Assistant philanthropy officer jobs

FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Job description and person specification

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

• Can this be stopped?

• How will I live my life?

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

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

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

We have a clear ambition and have the support of well-respected and highly engaged ambassadors. We are now looking for experienced, committed, and creative individuals to join our dynamic team to help realise a new five-year growth strategy. If you want to be part of something impactful, we’d love to hear from you.

The Fundraising Administrative Assistant forms an integral part of our Fundraising Team. We are looking for a driven, committed, and creative individual to join our dynamic team as we devise and launch a new five-year strategy. You’ll be part of something impactful and a key support within the fundraising team. 

 The Fundraising Administrative Assistant will play a crucial role in the future growth of our charity and the impact that we can achieve through partnerships for people with sight loss.  You will be a key part of a growing fundraising team providing support across the team.

Responsible to: Individual Giving Manager 

Direct reports: None

Working hours and contract: This is a permanent full-time role (35 hours per week).  We will consider part-time and flexible working arrangements. 

Salary: £25,000 - £26,500 (depending on experience)

Location: Central London with some remote working. A minimum of two days required in the office, 50 Leman Street, London E1 8HQ.

How to Apply: 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter, with the subject header: Fundraising Administrative Assistant application to our recruitment inbox

Your covering letter should include a supporting statement (max two pages) comprising why you think you are an ideal candidate for the role, what applicable experience you’ll bring and why you want to work for Fight for Sight?

Closing date for applications: Thursday, 9 July 2026 at noon

Early applications are encouraged. We will be shortlisting on a rolling basis; therefore, we will close the vacancy as soon as we have found the right candidate.

Interview dates: 16-17 July 2026 (TBC)

The interview process is as follows: 

• 1st Interview: Online with recruiting manager and fundraising colleague. 

• 2nd Interview and an informal meeting with colleagues: Face to face in London E1 8HQ with line manager and other members of the fundraising team on Wednesday, 22 July (TBC)

Role Responsibilities 

Supporter Development team 

• Support the Individual Giving Managers and Legacy Giving Manager with day-to-day communications with our donor base, including timely database administration to capture communication preferences and personal details. 

• Support the Database team with data and financial processes, including recording and batching donations, generating reports, contributing to supporter journeys and reconciling income. 

• Liaise with design and print suppliers to source quotes and deliver appeals and other campaigns. 

• Support the Supporter Development team in-person in the office, with the processing of direct marketing appeal responses, including banking of donations and sending thank you letters.

• Work with the Individual Giving Managers to implement supporter journeys to encourage further support to the organisation. 

• Support the Individual Giving Managers in building emails using the charity’s email marketing platform. 

Philanthropy team

• Use a CRM database to effectively administer and manage event and community enquiries and activities. 

• Work with the Events and Community team to send out literature and parcels to community groups and event participants in an efficient and timely manner. 

• Support with logistics for virtual and in-person events as required. 

• Work with suppliers to order new fundraising materials. Be responsible for managing and replenishing fundraising merchandise and stock.

• Helping the team to source prizes and goods for community and challenge events.

• Provide financial admin support to the Philanthropy team including batching and reconciling incoming payments.

• Provide general administration support across the Philanthropy team as required, including printing and posting items.

• Update the database and provide CRM reports as required.

Wider fundraising  

• Answering inbound calls as part of the head office call team, at least three days per week, and responding to or triaging enquiries to be resolved in a timely manner.

• Support the Supporter Care Officer in dealing with external enquiries and managing internal post, including sorting incoming post and organising outgoing fundraising post from head office. 

• Provide general administration support across the fundraising team as required. 

• Be responsible for the fundraising team’s 1Password folder, ensuring it is consistently updated. 

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

Person specification

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience 

• Excellent communicator in formal and informal communications, both verbally and in writing, to all stakeholders. 

• Proven ability to engage, inspire and enthuse a range of supporters. 

• A commitment to undertake training where required and an enthusiasm for new challenges and experiences. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport. 

• Strong project management and prioritisation skills. 

• IT literate with experience of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, and databases. 

• A commitment to our values: Together we are bold, tenacious, informed and optimistic.

• Experience of using a CRM database to support relationship management. 

