Community fundraising business development manager jobs

Centre 404 is looking for an experienced and ambitious Fundraising & Engagement Manager to lead and grow our fundraising and engagement activity—helping us provide vital support to people with learning disabilities and their families. 

You will oversee the development and delivery of innovative fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and engagement campaigns, ensuring sustainable growth and increased visibility for the organisation.  As an expert in your field, you will work collaboratively across teams and with external partners, to champion Centre 404’s mission within local communities and beyond.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of Centre 404’s fundraising strategy and drive innovative approaches across individual giving, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and community fundraising.  You will play a key role in shaping our income generation, increasing our visibility, and maximising our impact.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead Fundraising Strategy - develop and deliver a dynamic fundraising strategy across multiple income streams. Identify new opportunities and drive year‑on‑year income growth.
• Engage & Inspire Supporters - build strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, and local communities.  Create compelling fundraising campaigns, events, and cases for support. Nurture long‑term supporter loyalty, including legacy and in‑memory giving.
• Secure Grants & Manage Bids - research and secure funding from trusts and foundations.  Monitor reporting requirements and maintain excellent funder relationships.
• Grow Community & Corporate Partnerships - network widely to raise Centre 404’s profile.  Secure financial support, gifts in kind and employee engagement.  Support individuals and teams to succeed in their own fundraising efforts.
• Strengthen Communications & Impact - work with the Communications Team to create engaging digital content and newsletters.  Champion consistent, mission‑driven messaging across all platforms.
• Lead with Purpose - Embed a fundraising culture across the organisation.  Implement a CRM system to manager data effectively. Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of the management team.

About You

• Substantial experience in fundraising from at least one of the following: trusts and foundations, corporates or individual giving.
• Substantial understanding of charity sector regulations, compliance requirements, and ethical fundraising standards.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and supporter engagement strategies.
• A track record of achieving and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and campaigns.
• Excellent project management, data monitoring, and CRM experience.
• A proactive, innovative mindset and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Centre 404 is a warm, values‑driven organisation with a rich history of supporting people with learning disabilities for over 70 years. We are collaborative, ambitious, and committed to creating life‑changing impact for families across North London. We will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and we are looking to recruit people who share these values. All offers of employment are subject to a relevant DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five year period.

We are dedicated to providing a meaningful and rewarding work environment, as well as offering a range of perks and benefits for our staff to enjoy.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

An exciting opportunity to play a central role in securing the funding needed that helps young people thrive. At a time of real growth for our charity, we are looking for an experienced Fundraising Communications Manager to join our team. You will lead two major annual fundraising appeals, grow our monthly donor programme, and create compelling communications that deepen supporter engagement and reflect the integrity of our work with young people. 

What is Jamie’s Farm?Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.As part of the dynamic HQ team we offer a beautiful and unique supportive working environment, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to be part of a team that is passionate about making a real difference. 

More about the role:As Fundraising & Communications Manager you will plan and deliver two organisation-wide appeals each year, with a combined income target of £300,000. You will own and grow our monthly donor programme, developing email journeys, digital content and supporter pathways that build a sustainable income stream. Alongside this, you will lead the creation of high-quality fundraising communications - from donor updates and impact stories to campaign collateral and web content - ensuring all storytelling is ethical, warm and true to who we are. 

Location : Jamie's Farm Bath (HQ) preferred but other Jamie’s Farm locations considered

About you:We are looking for someone with proven experience delivering multi-channel fundraising appeals and growing an individual giving or monthly donor programme. You will be an exceptional copywriter, able to communicate impact with clarity and warmth, and someone who understands the importance of representing young people responsibly and with dignity. 

A confident project manager, you are highly organised and able to juggle multiple deadlines, coordinate stakeholders and keep campaigns on track. You are comfortable using data and insight to optimise performance, and you bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset to everything you do. 

Please see the full job description, desired experience and employee benefits by exploring our recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement? We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for. 

Big C is proud to support people affected by cancer across Norfolk — and the generosity of our supporters makes that possible.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and driven Community Fundraiser to join our Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Team. This is a hands-on, varied and relationship-led role where you’ll build meaningful connections, deliver engaging fundraising initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with fundraising experience who wants to contribute directly to the charity’s income and see the real impact of their work within the community.

