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This is a hands-on role that moves between two registers: structured qualitative research with proper analytical underpinning, and fast-turnaround reactive policy work. You will need to be genuinely comfortable in both able to run a multi-month thematic publication and turn around a tight briefing or consultation response within 48-72 hours when a policy window opens.
The role will lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, including research workstreams tied to the Difference Schools Partnership's annual thematic priorities, and our Harmful and Abusive Behaviours (HaB) workstream convening a sector council to build a shared framework for how schools understand and respond to peer-on-peer harm. You will produce briefings, evidence submissions and publications, manage external research partners, and work with the CEO, Head of Policy and Communications team to launch research with real impact. The role reports to the Head of Policy and works closely with colleagues across Strategy, Research and Programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead The Difference's qualitative research and insight function, running research workstreams tied to annual DSP thematic priorities and emerging strands on MAT inclusion and LA working
- Design and deliver qualitative research with schools, MATs and local authorities interviews, focus groups, school visits and thematic analysis translating findings into evidence and policy recommendations
- Lead the Harmful and Abusive Behaviours research workstream, convening a sector council, producing briefing material and managing the route from convening to publication
- Produce timely, citable evidence for policy influence including drafting briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions on fast turnaround
- Project manage publication cycles from scoping through to launch, working with coalition and media partners to maximise reach and tracking policy traction post-launch
- Brief, manage and integrate the outputs of external research partners where commissioned (e.g. FFT Datalab, Pro Bono Economics)
- Capture and develop case studies from DSP schools and the wider Difference network
About The Difference
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Every day, the equivalent of 5,500 children are suspended from England's schools, doubling their likelihood of being NEET by 24. The Difference is a young education charity founded to change this story through whole school inclusion. We train school leaders, carry out our own research, and turn frontline insights into policy recommendations lobbying Ofsted and the Department for Education to improve funding and support for inclusion. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030.
About You
Essential
- Dual capability across reactive and structured research : comfortable producing tight briefings on a 48–72 hour turnaround and running multi-month qualitative publications
- Experience in education research, policy research or applied social research, with examples of published, commissioned or internally-influential work
- Strong qualitative research skills : interview and focus group design, thematic coding, framework development, synthesis across multiple sources
- Persuasive writing for mixed audiences : able to write clearly and concisely for policymakers, school leaders, the press and the sector, and comfortable ghost-writing for senior colleagues
- Project management discipline : able to run multiple workstreams in parallel, manage your own deadlines, and keep colleagues and external partners on track
- Comfortable working at pace in a fast-moving environment where priorities shift as policy windows open and close : self-directed, flexible and able to make good judgement calls under pressure
- Shared values with The Difference and personal commitment to improving life outcomes for young people
Desired
- Strong working understanding of UK education policy, particularly around inclusion, exclusion, SEND, accountability and school improvement
- Confident data literacy and basic quantitative analysis : comfortable interrogating population-level datasets and translating findings into accessible policy language
- Understanding of why language matters when writing about behaviour, exclusion and vulnerability, and the ability to frame behaviour as a signal of unmet need consistently across all work
- Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people
- Experience of working in or with schools, multi-academy trusts or local authorities
- Existing relationships in education research, policy or sector organisations
Please see the attached Job Description for full role details and person specification.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector. As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and protected characteristics redacted.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
The Difference exists to improve the life-outcomes of the most vulnerable children by raising the status and expertise of those who educate them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.