Grants and impact manager jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop Build Studios – a small and dynamic built environment charity – and Build Workspace – the charity’s central London co-working space in Waterloo.

This role could suit an experienced sector leader looking for a leadership role, or a rising leader ready to step up.

Working closely with our dedicated Board of Directors and our small team, you will lead the development of the charity, oversee development and delivery of projects and identify new opportunities, partners and funders.

You will also oversee the smooth running of the co-working space, delivering a high quality service to members and promoting a collaborative environment for a diverse group of small and start-up practices.

The role is a part time opportunity (2 days/week) with the potential to expand. Salary £60,000 FTE (pro rated to 2 days/week - £24,000 per annum)

About us

Build Studios is a charity that works to inspire the next generation about the built environment through collaboration and learning. We have been working from our central London base in Waterloo since we were established nearly ten years ago.

We work with our community to improve awareness, access and aspiration for young people to careers in the sector. This takes place through outreach work with schools, careers enrichment and events.

Our engagement with young people takes place at a number of points in their school journey – from our ‘Healthy Homes’ programme with primary pupils, built environment careers enrichment with secondary aged students and digital design for sixth formers – inspiring them about the importance of good city design to their everyday lives. We continue this engagement into the world of work through Alternative Practice, our community of students and young workers, who come together through events and activities, to collaborate with others from across the sector.

Our workspace company, Build Workspace, provides co-working space, support services and events for start-ups and small businesses in the built environment sector.

We aim to attract entrepreneurs, creative young businesses, self-employed specialists and freelancers, providing an affordable, collaborative workspace in a central location, right next to Waterloo and the South Bank.

Profits from the co-working space are ploughed back into the charity.

About You

You will be

- Passionate about the built environment and knowledgeable about the sector

- Experienced in managing people and projects

- Experienced in managing finance and budgets

- Willing to take a hands-on and proactive role across all aspects of the running of a small organisation

- Proficient in presenting and advocating for an organisation or cause

- Able to demonstrate successful fundraising and business development experience

You may also be

- Experienced in developing projects and programmes

- Experienced in working with boards or committees

We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Job Description

The role will involve the following:

Line management: managing and developing Build Studios and Build Workspace’s small staff team, with access to retained HR support agency. Leading annual appraisals and regular 1:1s.

Governance : managing the annual cadence of quarterly board meetings, AGM and associated companies house and charity commission filing, liaising closely with the boards of directors of both companies.

Business Planning: annual business planning, working with the board, staff team and other stakeholders to develop an ambitious annual plan in line with Build Studios five year strategic plan.

Budgeting and financial management: production of annual budget, working closely with the Treasurer and Chairs of Build Studios and Build Workspace; quarterly monitoring of financial performance in liaison with accountants; day to day management of project budgets and payments.

Fundraising: Leading fundraising bids with relevant grant funding bodies, developing new programmes in line with their (and Build Studios’) strategic priorities. Approaching sponsors for financial support, making a compelling case for investment.

Project management: Taking a lead role in managing projects, ensuring delivery, reporting and impact measurement are conducted in line with funder requirements and our own standards.

Communications and marketing: Supporting the team with delivering strong communications and marketing through our various channels (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters). Engaging external agency/freelance support where appropriate. Working with the operational team to deliver timely and effective communications to members in the Workspace.

Operations: Working with operations team to ensure high quality management of the workspace, having oversight of health and safety, space management systems and software and landlord liaison, and maintaining a healthy pipeline of prospective members. Ensuring appropriate operational cover is in place for the workspace during staffed hours.

Engagement: Building positive relationships with Build Studios and Build Workspace members and partners, seeking mutually beneficial opportunities to develop profile and engagement, through events and collaborations.

Other information

The contract of employment will be with Build Workspace, but the post-holder will work across both Build Studios and Build Workspace.

We would expect at least one of the two days to be worked on site at Build Studios (Waterloo, London). The remaining day can be worked flexibly at the office or from home.

Build Studios is actively seeking additional funding from grants and sponsors to grow our outreach and engagement programmes. Future successful funding bids will enable this role to be extended to more days beyond the core 2 days/week.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full DBS check.

The role has 25 days paid annual leave (pro rated to 10 days for 2 day/week role) plus bank holidays. Additionally 5 days’ paid sick leave (pro rated to 2 days for 2 day/week role).

How to apply

Please apply with CV and covering letter, demonstrating how you would be well suited to the role, to Helen Santer 

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st August at 5.00pm

Interviews are scheduled for 1st and 2nd September.

We will offer written feedback to all candidates shortlisted for interview.