About the role

Reporting to the Events and Engagement Manager, you’ll coordinate and deliver a range of community fundraising initiatives that contribute directly to Big C’s income targets.

A key focus of this role is responsibility for developing and growing our Regular Giving and Legacies income streams. You’ll nurture supporter relationships, promoting long-term giving and legacy pledge opportunities to help ensure these vital areas of income continue to grow.

Alongside this, engage with local groups and organisations helping to deliver activities that inspire individuals and communities to get involved. You’ll act as a visible ambassador for Big C, representing the charity at events and cheque presentations. This is a proactive role that combines relationship-building, income generation and coordination — ideal for someone who enjoys being out in the community while keeping everything organised behind the scenes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and deliver community fundraising initiatives that directly contribute to agreed income targets
• Take ownership of Big C’s Regular Giving and Legacies fundraising activity, driving engagement and income growth
• Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters, local organisations and community groups
• Identify new fundraising opportunities and support the development of agreed campaigns and activities
• Provide tailored support to third-party fundraisers to help maximise their fundraising potential

If viewing this vacancy from our website, you can download the full job description here: Community Fundraiser.

An accessible version of the job description for visually impaired applicants is available here: Community Fundraiser - accessible version.

About Big C

Big C is one of East Anglia’s largest cancer charities, having raised £50 million in 45 years. Each year, our supporters help us raise around £3 million to support people affected by cancer in our community.

We provide holistic care through Cancer Support Centres and Hubs, as well as online and telephone support via our Virtual Support Centre. Income comes from donations, local businesses, grants, legacies, and 11 charity shops across the region.

Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Big C was recently awarded Gold Accreditation in the Best Employers Eastern Region 2025 and offers a supportive environment that values wellbeing and work/life balance.

Why Big C?

We’re proud to be a Best Employer (Gold, Eastern Region 2025) and offer a supportive, inclusive working environment that values wellbeing, development, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include:

• 33 days holiday (FTE, including bank holidays)
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Company sick pay and life assurance
• Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunities for professional development

If you share these values and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Now

Big C are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, young adults and children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

When applying, please complete the online application fully. Information to support your application can be in your attached covering letter or where indicated in the application. 

If you have questions about this role, would prefer to apply another way, or require information in an accessible format, please get in touch.

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier once sufficient applications received. Interviews will take place as soon as possible.

Women’s Work is a National Award Winning Charity founded in 2003. We aim to deliver a holistic, person centred support service to vulnerable and disadvantaged women with complex health and social needs. We do this by ensuring they can access support, education and information to raise self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to make positive life choices resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

We are seeking a talented, motivated and highly organised Business Development Manager to join our Senior Management Team and play a key role in supporting the organisation’s growth, sustainability and financial resilience.

The Role

This is predominantly an office-based role working closely with the Finance Manager and under the guidance of the CEO, with a strong focus on:

• Bid writing, tender submissions, commissioning applications and grant funding
• Identifying, securing and managing new funding opportunities
• Supporting financial planning, allocation to funded projects
• Fundraising and promoting the charity in the local community

You will lead on the development and continuation of the project-specific funding, ensuring bids and applications align with Women’s Work’s strategic objectives and future expansion plans.

Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager, you will review funding streams, develop robust applications and contribute to the effective financial management of funded activities. You will liaise with businesses, statutory bodies, organisations, community groups and charities to identify and secure new income opportunities, partnerships and sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, identify and secure new funding opportunities, grants and tenders
• Lead and co-ordinate high-quality bid writing, commissioning and tender submissions
• Support the Finance Manager with funding reviews, budgets and financial monitoring
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders
• Contribute to organisational planning, sustainability and income diversification
• Ensure funding requirements, reporting and compliance are met
• Event planning/identify and co-ordinate fundraising opportunities

About You

The successful applicant will be self-motivated, detail-focused and high organized, with strong project management and communication skills. You will be able to work collaboratively while also managing competing priorities independently.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in bid writing, tenders and/or commissioning
• A track record of pro-active business development, ideally within the charity or voluntary sector
• Strong relationship-building skills across multiple sectors
• Empathy and a clear commitment to Women’s Work values, aims and objectives

Additional Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Ref: BDM

We have big ambition, and our organisation strategy reflects this. As Senior Trust Fundraising Manager, your role will focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts from grant-giving trusts and foundations. You will provide exceptional stewardship to those trusts with whom we have existing relationships, whilst researching and cultivating new prospects to maximise income, value, and influence for The Children’s Trust. This role will be key in enabling us to strengthen long term financial sustainability, through multi-year funding relationships and to drive restricted and unrestricted income to realise the strategy for 2030.

