Jobs in Bedfordshire

We are delighted to be working in partnership with World Vision UK. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are seeking a meticulous and strategic Prospect Researcher to play a vital role in supporting fundraising growth by identifying, validating and researching potential major donors, mid-level supporters, churches, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. As part of the Fundraising and Marketing Directorate, you'll help unlock resources that transform lives and bring lasting change to vulnerable communities worldwide, contributing to World Vision's ambitious goal to impact 5.5 million lives and raise £100m in sustainable income by 2029.

In this important role, you'll proactively identify and qualify new major gift prospects using a range of internal and external sources, conducting detailed research to assess giving potential, affinity, and influence. Working closely with relationship managers across Major, Mid-Level, Trusts & Foundations, and Church teams, you'll ensure they have the insights and tools to prioritise prospects, build effective donor journeys, and steward relationships for maximum impact. You'll support systematic prospect management, provide concise, high-quality profiles and briefing notes to equip fundraisers ahead of meetings and events, and produce regular reports on the prospect pipeline and fundraising KPIs. You'll also contribute to horizon scanning, identifying new opportunities in the external landscape that align with World Vision's mission and fundraising strategy.

This is an excellent opportunity to use your research and analytical skills to directly support life-changing work with vulnerable children around the world.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in the field of prospect research of major donor prospects
• Strong understanding of GDPR and ethical considerations in data gathering and donor profiling
• Expertise using CRM platforms for prospect tracking and portfolio management
• Ability to interpret and validate data from multiple sources

Come and be part of a mission-focused organisation where your research expertise will directly contribute to bringing opportunity, dignity and lasting transformation to vulnerable children and communities across nearly 100 countries. By equipping fundraisers with high-quality research, you'll help unlock resources that transform lives and bring lasting change to those who need it most.

This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Location: Hybrid / Milton Keynes (2 days per week onsite)

Closing date for applications: Applications are being reviewed on receipt and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. When a suitable candidate is found the role will close, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.