Community and events fundraising executive jobs

This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chief Executive Officer to lead our well-respected rare disease patient organisation through the next phase of growth and impact, in particular focussing on financial sustainability and influencing health policy for these rare diseases.These sit alongside the other grass-roots duties of a small charity CEO, including working with our Medical Advisory Team to develop new and maintain existing patient education resources, and overseeing our support services including volunteers and a professional psychological counselling service. Reporting to and working with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will be responsible for delivering our 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, ensuring robust governance, and driving forward our mission to improve the lives of people affected by rare diseases.The CEO manages the part-time Executive Administrator and works with up to 30 current volunteers (patients, carers, and health professionals) to deliver services with impact.This role includes occasional weekend work, as well as approximately 15 days travel (national and international) per year to represent and advocate for the charities’ beneficiaries. 

Job description

As Challenge Event Executive you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of third-party challenge events. This will include managing budgets, liaising with third party event suppliers and planning and organising the marketing for each event. You will also support participants from sign up to completion of their event, providing best in class stewardship.

You will be a high performing fundraiser with experience of delivering income growth through effective marketing and supporter stewardship. You will be driven and dynamic and relish the opportunity to deliver significant growth to support the charity to achieve its ambitious goals.

What you’ll be doing:

• Project manage a portfolio of third-party challenge events, including identifying opportunities for growth.
• In collaboration with the Marketing team, create marketing plans for each event to inspire and secure supporters. 
• Develop and deliver excellent supporter communications to drive up income and supporter retention. 
• Continually evaluate your portfolio of events in order to ensure the achievement of income targets and maintain a sustainable events portfolio, including making recommendations for new mass participation events and initiatives. 
• Setting the annual budgets for your events, providing regular reports and implementing contingency plans when required. 

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working in events or fundraising roles
• An excellent written and verbal communicator, with the ability to work closely and effectively with a wide range of audiences
• Proactive with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to take initiative
• Able to build strong and effective working relationships and manage multiple stakeholders
• Able to respond sensitively and appropriately to emotional circumstances, including distressed/bereaved supporters

Why join us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Sutton with occasional travel to Chelsea.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes
• Opportunities for training and career development

Inclusion matters:

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Applications from all backgrounds are warmly welcomed.

Hope for the Future is a dynamic UK-based charity working to drive democratic climate action. We are looking for a Fundraising Manager with the confidence to step into an established, successful system and keep our momentum going.

You will be a brilliant relationship builder, an organised manager of data and pipelines, and an excellent communicator who can write compelling narratives. Above all, you will be someone who collaborates naturally across a small, passionate team to champion a healthy culture of impact storytelling and income generation.

About Hope for the Future:

We support constituents, local groups, and national campaigns to secure ambitious action from local and national government by equipping them to have highly effective, relationship-building conversations with their politicians.

Over the past decade, we have supported more than 10,000 people to engage with politics, over half of whom had never taken action beyond voting. Through training, strategic advice, and tools, we don't just change conversations; we tangibly influence policy.

You will have:

• A track record in Trust & Grant success: pulling together compelling data and case studies to write winning bids for large-scale grants.

• Exceptional written skills for drafting persuasive proposals and impact reports.

• A love of data to oversee our fundraising pipeline using our CRM (Beacon),  working with organised spreadsheets, and clear, achievable timelines.

• The ability to support others to succeed and feel confident managing a direct report or mentoring colleagues on how to spot fundraising opportunities.

• The ability to balance the day-to-day writing tasks with big-picture financial targets .

• The ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, small charity environment.

• A willingness to travel nationally and work occasional evenings or weekends as required for key events and funder engagement (claimable as TOIL).

• A genuine commitment to climate action and democratic engagement with grassroots communities.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience supporting corporate partnerships or earned/consultancy income streams.

• Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks.

• An understanding of UK climate policy, nature campaigning, or the UK political system.

The Role

Your core focus will balance bid writing with strategy and comms management:

• Securing Income: Crafting and submitting high-quality, persuasive trust and grant applications (targeting five- and six-figure funding) and managing timely reports back to our current partners.

• Managing the Pipeline: Working closely with the CEO to track our fundraising goals, manage cash flow awareness, and keep our CRM system (Beacon) up to date.