No agencies please.

Interim Branch Manager
RSPCA South West London
Part-time - 24 hours per week (3 days)
6-month fixed-term contract
£35,000 FTE (pro rata)
Home-based with regular local travel across South West London

Do you have a track record of leading teams, improving operations and supporting people through change?

TPP Recruitment is pleased to be partnering with RSPCA South West London an independently registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of animals across South West London. Based in Wandsworth, the branch works tirelessly to rescue and care for animals in need, promote animal welfare and inspire compassion within local communities.

We are seeking an Interim Branch Manager to provide leadership and stability during a six-month period while also helping strengthen key operational and people processes across the organisation.

Reporting to the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, this is a varied and autonomous role that combines operational management, team leadership, stakeholder engagement and organisational improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of the branch
• Support and develop staff and volunteers
• Manage performance and ensure effective people management practices
• Work closely with Trustees and act as a key point of contact for stakeholders
• Oversee branch operations, administration, compliance and health and safety
• Support income generation activities including retail operations, online sales, grants and fundraising initiatives
• Review and improve policies, procedures and systems
• Deliver operational improvement projects that enhance effectiveness and sustainability
• Help create greater structure, accountability and consistency across the organisation

About you
We welcome applications from candidates with experience in charity, operational or service-led environments.
You may currently be working as a:

• Charity Manager
• Operations Manager
• Service Manager
• Branch Manager
• Community Services Manager
• Retail Area Manager
• Office and Operations Manager

You'll bring:

• Strong leadership and people management experience
• A proven ability to manage and develop teams
• Experience improving operational processes and ways of working
• Confidence dealing with performance issues and implementing policies and procedures
• Strong stakeholder management skills, ideally including working with boards or trustees
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• A collaborative and hands-on approach

Why join?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact within a charity dedicated to animal welfare. You'll have the chance to provide stability, support a committed team and deliver improvements that will benefit the organisation long after the assignment ends.
If you're an experienced manager who enjoys combining operational leadership with people-focused improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

About This Vacancy

We are looking for an organised and detail-oriented Project Officer to join our International Programmes Team on a permanent basis, working within our Asia region.

Overview

The Project Officer will be part of a regional team that works with new and existing partners to design, deliver and learn from projects in line with the organisation’s mission. The team supports the full project cycle: partner engagement, application review, due diligence, project design, contracting, implementation support, monitoring, evaluation and project closure, maintaining accurate records throughout, in close collaboration with the Quality Team (Director and Quality Assurance and Impact (MEAL) Specialists).

The Project Officer will work collaboratively across the regional team, providing flexible support and surge capacity during peak periods and responding to emerging priorities as required. Under the supervision of Programme Managers and the Regional Director, they will also take day-to-day responsibility for a portfolio of assigned partners and specific projects, ensuring timely progression from concept to completion and that documentation, compliance, quality assurance and learning requirements are met. This includes working with the Quality Team to integrate appropriate MEAL approaches, support data quality and ensure learning is captured and shared.
 

Key Responsibilities

·Project Identification and Evaluation

oIdentify and assess project concepts and proposals with assigned partners, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, feasibility, risk, safeguarding considerations and expected impact.

oContribute to emergency or rapid-response programming when required, including providing surge support to colleagues and helping to coordinate time-critical actions.

oSupport partner mapping and relationship management activities, helping to identify potential partners and project opportunities.

oUndertake contextual and partner due diligence research to inform project design, risk management and decision-making.

oPrepare high-quality proposals for internal review and project governance processes, including summaries of recommendations, risks and mitigation actions with the support of the Quality Team and in line with standards set by them.

·Grant Administration

oSupport Programme Managers and the Regional Director through the full project cycle, from initial scoping and proposal development through contracting, implementation support, monitoring, evaluation and closure.

oManage any individually assigned projects through the full project cycle, from initial scoping and proposal development through contracting, implementation support, monitoring, evaluation and closure.

oEnsure projects comply with organisational policies and procedures (including safeguarding and due diligence), and any relevant donor, statutory and partner requirements.

oEnsure the fulfilment of any actions mandated by the Programmes Subcommittee.

oTrack delivery against agreed plans, budgets and results frameworks; flag variances, support problem-solving with partners and colleagues, and recommend adjustments where needed.

oWork with the Quality Team (Director and Quality Assurance and Impact (MEAL) Specialists) to agree proportionate MEAL plans for assigned projects (e.g., indicators, data sources, reporting schedules), and to strengthen quality assurance throughout implementation.

