Business development and funding officer jobs

Location: Home-based
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £27,646 - £30,718 per annum
Benefits: 27 days holiday bank holidays (pro rata for part time roles), perk scheme access, life assurance, paid compassionate leave, enhanced sick pay, Cycling UK membership plus many more staff benefits.

There’s never been a better time to join the team at Cycling UK! We have launched an ambitious new strategy – and we want you to be part of it. There are loads of reasons to love cycling, even if you’re not someone who cycles. From cutting pollution, to making us healthier and happier, cycling can help us all thrive.

The role of PMO & Governance Officer is a key part of Cycling UK’s Project Management Office (PMO), which plays a vital role in supporting the charity’s strategic goals through effective project delivery. The role combines both operational and administrative elements, contributing to work across project management, governance, and business development. It supports the planning, communication, implementation, delivery, and evaluation of a range of projects that align with the charity’s strategic goals. You'll also play a supporting role in the Governance and Business Development functions, helping to ensure that the organisation is well-managed and funded through a diverse range of income sources.

Explore the attached job description for full details on this exciting opportunity. Complete the application form expressing why you are the right candidate for this opening. Focus on gearing your supporting statement to exemplify how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly referring to the person specification. This enables the selection panel to assess your relative strengths against the specified criteria.

We are an inclusive organisation and would particularly welcome applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. We strongly believe that diversity strengthens our work. If you are already passionate about cycling, that’s great, many of us are too! But if you are simply really excellent at what you do, no matter what your background, that is what matters most to us.

The role is home based in the UK, with occasional travel to our Guildford/London offices.

Applications close at 9:00am on the closing date shown

You may also have experience in the following: PMO Officer, Project Management Officer, Project Support Officer, Project Coordinator, Project Administrator, Programme Support Officer, Project Delivery Officer, Project Governance Officer, Governance Officer, Business Development Support, Operations Support Officer, Governance Administrator, Charity Project Officer, Third Sector Project Coordinator, Fundraising Support, Business Development (Charity)

REF-224 027

The Freedom Fund

The Freedom Fund is a global non-profit dedicated to ending modern slavery. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $100 million into frontline organisations and coalitions, helping to shift power to local actors and create lasting systems change. Our new strategy doubles down on this commitment, investing in anti-slavery movements, fostering collaboration, and working as a trusted partner to the incredible people and organisations driving this work forward. 

Research and Impact Data

This is a key role in the Freedom Fund’s Research & Evaluation team, playing a key role in measuring the real-world impact of anti-slavery initiatives across the globe. You’ll also contribute to research and evaluation projects that deepen understanding and improve the ways we work to prevent and address modern slavery.

In this role, you’ll manage the digital backbone of our data systems, ensuring that impact is measured consistently and meaningfully. You’ll provide colleagues and partners with the tools and training they need to monitor progress and address challenges. Through engaging dashboards and innovative visualisations, you’ll turn complex data into accessible insights for a wide range of audiences: from grassroots partners to the Freedom Fund’s senior leadership.

You’ll report to the Head of Research & Evaluation and work alongside Research & Evaluation team members based globally. The role will involve one to two international trips per year. This position offers excellent opportunities to advance your professional skills and the chance to influence how impact is measured and communicated across the anti-slavery movement.

Interview process:

2 stage interview process: week commencing 29th September 2025.

Please see the job description for all details.

We're looking for someone to help manage Crimestoppers in the Avon and Somerset area.

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026

Location: Home-based (with regional travel across Avon & Somerset)

Hours: 15 hours per week (0.4 FTE, flexible, including some unsociable hours)

Salary: £15,531 per annum (£38,828 FTE)

Crimestoppers is seeking a Regional Manager to act as our representative across the region. This key role will:

• Lead the creation and delivery of impactful crime prevention campaigns with law enforcement and community partners.

• Coordinate cross-border and national initiatives in support of ROCUs, the NCA, and other agencies.

• Drive funding opportunities to support our work, from campaigns to outreach.

• Empower volunteer committees to thrive and achieve their full potential.

• Act as a spokesperson for Crimestoppers with local and regional media.

We are looking for someone with strong project management and budget management experience, confident in working under pressure, building strategic relationships, and occasionally working unsociable hours. Experience with the voluntary sector, media campaigns, or policing practice would be an advantage.

This is a really exciting opportunity to make a real impact in crime prevention.

