Corporate fundraising research assistant jobs

Senior Philanthropy Manager – Macmillan Ventures
Contract type: Permanent
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Hybrid between home and our London office (typically 1 day per week in office, plus travel for external meetings as required)
Salary range: £54,000 - £59,000 

Are you a high‑value fundraiser with a passion for innovation and impact? Do you have experience developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropists who want to drive transformational change?

If you’re excited by the potential of venture capital, technology and philanthropy to reshape cancer care, this could be the role for you.

About us 

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.

Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.

About the role

You will play an important role in helping Macmillan harness philanthropy to deliver our mission. Macmillan Ventures is our impact investing programme, backing the most promising technologies in the sector – from precision medicine to AI‑enabled diagnostics – by partnering with some of the most exciting start‑ups in the world to transform cancer care.

In this role, you will build and inspire a community of forward‑thinking philanthropists to provide the capital needed to power this work. You will help shape and grow Macmillan Venture Partners, positioning it as a compelling, high‑impact opportunity for philanthropists who want to combine charitable purpose with an interest in innovation and venture capital.

Working closely with a network of senior volunteers, investment professionals, entrepreneurs and technology pioneers, you will unlock new relationships, grow significant income and strengthen Macmillan’s position as a leader in philanthropic impact investing. This is a highly collaborative role at the intersection of philanthropy, innovation and cancer care.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop new and existing high‑net‑worth relationships in support of Macmillan Ventures.
• Deliver income against an ambitious multi‑million‑pound campaign target over the next five years.
• Steward and cultivate high‑value gifts (£50k to £1m+) from high‑net‑worth individuals with a strong interest in delivering Macmillan’s mission through innovation and venture capital.
• Contribute to shaping our Impact Investing proposition, working closely with the wider Philanthropy and Macmillan Ventures team to create a compelling case for support.
• Inspire and support a network of senior volunteers to expand our reach and grow support, particularly among investment professionals, entrepreneurs and technology pioneers.
• Work closely with the Stewardship and Operations team to drive a data‑led approach to fundraising, including prospect research, pipeline management and impact evaluation.
• Collaborate with Corporate Partnerships colleagues to ensure a joined‑up approach to cultivation and stewardship across the wider division.

About you

You will be an experienced high‑value fundraiser who brings:

• A track record of securing six‑ and seven‑figure donations from high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Experience of working with senior volunteers to grow networks and secure donations.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills, with the confidence to lead relationships with successful, high‑profile donors.
• Experience of working across a large, complex organisation to deliver a great donor experience.
• Experience of using data and insight to drive fundraising activity.
   

In return, we offer a range of benefits including:

• 25 days holiday plus flexible bank holiday options, increasing by 1 day every year of service up to 30 days
• Pension matched up to 7.5%
• 120+ learning and development offers, with access to external professional qualifications
• Flexible working patterns, such as compressed hours, flexibility to work earlier or later around our core working hours of 10am-4pm
• Holiday buying and selling scheme, life insurance, free wills, retail discounts and much more
   

Recruitment process

Application deadline: 23:59 on Wednesday 24th June
Interview dates: Online interviews will be held on the weeks commencing 29th June and 6th July (exact dates TBC)

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

​

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

Rosa is looking for a thoughtful and ambitious fundraiser to join us at an exciting point in our growth. This is a new role with the chance to build experience across philanthropy, corporate partnerships, events and prospect development, while working closely with colleagues across fundraising, communications and grant making.

This is an ideal role for someone ready to take the next step in their fundraising career within a values-led organisation with national reach. You will play a central role in strengthening donor relationships and increasing income to support Rosa’s impact across society.

If you are organised, proactive and motivated by the chance to help resource change for women and girls, we would love to hear from you.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Philanthropy Manager, the Fundraising Officer will help support Rosa’s major donor and corporate fundraising at an exciting point in our growth.

Working across philanthropy, corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, events and prospect development, you will play a key role in helping us build strong supporter relationships and grow income to power Rosa’s mission. This is a varied and developmental role, offering the chance to work across every stage of the donor journey while building specialist fundraising skills in a high-ambition, values-led team.

It is an ideal opportunity for someone ready to step up from a fundraising assistant/ coordinator or similar role and take on broader responsibility in a national organisation with a clear purpose. The work you do will help generate funding for Rosa’s grant making, capacity building and influencing work — giving you a direct connection between fundraising and impact.