Skills and Responsibilities

To develop relationships to secure gifts and grants from Corporate Foundations, Trusts and statutory grant makers to achieve income targets. Responsibilities include:

Prospect Research:

• Identify and develop a pipeline of opportunities from grant-giving trusts and foundations.
• Use internal database, online resources, desk research, and contact mapping to identify new funder opportunities.
• Review trusts’ and foundations’ funding criteria to grow the prospect pipeline.
• Develop a thorough understanding of our work and future developments to identify new funding opportunities.

Submitting grant applications:

• Create compelling and persuasive funding appeals.
• Complete grant application forms and follow application processes as required.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Directorate and the wider charity to articulate our work and build strong funding propositions.

Leadership & Relationship Management:

• Lead and manage the Trusts and Philanthropy Executive by developing skills, conducting appraisals and overseeing ongoing development.
• Lead & steward a portfolio of existing charitable trusts and foundations, and cultivate new potential donors, ensuring their support is recognised and celebrated.
• Ensure funders are thanked promptly and that grant terms and conditions are applied.
• Provide progress reports and manage all formal reporting requirements on time.
• Build relationships in person, by phone, email, or virtual meetings to secure long-term commitment.
• Identify opportunities for funders to meet key staff and attend events and site visits that strengthen their relationship with the charity.
• Implement the High Value Donor Stewardship Plan.
• Take a proactive role in developing assets such as appeals and cultivation events.
• Work with colleagues across the charity to monitor and evaluate funded projects, producing reports that demonstrate impact.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage trust prospects and donors on the CRM database, ensuring records are accurate and compliant with fundraising regulations.
• Budget management, cost control forecasting and taking corrective action to achieve budgets.
• Use the CRM database to manage task “actions”, prioritise and evaluate opportunities, and record funder interactions.
• Manage and develop a portfolio of high value relationships.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure grant applications are coordinated across the organisation.

Terms and Conditions

PLEASE INCLUDE A COVERING LETTER WITH YOUR APPLICATION 

To apply, scroll down this page and click ‘apply now’. For more information and a copy of the candidate briefing pack please click here

Interview date: 1st stage w/c 6th April and 2nd stage w/c 20 April

Staff benefits include free staff parking, and more… read more below

About Us

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with acquired brain injury, providing expert rehabilitation, education, therapy, and care at our national specialist centre in Tadworth, and to children and their families across the UK, via our Brain Injury Community Service.

Boasting a beautiful 24-acre site in Surrey, we are located just outside of London, close to the M25 (accessible via Junction 8, A217 to Tadworth) and easily accessible via National Rail, by way of: Clapham Junction, Sutton, and Epsom.

Staff Benefits

The work we do is highly rewarding, and in addition to an attractive salary, we offer a valuable range of benefits on our staff flexible benefits platform, on-site nursery, free eye tests, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, time out days for those experiencing menopause symptoms and time off for gender reassignment.

We also offer additional annual leave days for those with long service, with entitlements ranging from 35 to 41 days (including bank holidays) depending on your length of service.

Other benefits include free on-site parking; a staff shuttle service from Epsom and Sutton train stations to Tadworth Court, subsidised cafeteria, on-site staff accommodation (subject to availability), the ability to retain your NHS pension (where applicable), Teacher’s pension (where applicable) or the opportunity to join an alternative scheme, and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Rehabilitation of Offenders

Many roles at The Children’s Trust are exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020) and as such, are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which will disclose all unspent convictions and adult cautions and any spent convictions or adult cautions that would not be protected.  The exceptions to this are our retail roles within The Children’s Trust shops, which are subject to Basic DBS checks which will disclose unspent convictions or adult cautions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To help us achieve our ambition to give children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability the opportunity to live the best life possible, we want to accurately reflect the UK’s diverse population. We want equity, diversity, and inclusion to be at the heart of everything we do, and our people, services, and culture to reflect the diverse needs of all. Through our diversity and inclusion strategy, we have made a commitment to increase the diversity of our charity and create an inclusive culture. We have networks across the organisation working to ensure that these aims are met - including an LGBTQIA2S+ group, Ethnic Diversity Group, and Spark – our broad EDI group. Read more about our EDI work here. We welcome applications from all who share our ambition regardless of background. We will strive to ensure that any reasonable adjustments are made in respect of interview and working arrangements.