·Stakeholder Engagement

oAct as a key point of contact for assigned partners, working closely with Programme Managers and the wider regional team to coordinate support and decision-making.

oMaintain regular communication with partners to provide guidance throughout proposal development and implementation, including on reporting requirements, procurement expectations and agreed outputs/outcomes.

oCoordinate with the Quality Team (Director and Quality Assurance and Impact (MEAL) Specialists) to support partner capacity strengthening on quality assurance and MEAL requirements, and to address quality or evidence gaps identified during implementation.

oDevelop familiarity with other organisations working in the Region and look for opportunities to collaborate with and learn from them.

·Budget Administration

oSupport sound financial management across the Regional Team and for assigned projects, including budget review, payment scheduling, verification of supporting documentation and reconciliation of expenditure against budgets.

oFor approved projects, ensure that all finance processes are completed to facilitate payments.

oPrepare clear updates and financial summaries for Programme Managers, the Regional Director and other internal stakeholders, maintaining an appropriate audit trail.

·Reporting and Documentation

oMaintain complete and accurate project documentation for assigned projects, including due diligence records, agreements, correspondence, partner reports and closure documents.

oMaintain project and partner information in relevant systems and trackers, producing reports and analysis as required.

oMonitor progress and results, review partner narrative and financial reports, support evaluations where appropriate, and ensure project learning is captured and shared within the team.

oWork with the Quality Team (Director and Quality Assurance and Impact (MEAL) Specialists) to review project evidence, ensure data quality standards are met, and support evaluations, reviews and learning products as required.

oCoordinate meetings and follow-up actions (including agendas, minutes and action logs) to ensure decisions are recorded and progressed.

Other duties

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. From time to time, the postholder may be asked or required to carry out additional tasks, or duties, over and above their usual day to day activities. Employees are expected to work collaboratively across the regional team, including providing flexible support and surge cover as needed.

Person Requirement

Essential

·Experience in project administration or coordination, ideally in the charity, NGO or public sector.

·Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of partners and stakeholders across different cultures and contexts.

·Proficiency in MS Office suite and comfort using online systems for project tracking and document management.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

·Strong attention to detail.

·Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a diverse, dispersed team.

·Ability to multitask and meet multiple deadlines under pressure.

·Familiarity with CRM or grant management systems (e.g. Salesforce)

Desirable

·Experience supporting monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL/MEAL) processes and/or producing donor-style reports, including working with quality assurance or MEAL specialists.-

·Additional languages relevant to the region

Person specification

·A strong commitment to the values and mission of Barnabas Aid, with an understanding of Christian principles and ethics in project management.

·High level of integrity, ethical conduct and professionalism

·Personal resilience and adaptability.

·Discretion and sensitivity with understanding of issues of confidentiality.

·A flexible approach to work, with a cooperative and collaborative attitude, ensuring excellent standards of service are always maintained.

 

From time to time, additional training, including safeguarding training, may be required.

The offer of employment will subject to the appropriate pre-employment checks such as references, qualifications, DBS criminal records, and eligibility to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience make you a good fit for this role and for the mission of Barnabas Aid.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Engagement Manager is an experienced professional who plays a key role in supporting donor engagement across all Impetus donors, enabling the team to provide best practice and high-quality donor stewardship and a platform for the renewal of key philanthropic gifts.

The Engagement function is responsible for pro bono and volunteering. Reporting to the Head of Engagement, the Engagement Manager is responsible for supporting the successful delivery and continuous improvement of the volunteering programme, ensuring it delivers high-quality opportunities, contributes to agreed KPIs and evolves in line with the needs of funders and the organisation. 

The postholder will account manage key relationships with mid-level supporters and internal stakeholders, working across teams to deliver meaningful and well-coordinated engagement opportunities. They will contribute to identifying and developing new opportunities for the volunteering and pro bono programmes that respond to funder interests and portfolio needs. 

In addition, they will manage relationships with mid-level pro bono supporters, taking them through the full pro bono journey from project matching and onboarding through to stewardship and ongoing support.

This is a cross-functional role that collaborates closely with the Investment team, wider Philanthropy team, Public Affairs team and other stakeholders to ensure a consistent and excellent donor experience.