Key responsibilities

• Excellent stewardship of major donor and corporate relationships, including keeping donors up to date with Rosa’s work through events and meetings, written reports and newsletters
• Manage a portfolio of individual donors, major donors and corporates
• Coordinate and deliver successful in person donor engagement events, currently twice a year with one large event in March and a smaller event in November
• Build a strong prospect pipeline of corporate donors by undertaking prospect research and contributing to new business pitches
• Undertake prospect research and compelling donor briefings for new major donors and new giving circle members (Thrive Network)
• Maintain high quality CRM records to record each stage of donors’ journeys and supporting the transition to a new CRM (Beacon)
• Able to work in a manner consistent with Rosa’s values and principles
• Carry out all aspects of this job description in accordance with policies set out in Rosa’s handbook, paying particular attention to safeguarding, data protection and equality and diversity.

You may also be asked to carry out other tasks that are in line with the responsibilities of the Fundraising Officer.

Experience, knowledge & skills (all essential)

• Two years’ relevant experience in a fundraising role (working in a role involving prospect research and donor stewardship of High Net Worth Individuals or major donors and/ or corporates)
• Experience of event management, meetings and developing research briefings
• Strong written communication and drafting skills
• Confidence in building relationships with external stakeholders
• Attention to detail in recording and tracking interactions with donors and prospects
• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Understanding of excellent supporter care
• Experience of using Microsoft Office and a CRM database

Personal attributes

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (essential)
• Energy, passion and enthusiasm for Rosa’s values and goals and for the organisations we support (essential)
• Knowledge of the UK Women and Girls sector and issues facing women and girls (preferred)

How to apply

To apply please visit our website for the full Job Pack and follow the instructions to apply via our on-line application form.

JOB TITLE:

Fundraising & Partnerships Manager 

RESPONSIBLE TO: 

Director of Fundraising

LOCATION: 

Home based 

DURATION: 

30-35 Hours Per Week - Permanent 

SALARY/GRADE: 

Grade 6.4 (£36,043) PA FTE 

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Fundraising Team 

• Nation Directors 

• Public Affairs and Communications Team 

• Membership Team 

• Donors, Volunteers and families

ABOUT YOU 

You will have proven experience in fundraising, business development, or partnership management, with a track record of generating income and building strong external relationships. Ideally, you will have experience developing fundraising plans, pipelines, or income streams from an early stage, and will be comfortable working in an environment where processes, opportunities, and supporter journeys are still evolving. 

You will be confident identifying and pursuing new opportunities, developing compelling proposals and cases for support, and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate partners, community fundraisers, volunteers, and individual supporters. 

We are looking for someone who is proactive, self-motivated, and creative, with strong communication and relationship-building skills. You should be comfortable working independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues across fundraising, marketing, and operational teams. 

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help grow sustainable income that supports children, young people, and families across the UK. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

We are looking for a confident, ambitious, and entrepreneurial Fundraising Manager to help grow sustainable income for Adoption UK by building and developing strong relationships with corporate partners, supporters, volunteers, and local communities. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys creating fundraising plans from the ground up, developing new partnerships, and turning ideas into sustainable income. The role is ideally suited to someone who thrives in a developing fundraising environment and is motivated by the opportunity to shape and grow underdeveloped income streams into long-term success. 

This is an opportunity to help shape the development of a strategic and sustainable approach to fundraising, while continuing to deliver hands-on income across a diverse portfolio. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supported by the Director of Fundraising, take ownership of developing, delivering and monitoring fundraising events and activities in line with our fundraising strategy. 

• Lead on key income streams to maximise net income and develop sustainable income streams for short, medium and long-term growth. 

• Monitor and evaluate progress against plans using management information and budgets to produce reports and forecasts as required 

• Deliver effective supporter journeys to improve supporter experience, retention, and long-term engagement. 

• Work alongside the Director of Fundraising to develop and implement processes and policies. 

• Grow and diversify income across corporate partnerships, community fundraising, events, individual giving and digital activity. 

• Develop compelling proposals and pitches for corporate partners, clearly articulating social value, impact and return on investment. 

• Build and manage a strong corporate prospect pipeline using research, data and structured follow-up to convert opportunities. Identify opportunities to sponsor projects and activities. 

• Collaborate with marketing colleagues to develop assets and digital campaigns to support fundraising appeals and events. 

• Work with all Adoption UK teams to support local fundraising activities in each of the four nations including membership and community teams. 