You'll find more details in the job pack here.

We’re looking for an experienced content officer to create and share our charity’s impact, stories and campaigns in new and compelling ways to help raise awareness, grow our audience and drive engagement. 

This is a hands-on role and requires someone with proven experience of creating high-quality, creative and engaging content across print and digital platforms, including video, email, web and social media.

If you’re excited by the opportunity to create and deliver a wide variety of content which makes a difference to women, sick kids and their families, we’d love to hear from you. 

Please see our job information pack for further details on this role and what we as a Charity have to offer!

Interviews will be held at our office at 5 Rowchester Court, Whittall Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH on Wednesday 22 October.

The basics

Location: Agile working 

Contract: Permanent, subject to funding 

Hours: 16 hours per week

Starting salary: £27,445 FTE (£13,722.50 pro rata)

Who we are

Safer London is a charity working with young Londoners and families who are affected by violence and exploitation. We believe that when a child or young person comes to us they are just that – a child or a young person: we don’t define them by the issue that has brought them to us. By working alongside young Londoners, their families and peers in the places where they spend their time, we can create a safe London not just for them but for everyone.

Who you are

Would you like to make a difference to the lives of Young Londoners? 

Do you enjoy helping people get the best out of online systems, designing and delivering high quality training and resources?

Do you have the expertise to provide support to users of case recording systems?

If so, you might be just who we are looking for!

If you are committed and resilient, and believe you have what it takes to help us to improve the lives of young Londoners and their families please apply.

What the role involves

1. Ensuring that there are regular training opportunities for both new starters and those requiring refresher sessions or updates when new functions or forms are released. This will include running system training drop in sessions to assist with queries / hear feedback, and relaying information from these to the Information Governance and IT manager.

2. To support managing the case recording system help desk – so that support is always ava

ilable to front line workers and other stakeholders.

3. Working with the Learning and Development Coordinator to establish an evaluation method and implement this to enable us to assess the effectiveness of each training session and using this to improve future delivery.

4. Produce effective training materials and guidance documents, and develop and maintain a training area on our case recording system, including the creation of dummy forms and files for new users to access and use as a training sandbox

5. Performing case recording system changes to forms and lists as directed by the Information Governance and IT Lead

6. Support the Data Reporting and System Support Lead with regards to user administration and user support at times of absence and increased need

7. Working with the Learning and Development Coordinator to support the creation of e-learning training modules for our LMS (currently RISE) Acting at all times in line with safeguarding legislation and guidance in addition to Safer London’s practice guidelines and wider pan-London processes and protocols.

8. Undertaking any other duties as required and commensurate with the level of this post, including covering the Data Reporting and CRS support lead post functions when relevant.

Additional Information

Safer London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect anyone who works and volunteers with us to share this commitment. As part of this commitment we will request a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check, as well as references covering the last five years, for the successful candidates.

We value diversity and encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We know that in order to make London a safer place for the young people that live here we need a diverse range of perspectives, experience, and knowledge.

Why working for us is different:

Encouraging work life balance

Ø  Safer London is a 4 day/32 hour (FTE) working week organisation. This means that you have a regular day off in the week with no impact on your pay.

Ø  179 hours annual leave (plus bank holidays and pro rata for those who join us part time) rising after 3 and 5 years of service.

Ø  Flexible and smart working policies in line with an agile way of working.

Ø  Agile working - meaning you can work from different locations like home, in the community, from our office (job dependent).

Enriching your work life

Ø  Opportunities for learning and development

Ø  New modern offices

Ø  Opportunities to feedback including surveys and groups

Ø  Reflective practice sessions

Ø  Reduced caseloads compared to statutory services

Caring for you and your family

Ø  Enhanced family leave

Ø  Death in service benefit

Ø  Thinking about your finances

Ø  Discounted season ticket loan

Ø  Pension scheme

Ø  Cycle to work scheme

Ø  Expenses float scheme

Sound good? Here’s how to apply

To apply please complete the online application form and submit it as soon as possible: Safer London runs a rolling recruitment process which means that applications are shortlisted and invited for interview within one week of receipt. As soon as a suitable candidate is found no further applications will be considered.

As part of the online application you will be required to confirm you have read our Privacy and Cookie Policy and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Please make sure you find the Job Pack attached by clicking the apply button on this page or find it on Safer London’s Website. 