• Understanding of the charity sector and associated fundraising technique. 

Personal qualities 

• An understanding of and commitment to blind and vision impaired people. 

• A passion for fundraising and wanting to make a difference. Someone who is keen to succeed and keen to demonstrate their abilities.

• Highly organised with the ability to juggle several deadlines at the same time. 

• Positive, confident and enthusiastic. 

• The ability to use initiative, common sense and solve problems.

• Self-motivated, team worker with ability to work autonomously as required. 

• Willingness to work flexibly where required. 

• Approachable, creative, ‘can-do’ attitude. 

• Excellent attention to detail. 

• Happy and comfortable with managing day-to-day routine administrative tasks, in addition to prioritising ad hoc tasks when required 

• A growth mindset.

Flexibility

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

Important note: All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we do not have a sponsoring license for non-UK employees which means that if you do not have a current, valid UK working permit, please do not apply, as we will not be able to consider your application.

Employee benefits

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

• A great team and a supportive culture

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

• Generous parental leave

• Flexible/hybrid working options

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

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

• An active Social Committee and staff events

Application & Interview process

See above (page 2) for How to Apply. Please note that we value the authenticity and individuality of our applicants and believe that your CV and cover letter should reflect your unique skills, experiences, and personality. 

Successfully shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview online via MS Teams.

Accessibility

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

Equal opportunities, diversity & inclusion

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

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

Assistant Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer

Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdirdge, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32 2DP (with hybrid working available)

Up to £26,000 gross per annum depending on skills and experience

Permanent, Full Time (35 Hours per week)

Closing date:  15 July 2026

Interviews:  23 July 2026 or 03 August 2026

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is shaping a wilder future for our counties – protecting special places, restoring habitats and inspiring people to act for nature. As part of the UK’s fastest-growing movement for nature’s recovery, we lead with passion, integrity and bold thinking. Join a team where your work has purpose, your ideas matter, and you can help create lasting change for wildlife and people. 

We are seeking an Assistant Philanthropy & Partnerships Officer to join our cause.

This newly created position is part of the Trust’s investment in fundraising capacity as we strive to raise the income required to fund nature’s recovery and create a wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The postholder will be joining a friendly, vibrant and high-performing team.

What you’ll be doing:

Your role will be to provide support across all aspects of the team’s work, with a particular focus on major donors, legacies, in memory giving, corporate and community fundraising. Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager and working closely with colleagues, you will help to develop and grow income from legacies, major donors and corporates, as well as coordinating our in-memory giving and ensuring community fundraising supporters have the tools and information required to raise funds for the Trust.

You will be expected to undertake tasks including event organisation, admin and data support, stewardship of existing supporters and prospect research.

About you:

You’re a confident communicator and an enthusiastic team player with excellent people skills. You’re capable of producing high-quality work as part of a busy team and helping us to grow our income. You may be an experienced administrator and/or somebody who is keen to further develop a career in fundraising.

Wild About Inclusion!

As an inclusive employer we recognise that our workforce needs to better reflect the communities in which we live and work.  We encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented within our sector, including people from black, Asian, minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a Movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

Disability Confident. We are proudly a Disability Confident Committed employer. The scheme is helping us recruit and retain great people to meet our workforce needs. As a member of the scheme, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

To be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme you must:

• Identify as being disabled which under the Equality Act 2010 means a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial*, long term** adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day to day activities; or a long-term health condition; and;

 (*Substantial is more than minor or trivial **Long-term means 12 months or more)

• Set out how you meet all the minimum qualifying criteria set out in the person specification for the post at the application and testing stages. This is a requirement for all candidates, not just those applying under the scheme.

We are happy to discuss the possibilities of hybrid and flexible working

This role will be based at our office in Curdridge, however, we are happy to accommodate a hybrid working routine, and discuss a pattern of work which mutually suits the candidate and the Trust. Traditionally, office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with an hour lunch break. We value spending time working in-person to develop strong connections with each other and with our mission, so we although we offer hybrid working, we do not offer full home working within our roles.

We offer a wide range of benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave allowance, a contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning and development support, 24-hour access to our employee assistance programme, discounted staff travel with our corporate partners Wightlink (subject to T&Cs), free parking at our sites and more.

