Grants funding officer jobs

We are looking for a senior partnerships officer who will ensure our vital work to address the
environmental crisis is well funded, working to secure new partnerships and stewarding existing
funder relationships.

This multifaceted role works across teams to coordinate and deliver Green Alliance’s fundraising
activities and grant management. Collaborating with the organisation’s policy and political
experts, you support the creation of creative and impactful new project proposals that address
environmental problems and support the organisation’s strategy. You will identify funders for this
through prospecting and relationship building and will guide proposals through processes to
secure funds. You will monitor the organisation’s progress against fundraising targets and lead on
management of our funding pipeline.

Stewardship of existing funding relationships is a significant part of this role which means
ensuring we have excellent communication with our funders, making sure they receive high
quality reports on Green Alliance’s impact and supporting the team to see our funders as partners.
You will manage our Business Circle and maintain relationships with its members and support
efforts to recruit new business members into Green Alliance Task Forces.

Excellent communication skills are at the heart of this role, both written and verbal. You will be
confident, efficient, and resourceful; calm under pressure and enjoy building strong relationships
with a variety of senior stakeholders, as well as working independently. Strong skills in relation to
organisation, administration and prioritisation are essential.

You will need to understand, or be willing to learn about, the political and environmental policy
contexts we work in.

Care workers give everything to the people they support. When life gets hard, The Care Workers' Charity is there for them - providing grants, mental health support, and a community that has their back.

We're a small, passionate team and we're growing. We're looking for a Marketing and Events Officer who's creative, organised, and ready to make their work mean something.

This is a genuinely varied role. One day you might be crafting a social media campaign, the next you're coordinating our presence at a national sector conference. You'll create content, manage our channels, write newsletters and press releases, produce video case studies, and help run events that raise both awareness and funds. You'll work closely with our Marketing and Events Manager and have real ownership over your work.

We're not looking for someone who just wants to tick boxes. We want someone who's curious, takes initiative, and cares about doing things well. Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential - what matters more is that you bring solid digital and content skills, a head for logistics, and genuine enthusiasm for the cause.

In return, you'll get a home-based role with flexible working, 33 days annual leave including bank holidays, a working from home allowance, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Most importantly, you'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about what it does.

Based in England with easy rail access to London. Some travel to events and meetings required.

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

About Quest for Learning

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

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

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

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

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

Why join us?

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

You’ll have:

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

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

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

Role purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

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

Relationship management and stewardship

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

Organisational Contribution

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

Person specification

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

Essential

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

Desirable

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

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

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

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

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

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

Working arrangements

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

Benefits

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

Application process

To apply, please submit:

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

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

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

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

Grants Officer/Coordinator
 London Hybrid (2 Days Office / 3 Days Remote)
 £16.22 per hour
 Immediate Start | Fixed-Term Contract | June - end September 2026

Are you a highly organised science graduate or research professional looking for an opportunity to support life-changing medical research?

We're recruiting for a Grants Coordinator to join a leading health research organisation on an immediate-start basis. This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the centre of a major research funding programme, collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and patient representatives to help drive innovative research forward.

The Opportunity

You'll play a vital role in coordinating the peer review and funding process for research grant applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for applicants, reviewers, and committee members.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the peer review process for research funding applications
• Source and assign expert reviewers while managing conflicts of interest
• Act as a key point of contact for applicants, reviewers, and committee members
• Organise committee meetings, agendas, papers, and meeting logistics
• Maintain accurate records and grant documentation
• Support governance processes and committee administration
• Assist with the implementation of a grants management system
• Provide general administrative support across the research funding team

About You

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running and bring excellent organisational and communication skills.

You'll have:

• A degree in a scientific, biomedical, health, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Strong administration and project coordination experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• Research funding or grants administration
• Supporting committees, boards, or governance groups
• Patient and public involvement (PPI) activities
• Experience with grants databases or CRM systems

What's on Offer?