Online Searches

In accordance with statutory safeguarding and child protection guidance, online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates before interview. The online searches will be conducted by a person who is independent of the interview and selection process and will focus on relevant information returned via searches of the candidate’s name (and variations thereof). Social media searches will be limited to professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Any concerns relating to suitability for work with children and young people will be forwarded to the interview panel, for discussion during the interview.

We are looking to recruit a dynamic person for the role of Charity Manager, who will develop and shape our charity for the future. You will lead our dedicated team and have overall responsibility for running the Charity.

You will manage the Charity on behalf of the Trustees, co-ordinate a team of seven staff, support volunteers, ensure excellent standards of animal care are maintained and develop our fundraising and community engagement work. You will also be responsible for budgeting, compliance, health and Safety ensuring the charity is safe, welcoming and well run.

You will work on behalf of the Board of Trustees to develop a coherent strategic business plan, reporting regularly on operations and planned objectives.

Key responsibilities

Lead and develop a committed team

Oversee all aspects of site operations and animal welfare

Manage budgets, financial reporting and resources

Develop sustainable fundraising opportunities and income generation, building community partnerships

Ensure compliance with UK legislation and charity governance

Represent the Charity with professionalism and compassion

Shape, develop and lead strategic and business planning

Provide regular detailed strategic reports to the Board of Trustees

What you will bring to the team

Experience managing teams and operations

An understanding of animal welfare and charity regulations

Excellent communication and leadership skills

A calm, resilient and compassionate approach

Benefits

28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)

Employer pension contribution in line with statutory requirements

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference and lead a charity that puts animals first, we’d love to hear from you. 
Email your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet our requirements: Closing date: 31st March 2026

The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is a well-respected and award-winning charity based in Islington supporting people who experience mental health issues and socially isolated.SLT was created to be radically different from other local charities – uniquely accessible, inclusive and community-embedded. We create safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces to build confidence, connection and hope.  You will be joining a small friendly team, where we care about staff wellbeing. 

Founded in memory of Stuart Low, who tragically took his own life aged only 27 when he couldn’t find the right support, SLT has been embedded in Islington’s community since 1997.Today we support over 500 adults per year through social groups -creative arts, nature-based activities, wellbeing workshops and peer support.90% of participants report improved mental health and wellbeing. 

Why Join Us?  
This is an opportunity to play a transformative role in a small but impactful charity. Your work will directly enable adults experiencing isolation to access safe, creative and life-affirming activities. You will help shape the next stage of SLT’s growth — strengthening financial resilience while being rooted in compassion, inclusion and community.  We believe in trusting the expertise of our staff and giving them the freedom to thrive with regular support on hand when needed. 

Why this Role is Different 
You will be stepping into an organisation in a strong position to build on: 

• Multi-year funding security (63% of next year’s income already secured through multi-year grants, 4 months’ free reserves, annual income circa £250k). 
• Trusted funders include City Bridge Foundation, Garfield Weston, Sport England and leading City Livery Companies. 
• Strategic Plan 2024–28 with clear goals. 
• An expert consultant designed fundraising growth roadmap for the exciting opportunities in and around Islington (tech companies, creative industries, City of London including livery companies). 
• Excellent impact measurement systems. 
• A highly experienced Chief Executive with 30 years in the sector. 
• A collaborative and supportive team, who understand fundraising is everyone’s responsibility. 

We are small, respected, financially stable — and ready for our next phase of development.This is a strategic role, but very hands-on. Perfect for someone who thrives in a small charity where you can see the impact of your work every week. 

Who we are seeking 
We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Fundraising Manager. This is a hands-on role for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys writing high-quality grant applications and building strong relationships with supporters. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will have a primary focus on strengthening our trusts and foundations pipeline, while building on our existing corporate, community and individual giving to diversify income, particularly among local supporters and City-based businesses.  