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process or if you experience any technical issues when trying to access and/or complete the application through the online portal, please contact us via the “Contact us” section of our website or find our contact information in the Job Pack.

Safer London is not a sponsoring organisation for foreign nationals and you must be able to show proof that you have permission to live and work in the UK in order to be considered for this role.

Join us at the Foundling Museum at a pivotal moment in its story. We are seeking an experienced, conscientious and collaborative Director of Development to lead our fundraising and strategic growth. 

With passion, creativity and realism, you will drive philanthropic support, nurture key relationships and be a key contributor to shaping the Museum’s future as we build on its unique heritage and national profile.

You will bring proven leadership, deep understanding of cultural fundraising and the ability to inspire colleagues, supporters and stakeholders to achieve income targets. This is a rare opportunity to make a dynamic impact on a museum with history, relevance and ambition.

Role Overview 

The Director of Development at the Foundling Museum will lead the Museum’s fundraising strategy, driving income generation to support its mission and programmes. This senior leadership role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate sponsorship, individual giving, trusts and foundations, membership schemes, philanthropic campaigns and communications.  

The Director of Development works closely with the Museum's Director (CEO & Artistic Director), Trustees and key stakeholders to cultivate relationships with high-value donors, build strategic partnerships and secure sustainable financial support. As part of the Senior Management Team, this new role will work in collaboration with the Director of Finance (PT) and Director of Commercial and Operations (FT). 

Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the role involves managing a small development team (2FTE) and communications team, setting ambitious targets and achieving actual income goals, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s values and strategic priorities.

The Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the Museum’s long-term financial resilience, leveraging the Museum’s reputation and impact to inspire and engage supporters from diverse sectors.  

Key duties 

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising, membership and partnership strategy to support the Museum’s short and long-term goals 
• Work closely with senior leadership and the Board to align fundraising priorities with the Museum’s mission and strategic objectives
• Fundraising 
• Lead efforts to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, with a particular focus on individuals, trust and foundations, and corporates 
• Oversee the development of compelling proposals, pitches, and presentations to corporate and individual supporters, including negotiation of corporate and philanthropic agreements   
• Work with trusts, foundations, and statutory funding bodies to secure grants that support the Museum’s exhibitions, programmes and capital projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on all grant-funded activities
• Ensure that proper due diligence around potential donors is conducted in line with the organisation’s policies and compliant with the Fundraising Code of Practice of the Fundraising Regulator and other national bodies with which the Museum is registered
• Donor and Partnership Development 
• Identify, cultivate and secure new high-value donors of all types, including individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and statutory funders
• Develop strong professional relationships with the Museum’s existing donors in a warm and personal atmosphere and in alignment with the Museum’s values
• Strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders, including internal colleagues and board and committee members, to harness their relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and understanding of fundraising across the organisation
• With the Director of Commercial and Operations, plan and deliver all major Museum events for key stakeholders 
• Lead the team to cultivate the membership base of the Museum
• Leadership & Team Management 
• Manage the fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure success in meeting income targets
• Manage the communications team to oversee the brand, marketing, media communications and related budgets
• Oversee digital communications, including website and social media, to increase income generation, philanthropy and partnerships
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, and with SMT across the staff
• Financial & Administrative Oversight 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring that targets are met and that funds are raised in line with the Museum's mission
• Oversee the fundraising budget and ensure efficient use of resources
• Liaise with the Director of Finance to ensure fundraising revenues are accurately tracked and accounted for 
• Ensure complete, accurate and timely processes are conducted around all fundraising activity, including gift administration and acknowledgement, Gift Aid, GDPR compliance, etc.
• Provide regular reports to the Museum Director and Board of Trustees on the Museum’s progress on key projects and targets as articulated in the Museum’s strategic plan
• Public Relations & Advocacy 
• Serve as a key ambassador for the Museum, deputising for the Director where appropriate regarding income generation, enhancing its public profile and strengthening its reputation in the philanthropic and corporate sectors 
• Represent the Foundling Museum at events, donor meetings and public forums 
• Keep up to date on best practice in cultural fundraising and charity sector fundraising and communications, and bring this knowledge back for institutional benefit 
   

Person Specification  

Experience (required) 