• Supporting Earned Income: Helping to streamline the internal processes behind our paid consultancy and campaign training services, collaborating with our Policy & Engagement team to track leads.

• Leading People: Providing supportive, empowering line management to our part-time Digital Communications and Campaigns Coordinator.

• Looking Forward: As the contract nears its end, you will collaborate with the CEO to help us lay the groundwork for our next strategic fundraising cycle.

How to Apply

Please visit our website jobs page to submit your anonymised CV and cover letter.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We warmly welcome applications from everyone and celebrate diversity across all backgrounds. If you don’t meet every single requirement listed, please don't let that deter you, we would still love to hear from you.

• Salary: £48,350 per annum (£29,010 pro-rata)

• Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week)

• Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (Maternity Cover)

• Location:  Remote anywhere in the UK (or Sheffield Head Office/Hybrid working)

• Benefits: 30 days annual leave (pro-rata) + bank holidays, pension, wellbeing support.

• Closing Date: 13 July 2026 | Interviews: w/c 20 July 2026

Important Contract Notice: Please note that this is a temporary, fixed-term contract for 12 months to provide essential maternity cover. This is a non-permanent position.

(Please note this role is primarily remote, however there is the option for hybrid working at our head office in Sheffield. Some travel may be required for this role)

The Head of Fundraising and Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving Bowel Research UK's fundraising strategies and audience engagement initiatives.

This position is responsible for embedding and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, growing the charity’s supporter base and income, building up new and under-developed income streams and communicating effectively with their audiences to expand their reach, and encourage financial and non-financial support to deliver the organisations mission.

You will have the autonomy and scope to drive elements of your work and take ownership of your own objectives. You will be required to collaborate on decisions to shape and deliver initiatives, programmes and processes as required for each area of income delivery. 

Key to the success of this role is a strong understanding of individual giving fundraising – an area that is underdeveloped at Bowel Research UK. This role blends the strategic oversight and leadership of a Head of Fundraising role, with the hands-on expertise of an IG fundraiser. Experience across other income streams would be a huge benefit as the role leads all fundraising income streams, but experience in individual giving is essential.

The successful candidate for this role will be someone who has already operated at a senior level within a charity such as at Senior Manager level, or Head of in a specific income stream.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please send an email to THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 14th July 

There will be a two stage interview process: 

Stage 1 interviews: 22nd or 23rd July 

Stage 2 interviews: 29th or 30th July 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in growing a major donor programme that directly supports life-changing eye care services in the Holy Land. You will work closely with the Executive Director, UK (EDUK) and senior leadership, including the CEO and Trustees, to contribute to the long-term sustainability of a respected and impactful international charity.

As part of a small, ambitious and collaborative UK team, you will play a major role in shaping and developing the major donor programme, building meaningful relationships with supporters and seeing the tangible impact of your work on patients and communities.

The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG) is a UK-registered charity delivering expert eye care to the people of the Holy Land, regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. It operates through two locally-registered charities to provide services in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza.

Vacancy type: Paid Vacancy 

Function: Fundraising

Location: Head Office - Sully (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £57,434 - £62,077 per annum (depending on experience)

Contract type: Permanent

Contract hours: Full time

Weekly hours: 37.5 hours (5 days) to be worked Monday to Friday

Closing Date: 14/07/2026

Ref No: 1084

Help shape the future of fundraising in Wales – and make sure no family faces their child’s short life alone. 

At Tŷ Hafan, we believe that when a child’s life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own. Every day, our care and support helps children with life-shortening conditions and their families through life, death and beyond. But right now, too many families hundreds of families don’t have the support they need. This is your opportunity to play a leading role in changing that.  

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Director of Fundraising to help drive the next phase of our income growth and supporter engagement. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a strategic, ambitious and values-led fundraising leader to join our leadership team and influence the future direction of our fundraising. Based at Head Office in Sully with hybrid working, the role will lead a broad portfolio spanning partnerships and philanthropy, individual giving and legacies, community and events, supporter experience and fundraising operations.  

About the role:

This new role will be responsible for growing long-term, sustainable income across multiple income streams, while ensuring an outstanding experience for every supporter. You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, oversee compliance and fundraising operations, and use insight, performance data and market trends to shape decisions that maximise impact. You will also work closely with colleagues across the charity to help embed a strong culture of fundraising and ensure our plans align with Tŷ Hafan’s wider ambitions for children and families. 