? Immediate start
? Hybrid working (2 days office, 3 days remote)
? £16.22 per hour
? Meaningful work supporting pioneering health research
? Exposure to leading researchers and funding programmes
? Collaborative and supportive team environment

Interested? Apply today to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

Cure Parkinson’s is looking for two Research Grants Officers to join its Research Team. One Grants Officer will work on pre-award grants and one Grants Officer will work on post-award grants, with some collaborative working between the two roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast-paced team and help us as we expand our funding schemes and work to achieve our aim of funding research to slow, stop or even reverse Parkinson’s.

These roles are responsible for the administration of the grant management process including managing external reviews, communicating with funded researchers about project reports, contracting new research projects and responding to funding enquires, as well as the organisation of the Research Committee meetings and review papers. As our Research Grants Officer you will have excellent organisational skills including experience of office and team administration such as scheduling meetings and taking minutes. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation aims to deliver a successful grant-making programme that encourages strong applications from voluntary groups and charities, critically assesses them and makes recommendations to donors to distribute funds. As Grants Officer you will play a pivotal role in the programme team – assisting with marketing, planning, delivering and reporting on our grant-making programme to ensure targets are met.

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is the charity for Cambridgeshire, working towards a better quality of life for people across the county. We identify the most critical needs of local communities, raise funds and award grants to non-profit organisations that make a big impact in addressing those needs. Working at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in Cambridgeshire and be part of shaping a better future for the local community.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is one of the UK’s fastest growing nature conservation organisations and seeks to appoint a 12-month maternity cover Grants Officer.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is seeking a motivated and organised Grants Officer to help secure vital funding for nature's recovery across Yorkshire. Working closely with the Grants Manager and colleagues across the Trust, you will research funding opportunities, develop compelling grant applications and manage relationships with trusts, foundations and other grant-making organisations. This is an exciting opportunity to play a direct role in supporting conservation, community engagement and wildlife recovery projects across the region.

You will manage a portfolio of grant applications and reports, identifying and developing new funding opportunities while maintaining excellent relationships with existing funders. Working collaboratively with teams across the organisation, you will gather project information, develop persuasive funding proposals, coordinate reporting and stewardship activities, and maintain accurate records of fundraising activity. You will contribute to achieving fundraising targets and help ensure funding opportunities align with the Trust's strategic priorities.

We are looking for someone with excellent written communication skills and the ability to present complex information in a clear, compelling and engaging way. You will have experience of researching, writing or supporting funding applications, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. You should be confident building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and working collaboratively across teams. Experience of fundraising, grant-making trusts and foundations, project development, CRM databases or the environmental, charitable or conservation sector would be advantageous. Most importantly, you will share our passion for creating a wilder Yorkshire and be committed to helping secure the resources needed to achieve our vision.

How to apply:

Please submit an up-to-date CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please ensure you describe your relevant knowledge, skills and experience aligned to the Person Specification within the Job Description. Please be aware that if you only submit a CV, your application may not be considered.

Please DO NOT include any personal details (name, address etc) on your supporting statement.

Closing date: 5th July 2026 at midnight

Interview date: 24th July 2026

Please note that applications received after the closing deadline may not be considered. The Trust regrets that it is unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We want our people to flourish, just like nature, and so we are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.

We are also a member of the Disability Confident Scheme. This means we are committed to offering an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the post. Where a post is oversubscribed (i.e. there are more candidates meeting the minimum criteria than we can offer interviews to), we will carefully balance inviting a mix of the highest scoring disabled and non-disabled applicants.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support our Grant Fundraising programme.
We are in a key point of our strategy, expanding our programmes to support more young people than ever before. To do this, we need to focus on building on the success of our grants programme to expand our income.

The role will work closely with the Head of Fundraising and Communications to build on our existing grant programme. They will focus on researching new opportunities, liaising with the delivery team for project ideas and working with them to create impact reports, and taking the lead on lower level grant applications.

This role is part funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Responsibilities

Grant Applications

• Write fundraising applications for grants under £10,000.
• Support the development of our unrestricted and core application to send to family foundations.
• Support the Head of Fundraising and Communications with larger grant applications.

