2 Fundraising officer jobs in Brighton and Hove

Empowering the next generation

We’re looking for an incredible, self-starting fundraiser to help transform the lives of young people and raise vital funds to support RAF Air Cadets. If you’re passionate about CSR, skilled at connecting supporters to a genuine cause and passionate about providing air cadets with unforgettable opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

The Air Cadet Charity is an independent organisation dedicated to supporting the RAF Air Cadets. We provide essential grants for activities, cutting-edge equipment, and life-changing experiences that go beyond standard provision. From funding flight simulators and drone technology to enabling international expeditions, STEM projects, and leadership training, we give young people the tools to excel. Operating primarily on voluntary contributions made via cadet subscriptions from across the RAF Air Cadet organisation, we are now strategically expanding our fundraising focus toward corporate support.

This is an exciting role where you will take the lead on building upon our existing corporate foundations and establishing our dedicated corporate supporter network from the ground up. We are a close-knit, collaborative team offering a supportive workplace where your vision and contributions will directly shape our growth.

Please note this role is primarily home-based with travel across the UK for supporter engagement, meetings, and events.

Key responsibilities

• Corporate giving: Identify, cultivate, and secure valuable philanthropic donations and financial support from businesses aligned with our mission, driving the primary focus of the role to grow our corporate donor base.
• Income generation & strategy: Drive income growth by developing and delivering against agreed corporate fundraising targets, building a sustainable pipeline of new supporters, and actively monitoring and reporting on financial progress.
• Diversified fundraising & income generation: Oversee and manage our broader fundraising streams—including individual donors and digital/website giving channels—alongside  handling occasional applications, stewardship, and reporting for existing trusts, foundations, and major donors as required.
• Stewardship & relationship management: Deliver exceptional, high-touch stewardship to build long-lasting, meaningful relationships with our corporate donors, individual supporters, and stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Work alongside our team to co-create inspiring case studies, impact reports, and marketing materials highlighting how philanthropic donations directly benefit cadets.
• Representation: Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for our charity at networking functions, corporate meetings, and cadet showcases.

This role reports to the Charity Director and works closely with the Marketing and Engagement Officer, collaborating across income generation and marketing to support our mission.

Person specification

• Essential experience: Proven track record in corporate fundraising within the charity sector, with a strong emphasis on securing corporate donations and an ability to manage multiple income streams as a sole fundraiser.
• Relationship building: Exceptional networking, negotiation, and communication skills with a natural talent for inspiring supporters to invest in our grant-making cause.
• Commercial acumen: Strong understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives and philanthropic giving.
• Working style: Highly self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and capable of working independently in a remote/hybrid environment while contributing to a friendly team culture.
• Travel requirements: A willingness and ability to travel regularly across the UK—including to London and various regional locations—for corporate meetings, relationship building, and charity events.
• General Support: A willingness to undertake other reasonable duties to support our team and wider charity goals.

Desirable skills:

• Familiarity with CRM systems or donor databases.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver corporate engagement events.
• Knowledge of digital marketing and social media to support fundraising campaigns.
• Understanding of the youth sector or uniformed organisations.
• Familiarity with the Armed Forces, defence sector, or military-charity networks, bringing a helpful understanding of defence contacts and sector terminology.
• Background in managing trusts, foundations, individual donors, or major donors and building face-to-face relationships.
• Experience writing compelling applications and stewardship reports for trusts, foundations, and major donors.

Why join us?

• Be part of a friendly, supportive, and dedicated team where your ideas matter.
• Enjoy the flexibility of home-based working while staying closely connected with colleagues and supporters.
• 26 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time hours) plus bank holidays and a Christmas shutdown period.
• 5% employer pension contribution.
• Life assurance cover at 4x your salary.
• The chance to see the direct, inspiring impact of your work on young people's lives.

How to apply

Submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing your relevant fundraising experience and why you are inspired to support our charity's mission.

Application Timeline & Process:

• Closing Date: 9am Friday 2nd October
• Shortlisting & Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after the closing date, with interviews to be held at the end of October.
• Interview Format: A single-round interview process featuring a brief, pre-interview practical task to give us a chance to see your skills in action.

The Air Cadet Charity is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.