This role is a chance to lead change, inspire others, and help unlock the income needed to reach more families with vital care and support. You will bring together strategy, innovation, relationship-building and operational excellence to create lasting growth and deliver meaningful results. 

About you:

We’re looking for someone with significant senior fundraising experience and a strong track record of delivering income growth across multiple streams. You will know how to lead high-performing teams, shape strategy, drive improvement and use data and evidence to inform decisions.  

You will be a compassionate and collaborative leader who shares our values: demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service, working together and taking ownership. You will be curious and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance strategic leadership with practical delivery. If you are someone who motivates others, builds trusted relationships and thrives on turning ambition into action, we would love to hear from you. 

Our employee benefits:

• Holiday entitlement of 30 days (rising to 32 days with service) plus Bank Holidays
• Group Personal Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 5%
• Life assurance- death in service benefit
• Wellbeing support - employee assistance program, which provides a range of free services including counselling, financial and legal support.
• Unlimited access to a 24/7 online GP as well as a range of other health experts
• Healthcare Cash Plan – claim back the cost for appointments and treatment such as dental, optical or physio
• Cycle to work scheme
• Technology, mobile phone and will writing schemes 
• Discounted gym membership and shopping discounts
• Hybrid working and when onsite free secured parking.

Ty Hafan’s ambition is that when a child’s life will be short, no family should have to live it on their own. Sadly, we know that thousands of families in Wales are struggling alone through the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty that comes with caring for a child whose life will be short. We believe that no family should have to live this on their own and we are determined to walk alongside every family through life, death and beyond.

At Tŷ Hafan we are experts at caring for children with life-shortening conditions and our services support families in our hospice, in community settings, local hospitals and in families’ homes. We understand that the needs of each child and their family are unique and we know that caring for a child with a life-shortening condition is often extremely demanding. Our aim is to make sure that no one doing this is alone. Our colleagues, volunteers and supporters are crucial in the delivery of our ambition – we know that everyone plays a huge part in making sure that no family faces their child’s short life alone.

Our Vision: A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they and their family need.

Our Purpose: No family should have to face the unimaginable loss of their child alone. With children and families at the heart of all we do, we provide free care and support in our hospice and in the community, offering a lifeline throughout the child’s short life, at end of life, through bereavement and beyond.​

Our Values: At Tŷ Hafan we make a difference by living our values:  Demonstrating Compassion, Providing Excellent Service, Working Together and Taking Ownership. 

Tips for candidates – all applications and interviews will be assessed using the person specification included within the job description. Please see attached candidate pack for further guidance. 

Our recruitment system will automatically time out after 120 minutes of inactivity. To ensure your application is submitted successfully, we recommend either saving your progress as you go or preparing your responses in a Word document and copying them into the application form. 

Please note this role is subject to the outcome of a basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, two satisfactory references and pre-employment medical clearance. 

Tŷ Hafan is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those from under‑represented groups. Recruitment decisions are made based on merit and aligned with our values. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.

If you are unable to make the planned interview dates, please let us know with your application. 

For any queries regarding the role, please email.

Agencies need not apply. 

Closing date: 14th July 2026

Interview Date: 27th & 28th July 2026

Join our passionate team and help make a real difference to the lives of adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to secure vital funding that enables our life-changing services to continue and grow.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future sustainability of our charity. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you will identify funding opportunities, develop compelling grant applications, build strong relationships with funders, and manage reporting requirements to maximise income.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in fundraising, excellent writing and communication skills, and the ability to manage a diverse portfolio of funding opportunities. You will be self-motivated, organised, and passionate about supporting vulnerable people through securing sustainable funding.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for extension subject to the availability of future funding.

In return, we offer a supportive and flexible working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to creating safer futures for those experiencing domestic abuse.

If you are looking for a rewarding fundraising role where your work will have a direct and lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a proactive and creative Marketing and Events Officer to join our award-winning charity. This is a varied and hands-on role suited to a marketing professional looking to progress their career in a dynamic organisation. Working across the charity and with our core operations, Outside the Box and Carers and Companions, you will deliver our day-to-day marketing activities. Creating and delivering compelling marketing, engaging content and creative communications as well as supporting a wide range of events, you will be a confident communicator, with a keen eye for design, strong writing and design skills and be highly organised, able to manage multiple projects across a range of areas. Great attention to detail and a passion for our work are essential!