Research and Prospecting

• Create pipeline of potential funders 
• Work with the delivery teams to create a list of potential projects to fund.

Stewardship

• Create and send detailed impact reports to funders on time and in line with their requirements
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with our supporters
• CRM Management

Person Specification

Experience

• Working in a similar events or fundraising role
• Working with people and building up relationships across different audiences
   

Knowledge

• Funding and charitable sectors
• Proven track record of developing and managing relationships
• Aware of opportunities in the local area
• Computer literate in MS Office
• Previous use of CRM systems

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Outstanding writing skills and ability to write clearly and concisely
• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding communication skills
• Outstanding networker capable of developing relationships
• Able to plan, prioritise and manage a varied workload
• Ability to work well under pressure and to deadlines
• Able to effectively represent Youth Options and promote core brand messages
• A creative thinker who can bring fresh outlook and ideas
• Collaborative, able to work in a small, informal team

Trusts & Grants Officer

Salary:£31817 per annum

Location:Midlands Wide, Hybrid Working (2

Benefits:25 days holiday, pro-rata, 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution including Life Cover, Occupational Sick Pay Benefits & Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Leave and Pay, plus more

Reporting to: Trusts, Grants & Foundations Fundraising Manager

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands. Learn more here or read our latest Annual Report Snapshot by going to our website.

The Role

The Trusts & Grants Officer is responsible for delivering income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders through proactive prospect research, high quality applications, relationship management and timely reporting, contributing directly to FareShare Midlands’ income targets and growth plans.

Trusts & Grants Delivery

• Manage a portfolio of trust, foundation and grant funders
• Writing applications and reports
• Budget management for restricted funds
• Working with FSM and FSUK colleagues on bids
• Build strong relationships with programme officers, grant managers, funding panels.
• Managing restricted funding compliance
• Coordinating evaluation and evidence collection for funder reports
• Monitoring funder requirements and deadlines

Pipeline Development & Prospect Research

• Identify a pipeline of new opportunities in trusts, grants, foundations and corporate to secure new income for FareShare Midlands
• Maintain a rolling 12 to 18 month pipeline
• Regular prospect research using databases (e.g. funds online, the charity commission website, idox etc)
• Prioritising opportunities by value, likelihood and strategic fit
• Assisting on project development working with colleagues to build in the needs and preferences of funders to ensure projects can attract support

Funder Stewardship & Reporting

• Professional stewardship of trusts and foundations funders
• Managing funder communications in line with grant agreements
• Working with the stewardship officer and comms team to identify and develop impact stories and relevant data.

Communication

• Writing funder-facing materials
• Ensuring clarity, evidence and compliance in all submissions
• Coordinating case studies and impact data for bids

Compliance, Monitoring & Administration

 Application tracker ownership

• Reporting calendar management
• Income forecasting for trusts & grants
• Document management for funder requirements

You will be successful in this role by:

• Consistently securing income from trusts, foundations and statutory funders in line with agreed targets
• Maintaining a strong, well-researched pipeline of trust and grant opportunities
• Submitting high-quality funding applications and reports to deadline
• Achieving a healthy success rate across applications through strong prospecting and proposal quality
• Ensuring full compliance with restricted funding requirements
• Building positive, professional relationships with funding partners
• Providing accurate income forecasting and pipeline reporting
• Bringing creativity and passion in communicating FSM’s central mission to inspire funders to support us.

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of restricted funding
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong analytical and written skills
• Confidence working with budgets and impact data
• Experience of supporting or developing fundraising partnerships and maximising fundraising opportunities
• Experience of securing gifts from trusts, grants and foundations
• Experience in writing compelling funding applications and impact reporting
• Experience in prospecting for new business and stewarding donors face to face
• Willingness to work flexibly including events and occasional weekends.
• To subscribe to the ethos, vision and mission of FareShare Midlands
• Full clean driving license and have access to a vehicle so that travel between depots or to stakeholder meetings is possible (all travel costs reimbursed)