We are seeking a fundraiser who combines: 

• A strong track record securing trust and foundation income 
• Experience growing income beyond trusts (corporate, community or individual) 
• Excellent storytelling and bid-writing skills 
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders 
• Emotional intelligence and relationship-building strength 
• Comfort working autonomously in a small team 
• Experience in a mental health organisation or small charity is desirable but not essential.

Summary role description 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will: 

Lead & Strengthen Trusts and Foundations Income 

• Own and develop a strong pipeline. 
• Write compelling, high-quality applications. 
• Deepen funder relationships to secure renewals and uplifts. 

Diversify Income (Strategic Growth Area) 

• Develop corporate partnerships in Islington, King’s Cross tech, creative industries and the City. 
• Build community and individual giving, especially among affluent local residents. 
• Shape meaningful long-term partnerships, not transactional asks. 

Build Sustainable Systems 

• Strengthen stewardship journeys. 
• Improve unrestricted income streams. 
• Use donor tracking systems and explore AI tools intelligently and ethically. 
• Contribute to fundraising communications and our profile-building. 

What You’ll Gain 

• Real autonomy and ownership 
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Occupational pension scheme 
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Access to training and development opportunities 
• Supportive management culture, line-managed by the Chief Executive, who has 30 years' experience in the charity sector 
• Opportunity to shape a three-year diversification journey 
• Direct strategic influence in a respected charity 
• A genuinely collaborative, values-led culture 

Location 
Based at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington (5 minutes by bus from King’s Cross) 

Application instructions 
Please note, while we appreciate the value of AI tools, we strongly prefer that applicants prepare their supporting statements with minimal use of AI.This helps us to better understand your authentic voice, skills and motivation for this role.Thank you. 

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references. 

We are embrace diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents are variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.The more inclusive we are, the more we can achieve. 

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5th April 2026 at 11.30pm
Interviews: Monday, 20th April 2026 
Estimated Start:June/July 2026 

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’) As a result, the Spear Partner Fundraising Manager role requires raising funds for both churches and charitable trusts.

About the role

Spear is in an exciting time of growth, as we expand our work nationwide. You will play a pivotal role in equipping new and existing Church Partners to build sustainable, thriving Spear Centres that transform young people’s lives. 

With an annual fundraising target of £125k, you will combine strategic insight, relationship-building and hands-on application writing, as well fundraising advice to help Church Partners grow diverse and resilient fundraising streams. Working closely with Trustees, Church leaders and Spear’s Central teams, you will strengthen funding pipelines, unlock new opportunities and ensure partners are supported every step of the way. 

Key information

• Salary: £37,000
• Contract: Full time (4 days considered) permanent. Monday – Friday with some out of hours work needed for events such as Spear Celebration. Ad hoc regional travel required to deliver training and support to partner churches.
• Annual leave: 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Closing date: Friday 27th March, 09.30am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment.
• Creative, self-motivated forward planner who exercises initiative, with the ability to prioritise workload, including working well under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive, high-quality fundraising applications
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with the ability to relate confidently to a range of stakeholders both, internally and externally
• Experience in fundraising, Trust and/or community fundraising desirable, with good working knowledge of other fundraising streams is desirable but not essential
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information 

We are an office-based organisation and value the collaboration and opportunities to work creatively and build community that this offers us, with staff spending time in the working week both at home and in the London office.

This is a proactive, hands-on role where you’ll develop compelling fundraising content, support high-impact campaigns, and play a key role in growing our Regular Giving programme. You’ll combine creativity with insight — crafting powerful donor communications while using data to improve performance and retention.

As a key member of the Fundraising Team, you will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, including Finance, Client Services, and Communications & Marketing. Your excellent communication and relationship-building skills will be essential as you identify and assess partnership opportunities and ensure these are effectively passed to the relevant fundraising leads for cultivation and development.

If you are looking for a new and rewarding challenge, come and work for Thrive.

Our Fundraising Officer is to be based at Thrive Reading (National Office) with 3 days working from the office and 2 days working from home .

Appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With a newly integrated Partnerships Team and an ambitious £5m appeal ahead, Acorns is now seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive high-value corporate new business and secure strategic partnerships that deliver long-term income growth.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, this is a senior corporate new business role focused on identifying, cultivating and converting strategic prospects into multi-year partners. You will own and drive a c.£1m new business pipeline, lead senior-level engagement including C-suite conversations, and secure six-figure+ partnerships aligned to Acorns’ strategic priorities.

If you thrive on making things happen, enjoy research and relationship-building, and want to make a big difference quickly, this is the role for you. We’re looking for a proactive, confident fundraiser with a strong conversion rate and the energy to lead Acorns’ new business push.

As Senior Business Development Manager, you will:

• Identify and engage companies for multi-year strategic partnerships, Charity of the Year agreements, sponsorship and cause-related marketing
• Own and manage a robust new business pipeline of circa £1m, ensuring accurate forecasting, progression and conversion
• Secure high-value corporate partnerships, including stock generation and innovative fundraising initiatives
• Build and influence relationships at senior level, including C-suite stakeholders
• Work closely with the Partnerships and Community teams to ensure smooth transition of new partners into account management
• Line manage the Business Development Manager and drive performance against agreed targets

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven corporate fundraising or business development experience within a charity or commercial setting
• Track record of securing six-figure+ corporate partnerships
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and C-suite leaders
• Experience operating in a targeted, commercially focused environment
• Commercial awareness, including experience of budgets, forecasting and ROI analysis
• Experience managing contractual agreements and working within GDPR and fundraising compliance frameworks
• Experience using CRM systems to manage pipeline and reporting
• Line management experience

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the CSR and ESG landscape and corporate partnership trends
• Experience of cause-related marketing and sponsorship activation
• Familiarity with regional corporate networks and fundraising landscape
• Experience supporting major appeals or high-profile campaign activity

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture.

With a newly integrated Partnerships Team spanning corporate partnerships and community fundraising, and an ambitious £5m appeal ahead, Acorns is now seeking a Senior Community Partnerships Manager to oversee and deliver the charity’s community fundraising strategy, driving c.£1m of income. The strategic focus will be on building more commercially productive relationships with SMEs, community groups, and associations across the West Midlands.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships,  you will personally manage a portfolio of key community partnerships while leading and developing a team of three Community Partnerships Managers. While the team operates on a patch basis (Birmingham/Black Country and Worcester), you will take a lead on integration across Acorns, working closely with Retail and Care colleagues.

This is a superb opportunity for someone who has evolved from traditional community fundraising into more commercially-focused, regional partnerships.

About the role

As Senior Community Partnerships Manager, you will:

• Report to the Head of Partnerships and line manage three Community Partnerships Managers, ensuring plans are focused, targets/KPIs are set and met and ROI is prioritised
• Oversee key accounts worth circa £1m across the team, seeking opportunities to uplift/evolve, whilst delivering exceptional donor experience for SME, community group, and association partners
• Be the key account manager for a range of partnerships that have the potential for growth, are higher profile or have a wider geography than one patch alone
• Work closely with the Corporate Team to ensure smooth handover of partners with higher value potential or commercial complexity or in reverse for those that focus more on staff fundraising alone
• Network map and build relationships across key sectors, utilising Acorns senior leaders to open doors
• Contribute to the development of fundraising products and campaigns that appeal to community audiences
• Collaborate with Retail, Care and other fundraising teams to maximise referrals and cross-team opportunities

About you

Essential skills and experience: 

• Proven experience of growing income through regional community engagement, ideally within a charity setting
• Either line management or substantial coaching/mentoring experience
• Experience of working with community leaders
• Experience and evidence of first-class relationship management techniques and donor care
• Experience of organising events, managing volunteers, risk assessments and health and safety requirements
• Track record of cross-team working with examples of impact, ideally this will include collaborating with corporate partnerships teams

Desirable: 

• A blend of regional corporate relationship management and community fundraising experience, reflecting the strategic direction of the role

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

About Us 

Inspire is a charity based in East London. We inspire children and young people across London and beyond, using data to understand the barriers they face and connecting them with a range of employers and opportunities to open doors to their success. 