• To ensure good working practices in line with Equality and Diversity policies and a pro-active approach is taken to equality, diversity and inclusion issues. 

• In compliance with the Code of Conduct, demonstrate high standards of personal conduct, courtesy and integrity. 

• Ensure full compliance with Adoption UK’s Safeguarding policies and procedures, reporting concerns in line with internal policies.

• Any other duty as required by the line manager commensurate with the post. 

Person Specification criteria

Knowledge  And  Experience 

• Experience of a fundraising, marketing, or event management role (E) 
• Experience of delivering multiple projects on time and to budget (E) 
• Ability to devise operational plans and deliver them effectively, and proven experience of planning and managing income generating activities and events    (E) 

Qualificationsand  Education

• Professional fundraising qualifications (D) 
• Marketing qualifications (D) 
• Event Management qualifications (D) 
• CIOF Diploma in Fundraising Management/equivalent professional experience/membership of CIOF (D) 

Skills and Abilities 

• Delivers high quality work with minimal supervision and direction (E) 
• Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, be competent with Microsoft Office (E) 
• Ability to assimilate and analyze financial and statistical information, including budget monitoring, management, and financial control (E) 
• An exceptional administrator and coordinator with excellent organisation and writing skills (E) 
• Communicate, engage and secure positive external relationships with stakeholders and supporters (E) 
• Has the capacity to deal with complex issues and is good at problem solving (D) 
• Self-starter, used to working to deadlines and delivering against KPIs (E) 
• Able to work communicate and engage with internal senior stakeholders effectively (E) 

Accountability

• Developing fundraising opportunities (E)  
• Event administration (D) 
• Stewardship and relationship management (E) 
• Contribute to departmental strategic goals, in liaison with the Director of Fundraising (E) 

Behaviours 

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times. 
• Contributes to an open and honest culture 
• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency. 
• Leads by example. 
• Offers outstanding service to members. 
• Promotes cross functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge 
• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others. 
• Valuing the opinion of other. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect. 
• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives. 

Senior Fundraising Manager (Corporate Partnerships - New Business)

Salary£52,058.00 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Corporate Partnerships - New Business)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £52,058.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1213473

An exciting moment to join us

 YMCA England & Wales is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its fundraising history, launching our ambition to create 10,000 new homes for young people by 2030. Working alongside local YMCAs, we will support the development of new accommodation across the country, helping young people move towards independence.  This role sits at the heart of that ambition.

We seek a dynamic charity fundraiser to lead the development of new high-value corporate partnerships. This role offers an exceptional career opportunity to shape and deliver the next phase of our national corporate fundraising ambition, building on a strong foundation of award-winning work.  Late in 2025 our Corporate Partnerships team was recognised at the Corporate Engagement Awards with multiple awards.  During the early months of 2026 the ground-work for our multi-year strategy has been laid: The 10,000 Homes Fund is our flagship proposition.  Now is the time to execute.

About the role

As Senior Fundraising Manager, you will play a crucial role in securing new revenue of significant scale and impact. You will deliver new business; identifying, cultivating, and closing significant corporate relationships.  You will design compelling partnership propositions, manage high-level external engagement, and ensure alignment with YMCA’s mission and strategic priorities.

This is a senior position with scope to influence the direction of YMCA’s corporate fundraising strategy and the culture of the wider team. You will provide leadership and guidance to your team, while also contributing to a collaborative and ambitious environment across fundraising and wider organisation.

About you

The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraiser with demonstrable results in winning new corporate partnerships. You are probably the top performer at your current charity, can evidence multiple six figure successes and are eager to take the next step in your career by moving to a strategic, senior role. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape a growing programme, work with high-profile brands, and create opportunities that deliver lasting change for young people and communities across England and Wales.

Why join us now

YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, serving communities across England and Wales every day. The fundraising team is geared up for success, the strategy is set, the proposition is proven, and the results are already coming in. The plan now is to hire the talent to take this momentum to the next level.

YMCA England & Wales is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Assistant Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer

Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdirdge, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2DP (with hybrid working available)

Up to £26,000 gross per annum depending on skills and experience

Permanent, Full Time (35 Hours per week)

Closing date:  15 July 2026

Interviews:  23 July 2026 or 03 August 2026

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is shaping a wilder future for our counties – protecting special places, restoring habitats and inspiring people to act for nature. As part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for nature’s recovery, we lead with passion, integrity and bold thinking. Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas matter, and you can help create lasting change for wildlife and people. 