Key responsibilities

Volunteering programme  

• Account manage relationships linked to volunteering across corporates, individuals and grant-making trusts, ensuring engagement is maintained and escalating strategic issues or risks where appropriate.
• Support or lead meetings, alongside fundraising account managers where appropriate, with funders to understand their volunteering interests and contribute to the development of suitable engagement opportunities.
• Support account managers in ensuring consistent donor engagement throughout annual giving cycles, including tracking, reporting, and communications.
• Contribute to the development of the volunteering function to ensure the programme offers a range of high-quality opportunities suitable for different funder types and aligned to organisational priorities.
• Identify and suggest new volunteering opportunities based on charity needs and funder interests, working with the Head of Engagement to ensure strategic alignment across the programme.
• Lead delivery of the mentoring programme within agreed plans and frameworks.
• Where necessary, support delivery of the volunteering programme (i.e workshops), ensuring it delivers high-quality engagement activities, contributes to agreed KPIs and continues to develop in response to organisational and funder needs.
• Build and manage effective working relationships across the Investment team, Philanthropy team and other stakeholders to ensure volunteering opportunities are well scoped, coordinated and delivered effectively.
• Work with the Head of Engagement to coordinate needs across the Engagement team, liaise closely with the Investment team and portfolio contacts, and plan and deliver a high-quality programme of volunteering opportunities.
• Ensure communications with donors and external partners are clear, timely, compelling and aligned with agreed messaging.
• Line manage the Engagement Officer, providing support, guidance and oversight to enable effective delivery. Where necessary, lead volunteering delivery sessions when cover is required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.

Pro Bono programme 

• Support the identification, prospecting and conversion of new pro bono supporters, aligned with the needs of portfolio charities and Impetus, including attending meetings with prospective supporters.
• Manage relationships with mid-level pro bono funders, supporting delivery across the full engagement process from identifying suitable projects and matching opportunities through to onboarding, delivery and stewardship.
• Work with the Head of Engagement, internal teams and charity partners to scope projects and support matching pro bono funders to suitable opportunities.
• Support the onboarding and ongoing management of pro bono partners, ensuring clear communication and a high-quality supporter experience.
• Monitor the progress and quality of pro bono projects, gather feedback and identify improvements to strengthen delivery and impact.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.

Other

• Support the development and implementation of efficient processes and systems within the Philanthropy team, with a focus on consistency and effectiveness.
• Work in line with best practices and agreed processes, policies and standards across all engagement activities.
• Share insights and learnings internally and externally to support continuous improvement.
• Work in line with Impetus’ strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Attend and support delivery of Impetus events as needed.
• Support the Philanthropy team as required with ad hoc duties.
• Provide cover for aspects of the Head of Engagement role when required.
• Represent the Philanthropy team in cross-functional projects and working groups, contributing to delivery and collaboration.
   

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of delivering or managing successful engagement, volunteering or fundraising activities, including tracking performance against objectives or KPIs.
• Familiarity with the fundraising landscape, including a good understanding of the corporate donor marketplace.
• Strong account management experience, including managing external partners or funders and building effective relationships across internal teams.
• Experience managing across the donor lifecycle, and  identifying and developing opportunities that meet stakeholder needs.
• Experience of developing opportunities for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas and information, including Impetus model.
• Experience working with skilled volunteers or pro bono partners, including supporting relationships through the full lifecycle from scoping or matching through to delivery and stewardship.
• A collaborative working style, comfortable working across teams with a commitment to working in a collaborative and inclusive way to achieve shared objectives.
• Experience of managing and developing staff, including setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback and creating development opportunities. Able to adapt management style to support colleagues at different levels of seniority and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering workstreams or programmes within agreed plans and KPIs.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to devise donor engagement plans and use project/account plans, budgets, and other financial information.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and manager a busy and varied workload.
• Ability to look beyond own area of expertise and be pro-active and creative in problem solving.
• Ability to make operational decisions and escalate strategic issues where appropriate.
• IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of the sector – education and employment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a young person, charities, and corporates.
• Experience of working with young people.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 23rd August 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 31st August 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 7th September 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Independent Age is the national charity focused on ending financial hardship in later life. We want every older person to be able to afford to live well. 

We stand with older people in financial hardship, offering urgent help today and shaping a fairer, more secure tomorrow. Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. And we use the knowledge and insight gained from our services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery and ongoing evolution of our ambitious Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, securing transformational five- and six-figure grants that will drive our long-term impact and growth.

We're looking for an exceptional relationship-builder and communicator with a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from Trusts and Foundations. You'll be confident translating complex data into compelling funding propositions and using your outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills to inspire support for our mission.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. We also are open to this role being worked on a part-time basis on a minimum of 28 hours per week.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work for us on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Sunday, 23 August 11:59pm

Interview Dates: First-round interviews will take place on Tuesday, 1 September (remote); second-round interviews will take place on the afternoon of Monday, 7 September (in-person in our London office)

The Organisation

Sported is one of the UK's leading sport-for-development charities, supporting more than 5,000 community groups across the UK to use sport and physical activity as a catalyst for positive social change. Through a combination of volunteer expertise, grants, learning and strategic partnerships, Sported helps grassroots organisations become stronger, more sustainable and more impactful.