Team and Events Assistant

We are looking for someone with experience of working in a support role. This could include supporting various teams in general administration, events management or the fundraising function within and charity.

We’re on a mission to support our client, voted one of the top 100 hospitals in the world, and a global leader in healthcare innovation. From new cancer care to a world-class children’s hospital, your work will help transform the future of patient care.

Position: Philanthropy Team and Events Assistant

Location: Cambridge / Hybrid (minimum of 3 days in the office)

Salary: £26,000.00 - £28,000.00 per annum (depending on skills and experience)

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (part-time considered)

Contract: Permanent 

Closing Date: Sunday, 26th July 2026, however we reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received or a successful candidate is found.

About the Role

The Team and Events Assistant will play a critical role in the delivery of a successful fundraising programme. Reporting to the Special Events Manager, the role will provide fantastic exposure and experience across a successful philanthropy programme and wider events calendar. This is happening at an extremely exciting time for the charity as we are in the midst of two capital campaigns for two new ground breaking hospitals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Act as the first point of contact for enquiries, providing administrative support and coordinating diaries, meetings and committee activities.
• Maintain and update CRM records, ensuring accurate data management, reporting and event administration.
• Coordinate financial processes, including purchase orders, invoices and budget-related administration.
• Support the planning and delivery of a diverse programme of fundraising, stewardship and special events.
• Manage event logistics, including invitations, RSVPs, guest communications, materials, supplier liaison and venue arrangements.
• Provide on-site event support, including registration, set-up, pack-down and stakeholder engagement.

About You

We are looking for someone with experience of working in a support role. This could include supporting various teams in general administration, events management or the fundraising function within and charity.

You will have:

• Great communication skills
• An excellent eye for detail with strong organisational skills
• Experience of managing multiple priorities and strict deadlines
• Conscientious approach to your work
• A good team player
• Strong numeracy and computer literacy with Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to build strong relationships and inspire and motivate supporters
• Ability to work unsupervised whilst also being a team player
• Enthusiastic with a positive attitude but with empathy and understanding

We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and identities, every new team member brings a unique perspective, helping us enrich and diversify our charity.

In Return

This is an amazing place to work!

You will receive a fantastic benefits package including:

• Pension Scheme with 7% Employer Contribution
• 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays + Your Birthday off
• Group Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Annual Eye Tests + £65 towards computer-use glasses
• On-site Leisure Centre
• NHS Discount Schemes
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programmes
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Other roles you may have experience in include admin, administration, coordination, administrator, events admin, events administration, events coordination, events administrator, fundraising admin, fundraising administration, fundraising coordination, fundraising administrator, events officer, fundraising assistant.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People. 

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead the school’s individual giving and legacy fundraising initiatives, and support major programmes and campaigns. Develop strong relationships with donors and our alumni community to grow philanthropic income and long-term engagement. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Individual Giving 

• Lead the planning, execution and optimisation of individual giving efforts. Manage campaign setup, timelines, assets, and donor experience.  

• Monitor performance and analyse results to drive continuous improvement in participation, engagement, and revenue.  

• Collaborate with Admissions and Marketing, and other internal teams, to source and develop compelling content.  

• Along with the Head of Development, manage a fundraising communications calendar and play a leading role in content creation.  

• Collaborate with the Admissions and Marketing team to ensure website content, landing pages, and donation pages support digital giving goals.  

• Execute fundraising strategies in partnership with the Head of Development. Build, segment, code, and deploy emails to support giving campaigns and organisational priorities.  

• Manage a portfolio of donors linked to specific programmes and campaigns. 

Legacies  

• Plan and deliver multi-channel legacy marketing campaigns (print, digital, events)  

• Build and maintain relationships with legacy pledgers and prospects  

• Deliver high-quality, sensitive stewardship to recognise and retain legacy supporters  

• Organise events and communications to engage legacy supporters  

• Produce compelling and sensitive legacy messaging and materials  

Campaign/Programmes 

• Manage and grow the patrons programme, including recruitment, retention, and upgrades  

• Develop a clear donor journey, including benefits, communications, and recognition  

• Monitor performance against income targets and KPIs  

• Work in collaboration with Heads of the Creative Arts programmes to monitor and administer funds for maximum impact across the arts 

Foundation Places and Enrichment Fund 

• Support impact reporting and administration of discrete aspects of our widening access programmes. 