• Proven leadership, ideally at least 5 years, in a similar role where philanthropic and grant income is central to the success of the organisation
• Extensive experience of shaping and implementing fundraising strategies that have delivered a step change increase in actual income
• A substantial fundraising track record in securing income from diverse constituencies and across funding types, including personal experience in securing major gifts and managing teams to do the same
• A demonstrable history of innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying income generation opportunities and pushing organisations forward to increase income
• Proven experience of nurturing long and short-term funding opportunities and being the key point of contact for both
• Significant team leadership experience of creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong performance management skills with a proven ability to develop, articulate and champion funding opportunities and gain buy-in among staff and key stakeholders, including board and committee members
• In-depth understanding of relevant UK charity and tax legislation, due diligence processes and policies relating to fundraising

Experience (desirable) 

• Extensive experience of fundraising in arts and / or heritage, preferably in the UK
• Knowledge of effective fundraising in Europe and the US, including tax-effective giving
• Thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation as it relates to fundraising, marketing and communications
• Experience of effective endowment and legacy fundraising strategies
• Personal characteristics and skills (required) 
• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire a fundraising and communications team 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Highly developed negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills  
• A natural networker who builds confidence and trust and can represent the Foundling Museum at the highest levels and garner respect within peer networks 
• Project management skills and ability to remove any organisational roadblocks that exist in relation to development 
• Resilient, diplomatic and resourceful in solving problems 
• Ability to prioritise and focus on the areas of greatest impact 
• Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards  
• Strongly numerate with the ability to be entrepreneurial and take measured risks 
• Alignment to the Foundling Museum’s values, communicating clearly, transparently and consistently; having accountability and working as part of a collaborative team towards a common purpose 
• Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the Foundling Museum and for the importance of increasing engagement with and access to the arts 

Conditions of Work and Benefits 

• £65,000-70,000 full-time salary, depending on experience. We are open to 0.8 FTE at a pro-rata salary.  
• Probation period of 6 months, and notice period of 3 months (1 month during probation)  
• This job will be based onsite at the Foundling Museum. For all our employees, there are opportunities for partial hybrid working if desired; we have an agreed minimum of 60% of working hours that must be onsite at the Museum. 
• Normal working hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm. This role requires some flexibility, including some mornings, evenings and weekends. 
• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata) + bank holidays (pro rata) + Birthday leave (one day) 
• You will be eligible to join a group contributory pension scheme (3 months after your start date) 
• Free access to our fully-funded Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing – WISDOM 
• Training support from our online learning platform 
• Discount from the Foundling Museum Shop and local partner businesses 
• Free or reduced-price access to partner museums 
• Access to season ticket, rental deposit and cycle to work scheme loans (3 months from your start date) 
• Please also note that this job description will not form part of your contract or your terms and conditions of employment. Duties and requirements of the role may vary from time to time in accordance with the needs of Foundling Museum, its strategy and the directions from the Museum Director. 

  Application timetable   

• Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 20th October 2025 
• First interview date:  Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2025 
• Second interview date for shortlisted candidates: Monday 10th November 2025 
   

How to apply  

To apply please follow the link to our application portal where you will be asked to upload a completed copy of our standard application form you may also attach your CV if you wish. Please note that the job is being advertsised via CharityJob until the 10th October and after this date you will need to go directly to our website to apply where you will have until the 20th October to submit your application.

PLEASE NOTE: On the application portal, where it requests a CV, please ensure to upload your completed Application Form (required), your CV (optional) the Equal Opportunities Form (optional).  

Please get in touch with us if you have any access requirements or queries related to the application process details of how to do this are in the Job description.

If you wish to book a time to have a short informal conversation (phone or video) prior to application with the Museum Director her contact details are in the job description.

Please also note that any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and  proof of right to work in the UK and also may be subject to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. 

Four Greens Community Trust is all about helping people and changing lives in the North of Plymouth. We are looking for an innovative and inspirational CEO to lead the team into even more new and exciting chapters in the story of our growth. You will be part of a dedicated, versatile and hardworking group of staff and volunteers and part of a community which cares for each other.

We are looking for somebody who has exceptional community leadership and communication skills, who has confidence in leading capital projects and working in partnership with health and wellbeing organisations. You will have proven experience in strategic leadership, income generation and organisational development.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all, regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

For more information and an application form, please take a look at our recruitment pack.

Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are recruiting for a new Chief Executive .