Having undergone significant growth and transformation in recent years, Sported is entering an exciting new chapter. With a clear strategy, strong foundations and a respected national profile, the organisation is well positioned to increase its reach, influence and impact across communities throughout the UK.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will lead Sported through its next phase of growth and development. This is an opportunity to build on a strong platform, strengthening financial sustainability, deepening partnerships and increasing the organisation's influence across the sport and social impact sectors.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of Sported's strategy and long-term vision. 
• Strengthening income generation and long-term sustainability.
• Developing high-performing teams, culture and organisational capability.
• Acting as Sported's principal ambassador with key stakeholders, funders and partners.
• Increasing the organisation's profile, reach and influence nationally.
• Ensuring strong governance, operational performance and impact delivery.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly respected national charity and help shape the future of grassroots sport and community development across the UK.

The Candidate

We are seeking an ambitious, values-led leader with the credibility, strategic capability and

commercial acumen to guide Sported through its next chapter. Outstanding candidates may

come from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.

You will bring:

•  A successful track record of leading a complex organisation, business unit or function with responsibility for strategy, performance and delivery.
• Experience of organisational growth, transformation or performance improvement.
• A demonstrable ability to secure income, develop partnerships and build sustainable funding streams.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, balancing mission, impact and sustainability.
• Experience of working with Boards and building effective senior stakeholder relationships.
• A track record of leading and developing high-performing teams through change and growth.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills, with the ability to represent Sported at the highest levels.
• A genuine commitment to Sported's mission and the role sport can play in creating stronger communities.

Previous Chief Executive experience would be welcomed, though it is not essential. Above all,

candidates will bring a genuine passion for sport for development and a strong belief in the

role sport and physical activity can play in tackling inequality, creating opportunity and

strengthening communities.

For further information and details on how to apply, please click to be apply this will redirect you to the application process.

Closing date for applications (CV and covering letter): 9am Thursday 17th September

This is a new role at High Trees, created because we believe Lambeth’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) is one of the borough’s greatest assets – strong, skilled and rooted in the communities it serves. Place-based organisations like ours play a vital role in supporting individuals, strengthening communities, growing local economies and shaping the policy decisions that affect the people we work with. We want a dedicated Manager who can help make that case, loudly and effectively, both within High Trees and across the wider system.

A key part of this role is our contract to deliver capacity building support to Lambeth’s VCS, commissioned by the local authority and delivered through the Lambeth Hubs Partnership – but this is one strand of a much bigger picture. We want this role to think beyond any single contract, taking a long-term view of what Lambeth’s VCS infrastructure support needs to look like, and leading the development of new approaches, including peer support models and a more circular economy across the sector.

Health and wellbeing is increasingly shaping where funding and investment in our sector flows, and we want Lambeth’s VCS to be ready and well-positioned to respond to this shift. You will play a leading role in this, working with partners including the SEL VCS Alliance to develop shared practice across South East London boroughs, and ensuring our sector’s voice is heard as these opportunities develop.

This role is as much strategic as it is operational – we’re never too far from the ground at High Trees, and you’ll be expected to lead on much of the day-to-day delivery yourself. That means designing and delivering workshops and one-to-one capacity building support, developing resources and toolkits, and running networking events that bring Lambeth’s VCS together. You’ll also build a network of trusted delivery partners – freelancers and facilitators, ideally drawn from within our own sector – helping to keep skills, income and opportunity circulating within Lambeth’s VCS.

As VCS Capacity Building Manager, you will lead High Trees’ work to strengthen Lambeth’s voluntary and community sector, acting as an advocate for High Trees and a champion for the wider sector, while managing funded contracts and programmes that support local organisations to grow their skills, systems and impact.

The role combines strategic leadership – shaping High Trees’ contribution to the future of VCS infrastructure support, and representing the sector within key partnerships – with hands-on operational delivery, including direct capacity building support, training and events. You will be confident managing multiple work streams, and equally comfortable working strategically and on the ground.

Founded in 1860, Providence Row is a specialist homelessness charity working in East London and the City, deliberately operating at the most acute end of the homelessness spectrum.

The charity reaches around 1,200 individuals (annually) with the most deep-rooted needs; people whose interlinking mental and physical health, and trauma and substance use challenges mean they often struggle to access mainstream support. Providence Row provides a wide range of Crisis and Progression services including showers, meals, advice & support, health and wellbeing services, drug and alcohol harm reduction, psychotherapy, a hospital discharge service, and learning, training and work-readiness programmes, amongst others. In 2025/26, we supported 1,270 people through 36,313 tailored interventions. 