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Knowledge of trust, grant and foundation fundraising, particularly around restricted funding
• Excellent communication skills, good persuading skills and good writing skills
• Excellent numeracy skills and use of Excel
• Good relationship building skills, both inside and outside an organisation
• Ability to work to meet objectives and deadlines
• Ability and experience of working well in a team

Values and behaviours 

• A commitment to Equal Opportunities
• An appreciation of FareShare Midlands’ mission and vision
• Flexibility of approach and ability to work in a team
• Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relations, with both internal and external audiences

How to Apply:

If you would like to apply for this role, please create a supporting statement to demonstrate your suitability and to explain your interest in both the job and FareShare Midlands. Please send your supporting statement with a copy of your CV.

We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands. 

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 24th June 2026. 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client with the recruitment of a Grant Programmes Manager.

The organisation is a charitable foundation that brings together local donors with voluntary and community organisations to enable positive, sustainable change across Surrey. Through strategic grant-making, research, and long-term partnerships, the organisation supports initiatives that address local needs and help communities to thrive.

This role is available on a permanent basis and can be either full-time or part-time. The salary range is £29,000–£40,000 FTE, depending on experience. This is a role with flexible working arrangements, all staff attend the Woking office on Mondays and with the option to work remotely on other days.

As the Grant Programmes Manager, you will report to the Deputy Director of Grants & Programmes and play a key role in designing, delivering, and evaluating targeted funding programmes such as our Heritage for All, Clearer Care and Mental Health scale Up Fund Programmes. You will work closely with colleagues across Grants, Programmes, Development, and Communications teams to steward donor relationships and ensure that their funding reaches the communities where it will have the greatest impact.

You will manage the end‑to‑end delivery of funding programmes. You will engage with voluntary and community organisations, public sector partners, and donors to shape programme design and share learning. You may also be required to line manage a Grants Officer or Administrator providing support on programme delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will be a proactive and highly organised individual with experience managing the full lifecycle of grant or funding programmes. You will have strong project management skills, excellent attention to detail, confidence interpreting complex information and communicating this to a range of audiences.

You will bring a friendly, professional approach and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of stakeholders, from grassroots community groups to donors and trustees. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities and working both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team. You will have strong digital skills and experience using Microsoft Office.

Experience working in the charity or voluntary sector is desirable. Additional desirable experience includes, familiarity with CRM systems, experience working with communities within Surrey, and an interest in supportive grant‑making practices such as IVAR principles of open and transparent grant-making.

How To Apply
To apply, please submit your CV in Word format in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact George Cook at Prospectus.
 

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We’re looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Trusts & Grants Fundraising Officer to join our Philanthropy Team and help bring Thrive’s mission to life. This role is all about producing compelling, high-quality funding applications and reports that help secure income to support Thrive’s work across the UK.

If you have strong writing and organisational skills, an eye for detail, and want to make a real impact within a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information and full JD please refer to the attachement below. 

#Trusts and Grants Fundraising #Trusts and Grants #Fundraising # Fundraising officer #Funding #Grants Fundraising 

We are looking for a motivated and creative individual to join our Charity Team at an exciting time of growth and ambition. If you have a talent for writing compelling cases for support and a passion for turning ideas into funded projects, this is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.

This role sits at the heart of our income generation activity, securing vital funding from trusts, foundations and corporate partners. You will play a key role in delivering high-profile projects and campaigns, contributing to major fundraising appeals and helping to grow our brand-new Impact Fund, which is set to transform services across the Trust.

There is real scope to shape this role, build meaningful relationships, and see the direct impact of your work in improving healthcare environments and outcomes.

This is a full-time position, with flexible hybrid working available following successful completion of probation.

Job Title: Development Officer

Reports to: Senior Development Manager

Location: Contracted to Breaking Barrier’ office in London, Birmingham or Manchester, with some expectation of travel 

Terms: 5 days per week (37.5 hours) but open to part-time (minimum 30 hours) and flexible working arrangements

Contract: Permanent

Salary:   £28,000 - £33,500 (Depending on the location and experience)

Purpose of the Role

The fundraising team at Breaking Barriers generates income from a range of sources: trusts and foundations, statutory and lottery, corporate and major donors. We sit within the wider Income and Engagement Directorate, alongside communications and public fundraising, and work closely together to drive income and engagement from funders, partners and supporters who share our vision that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life. 

