option.
Candidates meeting the essential criteria will be invited to an initial briefing and screening call. Full support will be provided with formal application, including cover letter writing.
QuarterFive and our clients know fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. We encourage individuals with relevant skills and experience to apply for roles regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.
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Expert recruitment for fundraisers and charities.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Manager
Hours: 37 hours a week
Salary: £44,100 per annum
Location: Hybrid/Flexible - we have buildings in Brighton, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Horsham and Bognor Regis, giving flexibility to choose your main base with home working.
Closing Date: 12th November 2025, midday
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship – you must have the Right to Work in the UK.
Are you and experienced fundraiser that can hold and deliver a strategy?
We’re looking for an experienced fundraiser who can work alone and confidently to shape and grow our fundraising income.
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (AUKWSBH), we’re proud of the difference we make but we know we can’t stand still. With an ageing population and increasing demand for our services, we’re looking for a highly experienced Fundraiser Manager to help us grow our voluntary income and deepen our impact even further.
This is a pivotal role, leading the development and delivery of a sustainable fundraising strategy that supports our mission to help people love later life.
You will initially work alone as we shape and grow the team going forward. You’ll be confident and assertive in working across the different fundraising income streams and with your knowledge and experience, guide us on what we need to do next.
The role involves developing local relationships, a strong understanding of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and its communities is essential. You’ll spend time in our centres and communities, building connections and raising our profile locally, so applicants must be based in or very familiar with the area.
What You’ll Do
- Raise at least £500,000 in new money per annum, with a robust fundraising plan.
- Be an exceptional storyteller and writer, who can translate our impact into powerful cases for support across applications, campaigns and donor appeals.
- Shape the future of fundraising at AUKWSBH, advising on priorities and helping to grow the team.
What You’ll Bring
- Knowledge and expertise in all areas of raising voluntary income, knowing where to spend time and energy for an organisation of our size and location.
- Confidence and compliance of fundraising best practice, fundraising governance and law.
- The ability to work independently, with the scope and ambition to grow the fundraising function and resources over time, including the possibility of line managing staff in future.
What We’ll Offer
- An opportunity to create lasting impact across a well-loved and ambitious organisation.
- A vibrant, values-driven culture where your voice and work matters.
- A flexible, supportive team with big plans and a collaborative mindset.
- Hybrid working, with the option to choose your main base from one of our centres (Brighton, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Burgess Hill or Bognor Regis), with the option of home working.
Benefits
We value our team and offer a brilliant benefits package, including:
- Flexible working options
- Ongoing professional development
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 4% auto-enrolment pension with life assurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
How to Apply
To apply, please read the full Job Description and get to know us at Welcome to Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove. Then submit your tailored CV and a covering letter (no more than 3 pages) explaining how you meet the person specification. We embrace innovation (yes, AI too!), but most importantly, we want to hear your voice.
Alternatively you can download our application form Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove (aukwsbh) current vacancies.
Please note applications without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.
As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. If this applies to you, please indicate this clearly in your application.
We are unable to accept sponsorship applications and you will need the Right to Work in the UK.
The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory references and DBS check.
Who We Are
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we’re on a mission to change the way we age. As a local, independent charity and proud network partner of the national Age UK, we’re the go-to for expert guidance and support in later life. Whether it’s tackling issues like poverty, ageism and loneliness or helping people stay healthy, independent, informed and connected—we ensure that no one has to navigate later life alone.
Through our advice services, wellbeing programmes and vibrant community centres, we empower older people with the support, companionship and activities they need to live life to the fullest. Our VIP values—Valued, Included, Passionate—drive everything we do, creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels heard and respected.
If you want to make a real difference, come and join us.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We’re proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe in removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of background, age, or ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
As part of our commitment to the Disability Confident programme, we actively support applications from disabled candidates and ensure fair, inclusive recruitment practices. We offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. We also value the experience and contributions of older workers and are committed to age-friendly employment practices that support people at every stage of life.
We encourage individuals to let us know about any reasonable adjustments they may need, whether during the application process, interviews, or in the workplace, to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all applicants.
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, or need support with your application, please let us know.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.