About this role

We have some ambitious income targets over the next few years to help deliver our bold plans in support of our increasing numbers of complex and vulnerable clients. 

If you have experience of delivering against an annual fundraising target of up to, or exceeding, £150k and want to help more people experiencing homelessness to have access to vital, and, often life-changing, services like our award-winning physical and mental health programmes, then we can’t wait to hear from you so you can tell us more about how you meet the criteria detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification, enclosed with this Job Ad.

There are many opportunities for the right candidate to develop in the role while working independently and as part of a committed team by using your excellent creativity, written, verbal and persuasion skills to secure and steward partnerships with existing and new supporters, alongside the Head of Philanthropy, and wider fundraising team.

We are keen to receive applications from people with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in fundraising and partnership development and who want to take their skills to the next level by helping further grow our Trusts and Foundations partnerships, as well as those with other similar supporters including Livery Companies, so we can continue responding to the needs of our clients and the evolving homelessness emergency.

If the above sounds like a good fit for you and you felt motivated and excited to join our small, fun, dedicated and impactful Fundraising and Marketing Team, then we would love to hear from you.

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to shopping discounts
• Learning & development opportunities

To apply

Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification by Friday 21 Aug 2026 at 23:30.

Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

Trust and Foundations Fundraising Officer

About Harrogate Homeless Project

Harrogate Homeless Project is dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness across the Harrogate district. We provide safe accommodation, practical support and opportunities for individuals to rebuild confidence, develop independence and create brighter futures.

As demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Trust and Foundations Fundraising Officer to help secure the funding needed to sustain and develop our vital work.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced grant fundraiser to play a pivotal role in the future sustainability of Harrogate Homeless Project.

Working closely with the Fundraising and Marketing Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead on identifying, researching and securing funding from trusts and foundations, with a particular focus on capital funding opportunities. You will also help strengthen our impact measurement and evidence-gathering processes, ensuring we can effectively demonstrate the difference our services make and maximise future funding success.

The successful candidate will be a confident relationship-builder with excellent written communication skills and a track record of securing grant funding. You'll be passionate about making a positive impact and committed to supporting people affected by homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

Trust and Foundation Fundraising

• Research, identify and pursue trust and foundation funding opportunities.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of funding applications and grant programmes.
• Prepare compelling grant applications, expressions of interest and supporting documentation.
• Manage the full grant cycle, from prospect research through to reporting and stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders.
• Maintain an accurate funding pipeline and prospect database.
• Monitor funding deadlines, reporting requirements and opportunities.

Impact Measurement and Evidence Development

• Work with service teams to gather meaningful data, outcomes and case studies.
• Support the development of impact reporting and evaluation processes.
• Help create compelling cases for support that demonstrate organisational impact.
• Collaborate across teams to identify funding priorities and evidence required for applications.

Fundraising Administration

• Maintain accurate fundraising records and grant documentation.
• Track applications, awards and reporting schedules.
• Support funder reporting and impact updates.
• Work closely with finance colleagues to ensure the accuracy of budgets and financial information.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising best practice and GDPR requirements.

Strategic Development

• Identify emerging funding opportunities and sector trends.
• Support wider fundraising strategy and organisational sustainability plans.
• Explore partnership and collaborative funding opportunities.
• Contribute to applications for statutory, local authority and government funding where appropriate.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience of researching, writing and securing successful grant funding applications.
• Experience of managing a fundraising pipeline and achieving income targets.
• Excellent written communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience gathering and presenting impact and outcomes data.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• A commitment to the values and mission of Harrogate Homeless Project.

Experience within the homelessness, housing, health or wider voluntary sector, along with knowledge of capital fundraising, would be advantageous.

Closing Date: 5.00pm, Wednesday 19 August 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 24 August 2026

If you're passionate about making a lasting difference and have the fundraising expertise to help secure the future of our services, we'd love to hear from you.

Statutory Fundraising Manager
Salary: £43,857 (Sense salary point CHA45), plus £3,090 Inner London Weighting if applicable
Location: Hybrid, with two days per week at Head Office
Reporting to: Head of High Value Relationships

Lead funding that drives systemic change
At Sense, we work so that people with complex disabilities and those who are deafblind can communicate, connect and experience the world. As Statutory Fundraising Manager, you will lead a key growth area for Sense, securing public and statutory funding that enables lasting impact at scale.