We have over 30 years of experience in delivering high quality services and programmes to children, young people, schools, local authorities and employers. Working alongside our large network of employer volunteers, we design and deliver programmes that inspire and support children and young people to create a positive future for themselves in their journey from the classroom to workplace.  We provide them with independent careers guidance, high aspirations and strong employability skills. 

The Opportunity 

Are you passionate and enthusiastic about advancing social mobility and ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities and inspiration they need to achieve their full potential? If so, this role is for you. 

We are seeking a Senior Business Development and Partnerships Manager to join us in a pivotal role in our Business Development Team. This is a new role for our charity that will make a significant contribution to delivery of our high quality services to children and young people, providing them with opportunities and inspiration to enable them to create a positive future for themselves and open doors to their success.

If you are self-motivated, enthusiastic and confident, with experience and a proven track record in successfully securing, managing and developing long term, five figure levels and above partnerships from initial prospect research through to contracting and ongoing management, then this role is for you. Working alongside our Director of Business Development and Partnerships, you will pro-actively manage business development activity, steward partnerships and raise funds for Inspire from a range of sources including corporate partnerships, community fundraising, trusts and foundations. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

1. Identifying and securing new business development opportunities in the corporate, trust and foundations sectors that align with our mission and objectives. 

2. Developing and maintaining a pipeline of prospects for new business opportunities, targeting five-figure level and above partnerships to deliver high-value, long-term partnerships and achieve financial targets and KPIs. 

3. Supporting creation and submission of funding applications to corporates, statutory bodies, trusts and foundations. 

4. Management and growth of Inspire's entry to mid-level corporate partnerships. 

5. Collaborate with colleagues to scale up existing, funded programmes and develop creative, dynamic and winning proposals. 

6. Supporting marketing and communications to promote Inspire and its programmes including development of marketing and social media materials. 

Benefits 

29 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays 

3 volunteering days per year 

Family friendly policies 

Hybrid working arrangements. 

If you have the skills and desire to join our team, please see our job description for further details. 

Inspire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

Application process 

If you wish to apply for this role please provide your CV, a covering letter to demonstrate your skills and experience, and your answers to the following questions. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words each: 

1. Strategic Partnerships: 

Describe a partnership you identified and secured that had a significant impact on your organisation’s growth. What was your strategy for engaging the partner and what measurable outcomes were achieved? 

2. Pipeline Strategy & Prioritisation: 

Highlight your experience in building a high performing pipeline that drives measurable income, how do you identify, evaluate, and prioritise new opportunities, markets, or partners? Please explain your decision making process — including the frameworks, criteria, and tools you use to qualify leads, assess commercial potential, and determine where to focus your efforts. 

Use of AI 

We use anonymised recruitment methods for shortlisting and do not use AI when reviewing applications or making hiring decisions. We understand some people may use AI when creating their application, however we value authenticity. Please ensure your application is an accurate, honest reflection of your own experience and skills - we want to get to know you during our recruitment process. 

Closing date 

While this application process has a closing date, we will review applications as we receive them and invite shortlisted applicants to interview on a rolling basis. We would therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as you are able. 

Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to contact unsuccessful applications.

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Senior Lead - Acquisition and Digital Fundraising, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of our four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – laying the foundation for higher long-term value and stronger ROI across acquisition channels.
2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – recruiting quality donors who have the potential value to feed into legacy and long-term giving goals.
3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital acquisition within a cohesive fundraising strategy

The Senior Lead - Acquisition & Digital Fundraising role is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving acquisition programme. This role is key to driving income growth and expanding our supporter base across multiple channels, including digital, DRTV, dialogue fundraising and print.

You will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of acquisition campaigns, including the onboarding process, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced acquisition fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the multi-channel acquisition strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across direct dialogue, digital, DRTV, and print channels.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of the onboarding process for all new recruits.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing channels and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for acquisition budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, CPA, and long-term value across all acquisition channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short-term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the acquisition programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Deliver and optimise the onboarding and conversion programme for new donors.
• Develop CRO strategies and implement with support from the Communications team, whilst supporting the enhancement of web development
• Ensure consistent campaign integration across touchpoints and maximise thematic/creative cohesion, working in collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager to lead and develop the creative and content strategy for acquisition.
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel acquisition campaigns with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high-performance standards.
• Strong background in digital fundraising and paid media.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on substantial acquisition budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 23rd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.