Fight for sight jobs in south east london, greater london

Imagine being told that you, or someone you love, is losing their sight. In that moment, two profound questions demand urgent answers:

• Can this be stopped?

• How will I live my life?

Currently, research into preventing and treating sight loss is chronically underfunded, receiving a mere 1.2% of publicly funded health research grants: people who are blind or vision impaired are three times more likely to experience loneliness and isolation than the general population.

We find and fund the brilliant minds and bright ideas that put change in sight. Our researchers are at the forefront, making breakthroughs and discoveries that will prevent, treat and cure eye disease. The partnerships we build and initiatives we support are changing life for blind and vision impaired people. 

We are Fight for Sight: we won’t stop until we: Save Sight. Change Lives.

We have a clear ambition, led by our CEO, Keith Valentine, who has valuable lived experience of sight loss. We’ve secured well-respected and highly engaged ambassadors, such as Sir John Major and Frances Segelman.

We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team to help realise a new five-year growth strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.

We have a busy challenge events programme and an active Family Fund community programme, with ambitions to grow this area over the coming years as part of our five-year strategy. Key areas we are looking to focus on are investing in digital marketing, taking steps towards devising our own mass-participation event and grand challenges, and further integration with our London based charity shops.

The Events and Community Fundraising Manager will play an integral role in ensuing this continued success and that we secure exciting new partnerships and opportunities.

Responsible to 

Head of Community and Engagement

Direct reports 

Events and Community Officer 

Working hours and contract 

This is a permanent full-time role. We will consider part-time and flexible arrangements.

Salary 

£40,000 

Location

Aldgate E1 and hybrid working. Minimum two days in the office and external meetings and events as required. 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter / supporting statement of no more than two pages which evidences the specification. You must also answer the vetting questions via the application portal.

Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th June 2025

Early applications are encouraged. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis; therefore, we may close early subject to the number of applications received.

Role Responsibilities 

Strategy and planning

• Deliver the existing Community and Events strategy and maximise opportunities for income growth 

• Identify and develop new income generating opportunities across Community and Events Fundraising, devising new events and engagement opportunities

• Develop, implement and monitor against KPIs, annual plans, and income and expenditure budgets, ensuring targets are met with robust analysis and reporting 

Income growth, event and supporter management

• Proactively manage all aspects of Community & Events Fundraising to increase our supporter base and maximise income, supported by the Events and Community Officer

• operational management of all income and expenditure ensuring sound ROI.

• Develop and deliver supporter journeys that raise average fundraising per head, decreases drop-outs and increases repeat entry 

• Implement new digital and value exchange fundraising streams

• Optimise the Family Fund programme to strengthen commitment and fundraising potential of existing Family Funds, and enable recruitment of new Funds 

• Deliver excellent support to fundraising groups and recruit new volunteers to fundraise and advocate on behalf of the charity

• Work collaboratively across the charity to facilitate cross-selling opportunities and engaging supporters in other fundraising opportunities, in particular working with the corporate team to recruit participants and support propositions at corporate fairs. 

Fundraising events management

• Manage delivery of the event portfolio to achieve financial and sign-up targets, delivering effective on the-day support for event participants. This includes ensuring our events are accessible for visually impaired participants

• Deliver excellent supporter care to ensure supporters are motivated to achieve (and exceed) their fundraising targets, feel valued and build engagement with us 

• Key point of contact for high level event participants and community fundraisers via face-to-face meetings, phone calls and emails – providing timely and personalised support

• Support the Events and Community Officer with enquiries, applications and registrations for challenge events, ensuring high levels of conversion, and capturing relevant supporter data 

• Support the Head of Community and Engagement, or other teams within Fight for Sight with the successful delivery of key special events, including fundraising gala dinners or receptions, virtual events and mini conferences, and third party or established supporter events.

• When required, support the Events and Community Officer in managing guest lists, enquiries, and ticket sales for special/major donor events and receptions, delivering a seamless guest experience and timely follow-ups supporter care and relationship management

Marketing 

• Oversee all paid Facebook advertising activity for events, updating web listings, and utilising our networks

• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to raise awareness/increase recruitment across all activities, highlighting case studies and media stories 

• Develop and deliver effective and engaging content, and materials for supporters to increase recruitment, retention, and average fundraising amounts

• Oversee the creation and delivery of quarterly events e-newsletter, plus additional e-blasts

Managing information and reporting 

• Work with the Database Manger to ensure accurate records within our CRM system (ThankQ) and management of income from online and offline giving

• Carry out post-event evaluations, analysing supporter data help facilitate greater levels of income 

• Support other areas by attending events, exhibitions etc. as required by a small team with varied responsibilities

• Other duties as may be reasonably required by line manager role

Leadership & management  

• Provide excellent leadership and line management of direct reports, ensuring that team members meet their individual objectives, develop and grow in their roles, and are motivated and high performing

• Work as part of the fundraising senior management team, alongside the Director and Head of Community and Engagement to devise, deliver and implement the team’s strategy and the organisation’s strategic plan

Other

• Become fully conversant with the aims and objectives of the organisation 

• Keep up to date with developments in the sector and key new initiatives in our field

• To work at all times in compliance with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice and data protection legislation

• Events as necessary

Person specification

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience

• Minimum five years of experience of events and community fundraising, in particular with developing overseas or large-scale mass participant events.