About the role
You will have strategic responsibility for statutory fundraising at Sense, excluding commissioned work. Working closely with the Head of High Value Relationships, the CEO and senior operational colleagues, you will shape and deliver a statutory fundraising strategy that supports organisational priorities and long term sustainability.

The role includes managing an annual statutory income budget of £1.5 million and leading relationships with government, lottery and public sector funders.

What you will do

• Develop and deliver a statutory fundraising strategy to maximise income from public sector and lottery funders
• Lead the development of compelling funding bids with senior stakeholders across Sense
• Manage relationships with statutory funders, including reporting and stewardship
• Take responsibility for statutory income and expenditure budgets
• Oversee narrative and financial reporting, database management and compliance
• Identify new funding opportunities aligned with organisational strategy
• Develop and contribute to consortia bids and partnership working
• Collaborate widely across fundraising, marketing and operational teams

What you will bring

• Experience of securing significant income from statutory sources, including six figure grants
• Experience leading relationships with government departments and lottery bodies
• Ability to develop proposals aligned to organisational priorities and impact frameworks
• Confidence managing budgets, financial reporting and complex funding requirements
• Strong influencing, planning and organisational skills
• Excellent written communication and report writing skills
• Commitment to Sense’s vision, values and inclusive practice

Our values
Our work is shaped by our values: We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to walk and wheel more.

We are looking for an organised, collaborative and motivated Development Manager to help secure the income that will power us to our 100-year anniversary and beyond. We have ambitious plans to increase our impact, strengthen our partnerships and build on the seven-figure annual income we have secured from statutory and charitable sources in recent years.

Location: Home-based, with candidates able to be based anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. Travel will be required as appropriate to support the responsibilities of the role.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser or business development professional who can turn insight, relationships and strong project ideas into compelling bids and proposals. You will manage a varied institutional fundraising pipeline, identify and prioritise opportunities, write persuasive proposals and manage complex tenders – working with colleagues across Living Streets to secure sustainable income for our work across the UK.

If you have a strong track record of income generation (especially from statutory and trusts), and want to play a central role in raising income for good within a national charity then we would love to hear from you!

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to background and criminal records checks as relevant to the job role.

Closing date: 31 August 2026 midnight

Interviews: 07 September 2026 TBC

Are you an ambitious Fundraising Manager ready to make a real difference? Lead our fundraising strategy, build high-value partnerships, and help shape the future of YMCA Fairthorne Group.

The role of the Partnerships Manager is to take a leadership role within the fundraising team, ensuring that corporate fundraising returns materially contribute to the overall fundraising target for the organisation. The Partnerships Manager will:

• Lead on corporate fundraising, ensuring an operational delivery plan is in place that meets expected income targets for corporate fundraising.
• Support the improving of fundraising culture across the charity, promoting positive attitudes to fundraising.
• Partnering with operational managers to ensure that fundraised income is governed and managed appropriately.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate contacts that correspond with the charity’s areas of impact, supporting senior colleagues in identifying suitable opportunities. Ensure the fundraising pipeline is aligned to fundraising priorities.
• Establish new relationships with potential corporate partners and help foster these relationships to encourage fundraised income through corporate donations, partnerships, and Charity of the Year initiatives.
• Deliver against annual corporate fundraising targets, driving consistent growth through strategic relationship management and impactful corporate engagement activities. Generate significant income from corporate partnerships, ensuring targets are achieved in the most effective, sustainable, and high-impact way.
• Work collaboratively with the broader Impact Team (Fundraising, Marketing and Communications) to help develop compelling fundraising materials and cases that promote increased corporate involvement and support for YMCA Fairthorne Group activities.
• Ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place to govern and manage fundraised income across all key internal stakeholders.
• Support, where required, the delivery of capital and revenue fundraising campaigns as required through providing specialist knowledge and insight.

Person Specification & Key Competencies

Qualifications and Experience:

• 3+ years relevant experience in corporate fundraising with demonstrable success in positively transforming fundraising performance.
• Experience in delivering innovative operational developments, with demonstrable experience in bringing fundraising strategy to life.
• Strong ability to form and nurture relationships with a range of internal and external key stakeholders.
• Good level of IT proficiency.
• Strong communicator who takes a collaborative approach.
• Ability to effectively lead a small team of individual contributors.
• An understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures, or willingness to learn (training will be provided)
• A dedication to inclusion.

Personal Attributes

• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of the charity.
• An outgoing and friendly personality, able to communicate well and engage positively with a wide range of people.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage a highly varied and unpredictable workload.
• A creative and flexible approach to work, including willingness to travel across all branches regularly, as required.