• Manage application process to the Enrichment Fund, including managing enquiries, disbursements and liaison with Finance. 

• Any other duties related to these programmes as directed by senior staff. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

Essential: 

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent professional experience  

• Demonstrable experience in Individual Giving, Direct Marketing or Legacy fundraising, with an annual income return of 6+ figures  

• Proven track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns  

• Strong understanding of supporter journeys, acquisition and retention  

• Skilled in data analysis, performance tracking and forecasting   

• Proficiency with graphic design tools, experience with Canva would be an advantage.  

• Demonstrable experience with Raisers Edge, or similar CRM system 

• Ability to manage complex projects and programs and deliver to set KPI and timelines 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience with content writing, brand voice, and digital fundraising best practices.  

• Ability to build and foster relationships across business functions.  

• Understanding of charity law, GDPR and best practices in fundraising  

• Commitment to high level of professional standards  

• Genuine appreciation of George Watson’s College’s mission and the ability to communicate it  

Desirable: 

• Fundraising or marketing qualification such as CIOF accreditation or CIM qualifications. 

• Event management experience  

• Experience of working in the education or charity sectors  

• Understanding of the Independent School sector   

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August

Location: Hybrid / The Grange, Saunderton, Princes Risborough
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

We are looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Officer to join our Trusts and Foundations team and support the delivery of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s fundraising strategy. The Trusts and Foundations team is working towards an income target of £1.3m in 2026 to 2027, with planned growth to £2.1m by 2029 to 2030.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your fundraising career within a collaborative and ambitious team. You will contribute to securing income from charitable trusts and foundations, building funder relationships, and supporting the wider Income Generation function. The role works primarily within the Trusts and Foundations team, whilst also working with other Officers and Assistants across the Income Generation directorate to support cross-departmental activity, projects and key administrative processes throughout the year.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate passion for our cause, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to write compellingly about the difference Hearing Dogs makes to the lives of deaf people. You will be confident communicating with a wide variety of people, including funders, volunteers, and senior colleagues, and will bring a proactive and positive approach to everything you do.

Key Responsibilities

• Funding Applications & Funder Communications
• Relationship Management & Stewardship
• Systems & Data Management
• Income Generation Directorate Cross-Working

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential:

• At least 1 year's experience of working in a fundraising role
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly, accurately and compellingly
• Strong attention to detail and good numeracy skills
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload effectively and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Creative thinker, able to spot opportunities and use initiative

Desirable:

•  Experience of working within Trusts and Foundations or Philanthropy Team
•  Experience of Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a similar CRM database

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Payment
• Annual leave enhancements recognising long service
• Day off for your birthday
• Defined contribution group personal pension plan
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Eye care
• Hearing tests
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Discounts on merchandise at Hearing Dog gift shops
• Pet Dog Policy

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 17th July 2026.

Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).

Each year the Donmar raises around half of its annual income from fundraising, from a combination of individual supporters, corporate partners, and trusts & foundations. The Development team is formed of 11 individuals and Individual Giving is responsible for around half of the Development target.

The Senior Individual Giving Manager plays a vital role, delivering excellent customer service to individual supporters; leading on planning and delivery for the Donmar’s membership scheme; building, developing and maintaining relationships with Patrons up to £6,500, as well as looking after their own portfolio of Major Donors,  securing gifts towards our productions and participation programmes.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, this role is also responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the Individual Giving team, working with the Membership Officer and Development Assistant (Individual Giving) to establish processes, and overseeing internal and external communications; building and maintaining a prospect and upgrade pipeline, and leading on the delivery of campaigns. The Senior Individual Giving Manager is a key user of our CRM (Spektrix) within the Development team and will work with the Development and Audiences teams to ensure best practice.

The Senior Individual Giving Manager will also work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Director of Strategic Development and Fundraising to deliver the individual giving strategy, carrying out regular research and benchmarking and identifying further income opportunities. 

While experience in the arts sector is an advantage, it is not a prerequisite, and we welcome candidates with a diverse background in fundraising.