• Experience with recruiting new volunteers and fundraisers from a range of community groups including but not limited to faith-based fundraising, schools and street collections. 

• Meeting income targets of over £350,000.

• Experience with managing senior volunteers within fundraising groups and building excellent rapport with them.

• Liaising at all levels with the ability to motivate and inspire others to support financially. 

• An effective networker, with an ability to build high level relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Experience of designing and delivering high impact stewardship programmes and delivering successful and engaging events.

• Proven experience of devising budgets and project plans and reporting against them. 

• Excellent track record of personally securing community partnerships and supporter-led events

• Experience of implementing new digital and hybrid fundraising strategies.

• Effective time-management with the ability to manage conflicting prioritises to meet planned and unplanned demand, ensuring that deadlines are met.

• Understanding and experience of working within the requirements of the Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection legislation.

Personal qualities

• An understanding of and commitment to the sight loss community.

• An accomplished written communicator, adept at using the latest statistics and data to evidence need and impact whilst maintaining an engaging and human tone of voice.

• Excellent financial fluency.

• Flexibility and a practical, can-do attitude.

• Highly motivated and able to juggle a varied workload.

• Personable, with excellent listening skills and high emotional intelligence, with the ability to think creatively.

• Ability to identify new fundraising initiatives, assess likelihood of success and impact on resources, develop appealing ‘asks’ and match donor interests to funding needs/projects. 

• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail. 

Flexibility

The role description is a general outline of duties and responsibilities and may be amended as we grow. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Employee benefits

We value our staff and volunteers and want to make sure that they are supported in their work. Other benefits we also offer are:

• A great team and a supportive culture

• Employer pension contributions matching up to 10%, and death in service cover

• Generous parental leave

• Flexible/hybrid working options

• Apprenticeships scheme, study leave and financial support for training & development

• Cycle to work scheme, eye test vouchers, and a staff loan scheme, access to an Employee Assistance Program

• An active Social Committee and staff events

Application & Interview process

See above for How to Apply. Please note that we value the authenticity and individuality of our applicants and believe that your CV and cover letter should reflect your unique skills, experiences, and personality. Therefore, please refrain from using AI tools, including ChatGPT, to produce your application materials. Applications drafted with the assistance of AI will be automatically rejected.

Successfully shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview in person at our Mansell Street offices.

The interview process will include two stages and will be conducted on a rolling basis. There is likely to be an exercise or task at second stage. 

Accessibility

We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, feel supported and valued. If you have any accessibility requirements or specific needs that you would like us to accommodate during the application process, please let us know. If you are unfamiliar with MS Teams and would like to familiarise yourself with the platform before the interview, we are more than happy to arrange a tech run-through to ensure your comfort and confidence. 

Equal opportunities, diversity & inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every item in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles that we have. 

We have an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, including any adjustments required to support people from diverse community groups.

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to help shape the future of high-value giving?

The MND Association is at the forefront of the fight against motor neurone disease, and we're looking for an exceptional leader to join our team. As Head of High Value Partnerships, you will shape our high-value fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and drive significant income growth across corporate partnerships, major donors, and trusts and foundations. This is a pivotal opportunity to secure transformational support that funds vital research and services for people living with and affected by MND.

As Head of High Value Partnerships, you will lead a talented team to deliver ambitious income targets and build strong, long-term relationships. You will bring a confident, collaborative approach and a proven track record of growing income.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a high-value partnerships strategy across corporates, major donors and trusts
• Lead a proactive acquisition approach and drive new business activity and secure six- and seven-figure partnerships and donations
• Build and maintain a strong, diverse pipeline of high-value prospects
• Work with teams across the organisation to develop compelling funding proposals
• Lead and support your team in managing donor and partner relationships
• Personally manage a portfolio of key relationships
• Contribute to and support the delivery of high-value engagement and stewardship events
• Develop funding bids and tenders in partnership with other teams
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide timely reports and analysis
• Champion an inclusive, high-performing culture across your team and wider colleagues

About You:

• Experience in at least two of the following: corporate fundraising, major gifts, or trusts and foundations
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams
• Able to build and sustain trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with excellent financial and analytical skills
• Skilled in written and verbal communication, including influencing and presenting
• Comfortable managing change and identifying opportunities for growth
• Confident managing budgets and using fundraising software and CRM systems
• Committed to the MND Association's purpose and values

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role offers hybrid working, with the expectation to attend the office 2 days per week. The role can be based from Northampton or London. We are open to part-time applications or job shares - please indicate your preferred working arrangement in your application.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Proven experience of growing income and providing excellent stewardship in at least two of the following areas: corporate partnerships, major gifts, and trusts/foundations.
• Strong experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills, capable of building rapport and influencing effectively across diverse audiences.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.
• We are happy to consider alternative application formats for those who find the online form challenging.

This is a flexible role with regular travel to London and other UK locations. As Head of High Value Partnerships, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our income generation-and the future of people affected by MND.

If you're a strategic thinker, a passionate leader, and a results-driven fundraiser, we want to hear from you.