The Development Officer manages our portfolio of small trusts and foundations (grants up to £10,000), securing income and developing relationships from existing donors and new prospects. The role involves writing compelling funding proposals, delivering effective stewardship, and meeting all reporting requirements to a high standard.

Alongside portfolio management, the post-holder co-ordinates our fundraising events programme, ensuring both online and in-person events deepen engagement with our cause. The role also provides active support across fundraising appeals and the statutory, lottery and major donor income streams, including prospect research. The post-holder will also contribute to the operational efficiency of the fundraising team through effective administration.

This is a varied, fast-paced role that will suit someone with strong writing skills, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to our mission. It offers real scope to develop knowledge and skills across a wide range of fundraising disciplines within a supportive and ambitious team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Income generation (60%)

· Manage and develop a portfolio of trusts and foundations awarding grants of up to £10,000, delivering tailored stewardship and relationship management across both warm relationships and cold prospects.

· Plan, write and submit compelling funding applications based on a clear understanding of Breaking Barriers' programmes, funding needs and funder requirements.

· Manage all reporting requirements within your portfolio, ensuring reports are completed accurately and to deadline.

· Undertake research to identify new prospects, gathering relevant background information including funding interests, grant levels and connection points with Breaking Barriers.

· Ensure all income and pipeline activity is accurately recorded and kept up to date in Salesforce.

· Act as the philanthropy lead for the Big Give Challenge Appeal.

2. Fundraising Events and Stewardship (20%)

· Co-ordinate Breaking Barriers' fundraising events programme, working across the fundraising team and wider Income and Engagement Directorate to shape a calendar that inspires and engages funders, supporters and senior volunteers.

· Manage event logistics including venue sourcing, guest list coordination, on-the-day support and follow-up.

· Lead on the development of stewardship materials for philanthropy audiences, including impact updates, newsletters and event collateral.

3. Prospect Research and Fundraising Administration (15%)

· Carry out prospect research to support the major gifts, statutory and lottery fundraising pipelines, producing clear, well-structured briefings for senior colleagues.

· Build and maintain funder profiles, recording prospect activity, research findings and pipeline information accurately in Salesforce.

· Support colleagues in the finance team with gift administration and thanking processes.

· Contribute to the directorate's approach to data quality and CRM best practice.

4. Other Responsibilities (5%)

· Participate in cross-team projects to build a thorough understanding of Breaking Barriers' work and wider activities.

· Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required within the scope of this role.

· Demonstrate Breaking Barriers' values of being welcoming, collaborative, mission-led and entrepreneurial.

Person Specification
Essential

· Demonstrable knowledge of and/or interest in the refugee or employment sectors.

· Experience of writing compelling funding proposals or other relevant persuasive content for different audiences.

· Understanding of the principles of trusts and foundations fundraising, whether through direct experience or study.

· Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesise information and present it clearly.

· Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong attention to detail.

· Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and problem-solve.

· Able to build effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

· Confident using Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new systems.

 Desirable

· Experience of trusts and foundations fundraising in the charity sector.

· Familiarity with major donor, statutory or lottery fundraising.

· Experience using Salesforce or another fundraising CRM.

· Knowledge of GDPR and data protection principles as they apply to fundraising.

Other considerations:

· Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully taken into account when deciding action. 

· We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief. 

· Breaking Barriers particularly welcomes applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we are committed to offering an accessible recruitment process and guarantee an interview to all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions. 

Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.  The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.

Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.

Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members.  Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News.  We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support.  We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.

After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.

Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
• Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy,  and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
• Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
• Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
• Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions.  This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
• Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
• Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
• Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.

Person specification 

Essential criteria

• An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
• Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
• Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
• A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
• Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
• Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within  financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
• An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.

Other information

Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year