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.

We’re looking for an experienced digital fundraising or digital marketing professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You’ll be confident leading projects, working collaboratively across teams and using digital innovation to deliver measurable fundraising and supporter engagement outcomes.

About the Veterans’ Foundation

The Veterans’ Foundation is one of the UK’s leading military charities, raising funds to support serving personnel, veterans and their families through a network of charitable organisations across the UK.

Since launching in 2016, we’ve awarded more than £40 million in grants to over 500 charities, helping improve the lives of thousands of members of the Armed Forces community.

As we enter our second decade, we’re investing in digital platforms, technology and the supporter experience that will help us reach more supporters, raise more funds and increase our impact.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Veterans’ Foundation at a pivotal moment in our development.

We’ve created this 12-month fixed-term role to lead a defined programme of digital fundraising and transformation projects that will strengthen our fundraising capability and create the foundations for the next phase of our growth.

Working directly with the Head of Fundraising & Engagement, you’ll lead the successful delivery of major digital initiatives, including the launch and optimisation of our new website, embedding Salesforce as our fundraising CRM, developing supporter journeys, delivering digital fundraising campaigns and introducing new digital products and platforms.

If you enjoy building, improving and delivering meaningful digital change, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on an organisation with ambitious plans for the future.

Key Responsibilities

As Interim Digital Fundraising Manager, you will:

· Lead the successful launch, optimisation and ongoing development of the Veterans’ Foundation website.

· Deliver digital fundraising campaigns that increase supporter acquisition, engagement, retention and income.

· Design and implement automated supporter journeys using Salesforce and associated digital platforms.

· Develop and optimise digital donation journeys and fundraising products.

· Introduce new digital products, platforms and technologies that enhance supporter experience and fundraising       performance.

· Manage relationships with digital agencies, suppliers and technology partners, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

· Develop reporting dashboards and performance insight to support evidence-based decision making.

· Use analytics, testing and supporter insight to continuously improve campaign performance and digital user experience.

· Work collaboratively across fundraising, communications and grants to maximise digital opportunities.

· Champion digital innovation and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and supporter engagement.

· Contribute to the successful delivery of the Veterans’ Foundation Fundraising Strategy.

· Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.

We’re looking for an experienced digital fundraising or digital marketing professional who combines strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You’ll be confident leading projects, working collaboratively across teams and using digital innovation to deliver measurable fundraising and supporter engagement outcomes.

To be considered for this role, applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be currently resident in the UK.

Essential

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:

· A proven track record of planning, delivering and optimising successful digital fundraising, digital marketing or supporter engagement campaigns that achieve measurable results.

· Successful delivery of digital projects involving websites, CRM systems and digital platforms, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to agreed timescales.

· Strong knowledge of digital fundraising, supporter journeys, email marketing, website management and social media, with the ability to use data, testing and insight to continually improve performance and supporter experience.

· Experience of working with CRM systems, ideally Salesforce, and the ability to use data to support segmentation, reporting, campaign delivery and strategic decision-making.

· Proven ability to manage external agencies, suppliers and technology partners, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

· Experience of monitoring, evaluating and reporting on campaign performance, establishing meaningful KPIs and presenting clear recommendations to stakeholders.

· Experience of managing project or campaign budgets, demonstrating value for money and return on investment.

· Excellent written communication, stakeholder management and project management skills, with the confidence to work independently, take ownership of complex projects and build effective relationships across the organisation.

· A proactive, innovative and solutions-focused approach, with the curiosity and drive to identify opportunities to improve digital fundraising performance.

Desirable

· Experience working within the charity, fundraising or not-for-profit sector.

· Experience of Salesforce or other CRM, marketing automation or customer journey platforms.

· Experience using digital analytics and reporting tools, such as Google Analytics, Power BI or Looker Studio.

· An understanding of fundraising regulation, data protection and digital marketing best practice.

· Experience of digital product development, user experience (UX), conversion rate optimisation (CRO) or website optimisation.

· Experience of delivering organisational change, digital transformation, or implementing new digital systems, platforms or ways of working.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of digital fundraising at one of the UK’s leading Armed Forces charities.

Over the next 12 months you’ll lead projects that will transform how we engage supporters, strengthen our digital fundraising capability and create the platforms and experiences that underpin our future growth.

Your work will help us reach more supporters, raise more sustainable income and enable more funding to reach the charities supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families across the UK.

If you’re motivated by creating meaningful change and want to leave a lasting legacy, we’d love to hear from you.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

 

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.