BFT is a charity established to restore native woodland habitats to Southern Scotland, an area with the lowest percentage of native woodlands in mainland Scotland. Since 1996, we have been working towards planting trees, restoring peatlands and other natural habitats, enriching the biological diversity of around 31 sq km in the Southern Uplands. They demonstrate large scale ecological restoration in action, and inspire landowners, statutory bodies, local communities and policy makers to embrace this alternative model for land use and conservation.

The charity’s previous Director has led the organisation for five years, and BFT are in a strong position, ready to develop a new organisational strategy and grow. This is a role of great strategic importance to the charity and the role is varied, with a broad remit.  

The Chief Executive role has organisational responsibility for 12 members of staff, some office based but most out and about across the countryside in which BFT works.  

As Chief Executive, you’ll bring proven senior leadership experience and the ability to get the best from staff and volunteers. A natural communicator, you’ll engage confidently with a wide range of people – from volunteers and donors to policymakers and conservation experts. 

You’ll have experience generating significant income in the not-for-profit sector, alongside strengths in strategic planning and programme development. Passionate about conservation, you’ll be an inspiring ambassador for Borders Forest Trust, able to share our impact and build lasting partnerships that help us achieve our vision. 

This role is hybrid based, with candidates being in the Head Office in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders) once or twice weekly, with other time spent out and about across the geography BFT covers. Applications are welcomed from candidates based across Scotland and the North East. Please note, travel costs to the Jedburgh office for office working days will not be reimbursed. 

To find out more, discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with our Recruitment team. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Monday 13th October – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews: 22nd or 23rd October 2025 

2nd Stage interviews: 29th October 2025 

Location: HMP Moorland and HMP Lindholme
Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Contract
Contract end date: 31-08-2029
Salary: £28,875 per annum
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

Are you passionate about supporting families affected by imprisonment?

Join Pact (Prison Advice & Care Trust) as a Development Manager and help lead our innovative Families Together project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in South Yorkshire by improving outcomes for children, young people, and families impacted by the criminal justice system.

About the Role

You’ll be responsible for delivering key elements of the Families Together programme, including:

• Leading Professionals Forums and delivering training to schools and community partners.
• Building relationships with schools, social services, and voluntary organisations.
• Providing casework support for children and young people with a loved one in prison.
• Supporting and managing volunteers to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone with:

• A Level 3 qualification in criminal justice, casework, teaching, counselling, or similar.
• Experience managing community or criminal justice projects.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, person-centred, and restorative approaches.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and partnership-building skills.
• A commitment to Pact’s values and a belief in rehabilitation and social justice.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a pioneering national charity making a real impact.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Help shape a service delivery model that could be rolled out nationally.
• Receive training, reflective practice, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Requirements

This role is subject to prison vetting, DBS checks, and a 6-month probationary period. Flexibility to travel across South Yorkshire and occasionally nationally is required. This role requires a valid UK driving licence and access to a car.

Apply now to be part of a transformative project that puts families first.

Closing date- September 26th
Interviews – Week commencing 13th October.

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120 years of service delivery.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome requests for job adverts and descriptions in accessible formats (for e.g. larger text) for candidates with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity. Please contact us if you require any support in engaging in our recruitment process.

You may also have experience in the following: Criminal Justice, Development Management, Family Forums, Family Engagement Officer, Family Engagement Worker, Charity, Community Development, Support Worker, Volunteer, Volunteering, Third Sector, Family Support, Social Worker, Charities, Support Work, Social Services etc.

REF-223 649

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

WHAT IS START NETWORK?

Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation.
Our current membership is made up of over 130 local, national and international NGOs based all around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability.

OUR SOLUTIONS

• DECENTRAISLING & LOCALLY-LED ACTION: Shifting power and resources and decentralising decision-making to locally led networks and organisations.
• EARLY & RAPID FINANCING: Building a global financing system that reduces risk, anticipates, and acts ahead of predictable crises.
• COMMUNITY-LED INNOVATION: Incentivising innovative, locally led, and contextual solutions and learning from them together with people affected by crises.

For more information about Start Network and what we do, please visit our website. 

OUR VALUES

• WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.
• WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it
• WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.
• WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.
• WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.
• WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.

JOB PURPOSE 

This exciting role focuses on raising income for the Start Network and its global initiatives, including the Start Fund, Start Ready, innovation and the expansion of a locally led network. The postholder will be an experienced trusts and / or corporate fundraiser who wants a role focused on business and relationship development. They will be responsible for an exciting portfolio of existing and prospective funders (that give 6-7 figure grants), adopting a relational approach to fundraising. 