We are seeking an Assistant Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer to join our cause.

This newly created position is part of the Trust’s investment in fundraising capacity as we strive to raise the income required to fund nature’s recovery and create a wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The postholder will be joining a friendly, vibrant and high-performing team.

What you’ll be doing:

Your role will be to provide support across all aspects of the team’s work, with a particular focus on major donors, legacies, in memory giving, corporate and community fundraising. Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager and working closely with colleagues, you will help to develop and grow income from legacies, major donors and corporates, as well as coordinating our in-memory giving and ensuring community fundraising supporters have the tools and information required to raise funds for the Trust.

You will be expected to undertake tasks including event organisation, admin and data support, stewardship of existing supporters and prospect research.

About you:

You’re a confident communicator and an enthusiastic team player with excellent people skills. You’re capable of producing high-quality work as part of a busy team and helping us to grow our income. You may be an experienced administrator and/or somebody who is keen to further develop a career in fundraising.

Wild About Inclusion!

As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work.  We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

Disability Confident. We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

To be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme you must:

• Identify as being disabled which under the Equality Act 2010 means a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial*, long term** adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition; and;

 (*Substantial is more than minor or trivial **Long-term means 12 months or more)

• Set out how you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the person specification for the post at the application and testing stages. This is a requirement for all candidates, not just those applying under the scheme.

We are happy to discuss the possibilities of hybrid and flexible working

This role will be based at our office in Curdridge, however, we are happy to accommodate a hybrid working routine, and discuss a pattern of work which mutually suits the candidate and the Trust. Traditionally, office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with an hour lunch break. We value spending time working in-person to develop strong connections with each other and with our mission, so we although we offer hybrid working, we do not offer full home working within our roles.

We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs), free parking at our sites and more.

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

About Quest for Learning

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

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

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

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

This is an opportunity to help shape that next stage.

Why join us?

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

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a developing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to build meaningful partnerships across Oxfordshire
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability, and this role offers the opportunity to help build strong relationships and community support around an ambitious, evidence-led charity with significant future potential.

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

Role purpose

We are seeking an energetic, proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to help grow Quest for Learning’s community, corporate and partnership fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on building relationships and developing opportunities with local businesses, community organisations, schools, supporters and wider networks across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building partnerships and creating opportunities through strong communication and relationship management. The successful candidate will help raise the profile of Quest for Learning, strengthen supporter engagement and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable income base.

This is a role for someone who is motivated by people, partnerships and meaningful social impact.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also recruiting for a trusts and grants fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

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

Key responsibilities

Community and partnership fundraising

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Identify and develop opportunities for corporate partnerships, sponsorship and community fundraising
• Represent Quest for Learning at meetings, networking events and community activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organisations including schools, Rotary clubs, WIs, businesses and civic groups
• Support the development of fundraising campaigns, partnership opportunities and supporter initiatives
• Help grow Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter network across Oxfordshire
• Work with the CEO and trustees to identify and cultivate new opportunities and introductions

Supporter engagement and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with supporters and partners
• Ensure strong communication and stewardship with supporters
• Help supporters and organisations engage meaningfully with Quest for Learning’s mission and impact
• Support the development of compelling fundraising messaging and supporter communications
• Gather and share stories, outcomes and examples of impact with supporters and partners

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, communications and activity within Beacon CRM

Person specification

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

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people and organisations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence representing an organisation externally
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience in relationship-building, partnerships, stakeholder engagement or supporter-facing work

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire community or business landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
• Experience supporting events, campaigns or community engagement activity
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar systems

What success in this role looks like

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building strong and sustainable community and corporate relationships
• Increasing Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter engagement
• Developing new partnership and fundraising opportunities
• Growing unrestricted and partnership-based income
• Strengthening supporter stewardship and community presence
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function

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

Who thrives at Quest for Learning

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

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

Working arrangements

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

Benefits

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

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• your CV
• and a short statement (maximum one page) explaining:
  • why you are interested in the role
  • and how your skills and experience relate to the role

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

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

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

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

About Quest for Learning

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

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

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

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

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

Why join us?

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

You’ll have:

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

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

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

Role purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

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

Relationship management and stewardship

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

Organisational Contribution

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

Person specification

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

Essential

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

Desirable

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

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

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

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

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

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

Working arrangements

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

Benefits

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

Application process

To apply, please submit:

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

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

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

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