Closing date – Tuesday 28th July 2026

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with our client on a fantastic Mass Participation Executive role. This position involves managing and developing virtual fundraising events, engaging supporters, and driving income to support the charity’s vital work.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-end project management of virtual challenges, including planning, organisation, and delivery, ensuring successful outcomes and participant engagement.
• Developing and executing marketing plans, with a focus on digital channels, to maximise event participation and income.
• Coordinating the creation of marketing content, liaising with internal teams and external suppliers to produce accurate and effective promotional materials.
• Analysing performance metrics, preparing comprehensive evaluations, and providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Building strong collaborative relationships internally across fundraising, marketing, and data teams, whilst negotiating externally to secure value and resources.
• Managing supporter stewardship plans to foster loyalty, maximise gifts, and enhance supporter experiences.
• Overseeing volunteer support, including recruiting, training, and moderating Facebook Champions assisting with participant stewardship.
• Ensuring all activities comply with relevant regulations, including data protection and fundraising codes of practice.
• Monitoring sector trends and making recommendations to expand and diversify the virtual events portfolio.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in fundraising, supporter engagement, or event management, preferably within the charity sector.
• Effective project management skills, with the ability to deliver multiple initiatives on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing channels and supporter engagement techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of producing compelling content and maintaining positive relationships.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to assess campaign performance and implement improvements.
• Organised and proactive, with a focus on delivering high-quality supporter experiences.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• A commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, and the organisation’s mission to support those living with the condition.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £33,000 - £35,000
• Location: Hybrid – Central London
• Contract: Permanent

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

This is a brilliant opportunity for a self-starter who thrives on identifying and winning new business and helping to create meaningful partnerships in the community. We are looking for a motivated and experienced Corporate and Community Partnerships Fundraiser to join us on a three-month contract.

Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, you will lead prospect research and outreach across NHS Barking, Havering & Redbridge procurement suppliers, local community businesses and key corporate partnerships sectors for hospital fundraising. You will develop compelling partnership propositions and engagement materials, identify key stakeholders within target organisations, and progress prospects through to confirmed meetings. 

What You’ll Do 

1. Conduct thorough prospect research across NHS BHRUT procurement suppliers, local businesses and priority sectors to build a strong and accurate pipeline of prospective corporate and community partners in our new CRM, Beacon.

2. Create a corporate partnership fundraising deck for prospects that brings to life all the ways businesses can get involved, from social value opportunities, do your own fundraising and challenge events, sponsorship opportunities, to volunteering and in-kind support. This will need to be compelling and can be tailored for NHS procurement suppliers and aligned to the charity’s strategic goals.

3. Develop a corporate volunteering opportunities deck, ready to share with prospective and current partners. 

4. Identify key stakeholders within target prospect organisations and make proactive outreach to arrange prospect meetings between corporate contacts and the Head of Fundraising, to support the charity’s income growth ambitions.

Who We’re Looking For 

You’ll bring energy, creativity and confidence to this role. You’re the kind of person who: 

1. Is self-motivated by winning new business and identifying and building long-term, high-value partnerships. 

2. Is a confident relationship-builder who brings curiosity, creativity and a proactive mindset to identifying new opportunities. 

3. Is passionate about the work of hospital charities and the difference they make to patients and staff.

Essential Experience & Skills 

1. Proven, strong experience in corporate partnerships or business development, with a strong track record of generating income. 

2. Experience developing compelling proposals and conducting high-quality prospect research. 

3. Excellent communication, organisational and influencing skills, with strong attention to detail. 

4. Comfortable working fully remotely and managing your own time effectively. 

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more that two A4 pages. 

Fundraising Operations Lead 

£50,133 a year

London office/Work from home

Job description

1 in 4 of us in the UK are disabled and we are a diverse, proud, and vibrant community. We’re here to create an equal future with all disabled people. We campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. We are creating a powerful movement of disabled people, allies, organisations and businesses.

Together we will be unstoppable.

The Fundraising Operations Lead role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader to help deliver excellent supporter experiences and drive fundraising performance. We are looking for someone who can lead a high-performing team, oversee supporter care and compliance, and ensure the systems, processes and partnerships that support fundraising activity run effectively.