You will be responsible for carrying out prospect donor mapping, growing a fundraising pipeline, building relationships with prominent foundations and corporates in the humanitarian space, writing technical proposals as required, pitching to donors well-articulated concepts, and building fundraising capacity within the organisation. 

It is critical that the postholder is comfortable with developing new relations. We have grown a significant number of new donors within our Foundations and Corporates over the last few years, and we hope to continue the growth of the team in this exciting role, so proof of having grown an income stream is key.

Finally, the Partnerships Funding Advisor will sit within a team of 4 focusing on strengthening and increasing the philanthropic portfolio and will work alongside the Partnerships Engagement Officer, one other Partnerships Funding Advisor and will report to the Partnerships Manager. 

Z2K is a small but fearless anti-poverty charity. We combine frontline advice with bold influencing to tackle the systems that drive poverty - and we’re recruiting our first Major Donor & Corporate Lead.

You’ll lead on building and delivering our strategy for major donors and corporates, cultivating long-term partnerships rooted in shared values. Working closely with our Chief Executive, senior leadership team and trustees on major donor and corporate fundraising, and with our Communications Lead on fundraising communications and campaigns, you’ll shape compelling approaches to inspire support. You’ll also line manage our Fundraising Officer (grant funding & events), helping diversify Z2K’s income to change lives and challenge injustice. This is a hands-on role with plenty of scope to shape your approach. You’ll lead on identifying new prospects, crafting compelling proposals, and making the case for support to a wide range of external audiences. 

You’re a strategic relationship-builder who thrives on finding and forging connections that deliver lasting impact. You bring a track record of securing income from major donors and corporates, whether in the charity sector as through a business development function in the private sector. You know that successful fundraising starts with research, curiosity, and consistent cultivation. You’re confident identifying new prospects, opening doors, and developing tailored approaches that speak to both hearts and minds.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-led team, and your work will directly contribute to our ability to improve lives and push for systemic change.

You will benefit from 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, enhanced sick and parental leave, matched pension up to 5%, income protection, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Lead change. Tackle poverty. Build community.

East Durham Trust is looking for a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation into the next chapter.

We are the flagship voluntary and community sector organisation for East Durham – one of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities – and we exist to fight poverty, support vulnerable people, and empower local residents to thrive.

In 2025, our work spans:

• Crisis Support Services – providing emergency food and energy support and tackling the root causes of poverty.
• Information, Advice, and Guidance Services – including community-based advice support and the East Durham Debt centre working in collaborative community and VCSE partnerships
• Community Energy Initiatives – including PowerED (Power East Durham), Horden Heat and Energising East Durham, a 5-year programme driving forward local renewable energy solutions and fuel poverty reduction.
• No More Nowt – an Arts Council England funded programme bringing cultural opportunities to local people.
• Volunteering and Social Action Programmes – engaging and supporting a network of volunteers to strengthen local communities. Including a range of community-based services and opportunities.
• Community House – providing managed workspace, community hub facilities, and hosting co-located partner organisations.
• Other targeted projects funded by national, regional, and local funders.

About the role

As CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership and vision, ensuring the Trust remains financially sustainable, digitally equipped, and impactful in addressing the challenges our communities face.

You will:

• Inspire and lead our staff and volunteers.
• Drive forward income generation and financial stability (we use Xero).
• Oversee effective service delivery, using digital referral systems and our Charity Log CRM to measure and grow impact.
• Represent East Durham Trust with funders, policymakers, partners, and the media.
• Lead innovation and ensure our work remains rooted in the needs of local people.

About you

We’re looking for a leader who combines passion with professionalism. You’ll bring:

• Senior leadership experience in the voluntary, community or social sector.
• A track record in securing funding and leading organisational growth.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience of digital systems.
• Outstanding communication and partnership-building skills.
• A deep commitment to tackling poverty and inequality.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected community anchor organisation with a national profile and a local heart. You’ll be part of shaping solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, fuel poverty, and social disadvantage – while ensuring local people have a strong voice and real opportunities.

Apply now and help us power change in East Durham.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chair of Trustees

Closing Date: 6th October 2025

Interviews Week Commencing: 13th October 2025