Permanent, full time (35 hours a week)

Location: Here East Press Centre, 14 East Bay Lane, London, E15 2GW and working from home.

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm GMT, Thursday 16 July 2026.

The role

In this role, you will:

· Lead and develop a team delivering supporter care and compliance across fundraising activity.

· Ensure supporters receive a high-quality service, including effective handling of enquiries, feedback and complaints.

· Lead compliance across fundraising operations, ensuring activity meets regulatory and organisational requirements.

· Oversee operational processes including income processing, data handling and reconciliation.

· Identify and deliver improvements to systems, processes and ways of working.

· Manage relationships with key suppliers and partners, ensuring high standards of service and supporter experience.

· Use data, insight and reporting to identify opportunities, solve problems and improve performance.

· Work closely with teams across fundraising and the wider organisation to support successful fundraising campaigns and long-term growth.

For more information about the role’s responsibilities and the skills and experience required, please visit our website.

Please include examples in your application that show how your skills, experience, and values match the person specification in the job description.

About you

We are looking for someone who enjoys improving services, leading people and making things work smoothly. You are a confident communicator who can build strong relationships, solve problems and use data to make informed decisions.

You will bring experience of operational leadership and will be passionate about delivering excellent supporter or customer experiences.

You are someone who:

· Has experience managing teams and delivering high-quality supporter or customer service.

· Has experience managing compliance within a regulated environment.

· Is confident working with CRM systems and data-driven processes.

· Has experience managing suppliers and external partners.

· Has strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Can manage competing priorities and deliver work to deadlines.

· Builds positive relationships and works effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

This role is ideal for a confident and experienced leader with strong project and programme management skills, a passion for accessible and inclusive events, and experience delivering complex, cross‑organisational work.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability and from all backgrounds.

We also ask you to share how you support Scope’s values and contribute to our mission of creating an equal future with disabled people.

Additional information

You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role. We cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Anonymised applications

We use an anonymised application process to support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

All applicants must submit an anonymised CV and complete a short online application form.

Our values

Pioneering, Courageous, Connected, Open, Fair.

We trust each other and give colleagues freedom to be creative, push boundaries, and change minds.

Our promise to disabled people

We are proud to be a charity that stands for disability equality. We welcome applications from disabled people and anyone with an impairment, condition, or access need. We want our team to reflect the communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to ensuring disabled applicants are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.

If you meet all the essential requirements for this role and choose to apply under the Offer an Interview Scheme (previously known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme), we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants are offered an interview.

To opt in, simply tick the relevant box in the application form to let us know you would like to be considered under this scheme.

If you need any changes or support during the recruitment process, please email us via our website.

You can also find more details about asking for adjustments at interview on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

EDI is a priority at Scope. We welcome applications from people of colour and other underrepresented communities. We aim to create a culture where everyone feels they belong, treating all with dignity and respect. As a disability equality charity, accessibility and inclusion come first. We listen, learn and continuously improve.

You can find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on the Scope website.

Benefits

· 27 days holiday and bank holidays

· Flexible, hybrid, and remote working options

· Pay progression at 6 months and 2 years

· Company pension

· Excellent training and career development

· Strong colleague networks (disability, race, LGBTQ+, gender, social mobility, carers, young people)

· Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and more

How to apply

Please visit our website and apply online.

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm GMT, Thursday 16 July 2026.

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

The Head of External Relations is a key senior leadership role at Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) responsible for overseeing effective fundraising and communications strategies to support the organisation's work protecting rainforests and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for building RFUK’s external profile and support for its ambitious 2033 vision to scale up community-led protection of tropical forests. The position combines strategic communications, outreach, targeted campaigns, and media engagement to connect RFUK’s impactful programmes to its growing audience, supporters and funders.

This a key role in the organisation, managing a small team, working closely with the Programmes team to craft compelling narratives that drive engagement and action, with the Operations team to ensure financial sustainability, and with the Executive Director to create and implement targeted fundraising strategies.

About you

This role requires a strong commitment to social and environmental justice, the ability to form and cultivate relationships with a range of different groups, and the ability to communicate complex issues persuasively.

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description from our website. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. The postholder will be required to work in the office 2 days per week during their 6-month probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, Friday 10 July. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Initial interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on Thursday 16 July. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview.