Donor development officer jobs

Creative Land Trust secures permanent affordable workspace in London for artists and creatives. We connect property developers, government authorities and studio providers forging valuable new collaborations, facilitating placemaking and actively participating in the development of policy in both the property and arts sectors.

Founded by the Mayor of London with expertise from Outset Contemporary Art Fund, and additional funding from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, we use our extensive knowledge of how the property and arts sectors interact to provide a way for donors, developers and investors to contribute to arts and culture at a systemic, infrastructure level.

We measure our impact in terms of community interaction, social benefit, wellbeing and employment; engaging expert studio providers for day-to-day management.

We are actively seeking funding from new donors and long-term partnerships with property owners that will lead to more stable space for arts and culture, improving the opportunities for creative practises to thrive and for communities to become more connected. In return we contribute to place making and community cohesion.

We are a small team with big ambitions seeking an experienced and motivated finance director who will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the team to ensure that the Creative Land Trust works efficiently and effectively, making the best use of all its assets. The post holder will manage and have responsibility for the oversight of financial systems, reporting and analysis, as well as acting as Company Secretary and leading the delivery of good governance. This is a senior role and the post holder will have influence at trustee and team levels.

Office overview

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London. 

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, seeking ways to diagnose cancers earlier and create more effective personalised treatments, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO (The Development and Alumni Relations Office) exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships. We are currently at the heart of delivering the Birmingham in Action campaign with goals to raise £600m and generate 1,250,000 volunteer hours.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings. 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Prospect Development Officer to join our highly successful prospect development team, working in partnership with our fundraising team to manage their prospect pools and portfolios. You will provide insight and advice on donors, trusts, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, collating and reviewing data and writing concise and informative reports for the fundraising team and senior stakeholders within the University. You will proactively identify new prospects, ensuring that biographical information is accurate and up to date. Other responsibilities include leading on the improvement and expansion of research processes, supporting with bespoke research requests, supporting the Head of Prospect Development with specialist research projects, and providing support to the philanthropic due diligence process.

 We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

Tender is a nationwide charity harnessing the power of drama and the arts to educate children, young people and adults about healthy relationships. Our innovative, interactive approach empowers children, young people and adults with the skills and knowledge to recognise unhealthy relationships, nurture healthy ones, and seek support if they need help.

The Finance & Operations Officer plays a central role in ensuring the smooth financial and operational running of Tender, supporting the organisation’s ability to deliver its mission effectively. The role spans core finance functions—including payroll, payments, reconciliations, budgeting support and financial reporting—ensuring that Tender maintains robust financial controls and compliance across all statutory and regulatory requirements. It also involves close collaboration with suppliers, funders, auditors and internal teams to support the Finance Director in producing financial plans, forecasts, annual accounts and audit preparation.

Alongside finance, the post holder is responsible for managing key operational areas including HR administration, ICT coordination, office management, and internal communication processes. This includes overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, maintaining HR policies and procedures, ensuring effective cross-team collaboration, managing external service providers, and maintaining an efficient administrative and operational environment. The role requires someone who can work autonomously, use sound judgement, implement effective processes, and ensure alignment of systems across the organisation.

A successful Finance & Operations Officer will also contribute to organisational development by ensuring that policies, procedures and workflows are up to date, compliant and reflect best practice. With responsibilities that touch every part of the charity, the post holder acts as a vital hub for coordination, problem‑solving and continuous improvement, helping Tender maintain a high‑functioning, values‑driven working environment.

To be successful in this role, in the first 6 months you will have:

• Established reliable financial processes by ensuring accurate and timely payroll, payment cycles, reconciliations and financial reporting, maintaining full compliance with Tender’s financial controls and statutory requirements.
• Strengthened core operational systems by updating and consolidating HR, ICT, office management and policy frameworks, ensuring staff understand and follow consistent organisational processes.
• Improved cross‑team coordination by streamlining internal communications and embedding efficient administrative workflows, enabling smoother collaboration across finance, HR and operational functions.

Please refer to the full job description and person specification in the full recruitment pack for further details.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Philanthropy Officer to join a growing fundraising team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering vital income from philanthropic supporters during a period of continued growth and increasing demand for services.

You will manage and develop a portfolio of trusts, foundations, and major donors, guiding them through the full philanthropy giving cycle, from identification and cultivation to stewardship and recognition.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identifying, developing and managing relationships with funders and donors to meet income targets
• Maximising income through effective stewardship and relationship management
• Writing compelling funding proposals, reports, and presentations
• Securing funding for projects, programmes, and core costs
• Researching and identifying new funding opportunities
• Managing and maintaining a strong pipeline of prospects
• Monitoring and reporting on financial and non-financial KPIs
• Supporting strategic development of the philanthropy programme

About You

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in a philanthropy or fundraising role within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• A strong track record of securing and managing donor relationships
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Experience managing donor portfolios and pipelines
• The ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including trusts, major donors, and senior volunteers
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive, results driven approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A full driving licence and access to your own transport

Full job description available upon request.

Salary: £32,861 pro rata

Contract Type: 12 months FTC, part-time, 26 hrs a week

Location: Huntingdon

Application: Cv and Supporting statement to

Deadline: On rolling basis

If you’re interested and would like to review a full job description, please contact Hannah at Harris Hill at [email protected]

Harris Hill Charities Recruitment Specialists operates an equal opportunity policy and commits to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Prospectus is delighted to be partnering with a UK Cathedral in the search for a new Director of Development. In recent months, the Cathedral has developed a clear strategy to underpin the delivery of their mission through Vision 2033. Fundraising will play an integral role within this mission, as an important enabler for many aspects of the Cathedral's strategy.

The Director of Development will be responsible for planning and leading the Cathedral's fundraising strategy and activity. Overseeing and stewarding a range of donors, including the community, major donors, trusts and foundations, and others, to secure income for the Cathedral. This role will also be a key senior member of the Executive Leadership Team, and will be an ambassador of the positive culture both internally and externally.

To be successful as the Director of Development, this person will have a proven background in planning and delivering successful fundraising strategies. They will be an experienced leader of either teams or at organisational level, and will have proven examples of securing income from various income streams. This person will also have empathy and excitement for the vision and values of Durham Cathedral.

To apply, submit your CV only in the first instance via the Apply Now button. Following review you may be asked to provide further information as part of the recruitment process.

For further information about this role please reach out to Rhiannon Mehta at Prospectus. 

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Development & Events Manager to join our successful and welcoming team.

This is the role for you, if you:

· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

· Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.

· Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.

· Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.

Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka’s regular giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a committed portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre. 

The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka’s donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.

This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.

This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors. 

The role is primarily on site at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.

We are looking for a Direct Marketing Officer to join our growing Individual Giving team at Samaritans. This role will assist in the creation, management and implementation of key campaigns and projects to recruit and retain supporters maximising loyalty and lifetime value. ​

A valued member of the team – you’ll also contribute to direct marketing projects while supporting larger, strategic initiatives led by the 3 x Senior Direct Marketing Officers in the team.​

This is a brilliant time to join the IG team at Samaritans as we continue to drive forwards our ambitious plans to enable us to be there for all those who need us.We’re progressing some exciting new projects and you’ll have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and knowledge.​

We are a supportive, creative, and ambitious team. We empower each other to achieve great things and we’d love to have you join Samaritans and help us continue to succeed.

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​Contract Terms 

• Permanent role
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• £33,000 to £34,000 per annum
• Hybrid working – linked to Ewell (Surrey) office, with home and office working
• In-office working - at present, the team meet in the office 1-2 times per month
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

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​What you'll do:

• ​Project management of direct marketing integrated campaigns across online and offline channels from project initiation, through segmentation, data/media specification, creative approach, production, fulfilment to results analysis, ensuring income and expenditure targets are met.
• Ongoing management and review of external suppliers and marketing agencies to ensure activity takes place on schedule and within budget.
• Strategic planning and donor development. Close involvement in developing long term direct marketing strategies for priority audiences.
• Ensure all activity is run in line with best practice and compliance.
• Reports into the Senior Direct Marketing Manager and wider team to deliver the individual giving strategy for priority audiences.
• Undertake database analysis, to inform and improve the direct marketing programme.
   

What you’ll bring:

• ​Hands-on experience managing direct marketing campaigns across various channels.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to meet targets.
• Knowledge of customer relationship marketing, fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative team player with great organisational skills.​

See full Job Description and Person Specification.

​

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.​

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.​

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.​

For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available here. You can also visit our careers website to access this.​

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.​

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Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions and to upload your CV.

Applications close: ​09:00am on 24th April 2026

Interviews: w/c 4th May, with second round interviews w/c 11th May​

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At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through.

Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking an inspiring, values driven Chief Executive Officer to lead a trusted women’s charity into its next chapter, strengthening impact, income and community influence.

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 FTE (pro rata, DOE)
Location: Holloway, London (hybrid working)
Hours: 0.8 (some flexibility)
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 29th April 2026
Interview dates: Teams Interview – 1st May 2026 / 2nd Interview 5th May on site

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well established, community rooted women’s organisation with over 40 years of history. As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and external representation, working closely with a committed Board of Trustees.

You will balance long term strategic thinking with hands on delivery, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well governed and responsive to the women it supports.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a clear organisational strategy aligned to the charity’s mission and values
• Leading, motivating and supporting a small, dedicated team
• Ensuring strong governance, safeguarding, compliance and operational systems
• Support high quality, person centred service delivery and impact through strategic oversight and delegation. 
• Leading income generation across trusts, foundations, corporates, earned income and individual giving also including pitching to major donors and relationship building with communities
• Managing budgets, financial planning and organisational resources
• Acting as an ambassador and advocate, building partnerships across local VCS and local authorities
• Raising the organisation’s profile, influence and reach locally and beyond

About you

You will be a confident, emotionally intelligent leader with senior level experience in the charity, community or related sectors. You are values led, collaborative and motivated by social justice, with the ability to inspire others and lead effectively through complexity.

You will bring:

• Proven experience of strategic leadership, organisational development and growth
• A strong track record of fundraising and financial management
• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees
• Excellent communication, influencing and partnership building skills
• A genuine commitment to equality, inclusion and supporting marginalised communities
• The ability to thrive in a small organisation, balancing strategy with delivery

Experience in community services, welfare advice or working with women facing multiple disadvantage is welcomed but not essential.

About the organisation

The charity is a women only organisation based in North London with more than 40 years of history. It was established by women supporting one another through hardship and isolation and has since evolved to serve a diverse range of communities across London.

Today, the organisation supports women facing poverty, insecure immigration status, domestic abuse, ill health and social exclusion. It provides a safe, welcoming space where women are listened to, supported and empowered to improve their wellbeing and independence.

Please note: This is a women only role under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
DBS and right to work checks will apply.

Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Director, Managing Director, Executive Director, Charity Director, Head of Operations, Head of Services, Director of Communities, Director of Programmes, Deputy CEO, Strategic Lead.

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

Job Title: Programme Funding Administrator 

Contract Type: 6 month fixed term (with the possibility of extending) 

Location: Hybrid WeWork Kings Cross office (minimum 3 days a week) / remote working (up to 2 days a week)

Salary: £30,500 (London Living Wage) 

Working Hours: Full time 40 (we are open to discussing the possibility of reduced hours, flexible start and finish times, or compressed hours) 

Role Purpose

The Programme Funding Assistant has four core functions:

1. Provide administrative support across a portfolio of income generation streams - Assist in identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships and fundraising relationships, support the development of funding applications, managing donor requirements, reporting to donors, and analysing data.
2. Coordinate TASC’s granting programme - Managing all tasks associated with the annual granting cycle including communication to grantees, including identifying new grantees, supporting the contracting process and supporting the development of the Annual Impact Report. 
3. Provide administrative and research support across TASC’s programme portfolio (Illicit Trade, Education and Responsible Business)
4. General administrative support including TASC’s CRM system

Position in the organisation

• Reports to the CEO but works across all programme pillars to support effective fundraising and granting processes. 

Key Relationships

• Internal relationships - TASC team, consultants, contractors
• External relationships - Donors, grantee organisations

Main Responsabilities 

Will include, but are not limited to:

1. Grant and Donor Administration (50%) 

• Coordination of a portfolio of 5 and 6-figure donors or grantors, with oversight and support from the CEO, securing repeat donations and increasing support where possible
• Administration of existing grants, ensuring that terms are adhered to and reporting processes are managed effectively
• Administration of donor communications
• Support the development of proposals in line with the objectives and guidelines of the prospective grantor outlining why funding is needed, how the project will positively impact beneficiaries, and how the funds will be allocated and managed throughout the project
• Prospecting and researching all donor types (including major donors, corporates, and trusts and foundations) that have aligned priorities
• Lead the donor engagement calendar, including drafting communications and touch points to key donors throughout the year 

2. Granting (20%) 

• Supporting the drafting and processing of all contracts at the annual granting phase
• Coordinating communications to grantee organisations
• Administering the grantee reporting process
• Managing the collation of partner reports and support the drafting the Annual Impact report for the programme

3.Programmes (Illicit Trade, Education, and Responsible Business) (20%) 

• Undertake research across programme workstreams
• Support in the organisation and coordination of events both in the UK and internationally, this could include venue booking, guestlist coordination and liaising with vendors
• Monitor news reports related to forced labour in business supply chains and other programme areas 

4. General administration and management of the CRM (10%) 

• Coordinate meetings and managing the team and CEO calendar
• Report internally on portfolio of relationships and prospects from the CRM, keeping the CRM and internal information management systems updated with records, contact, confidence levels and forecasted donations. 

This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide, particularly as this is a new role, and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder.

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£49,321.55 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £49,321.55 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

Join YMCA England & Wales as our next Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving) and play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people. This is your chance to lead a vibrant fundraising initiative that makes a real difference!

About Us:

At YMCA England & Wales, we uplift vulnerable young people by providing them with safe homes, vital life skills, and the support they need to thrive. We’re all about fairness, opportunity, and collective action—join us in making a difference!

Your Role:

As our Senior Fundraising Manager, you’ll develop and execute an ambitious Major Giving strategy, building strong relationships with high-net-worth donors and engaging new prospects. Get ready to innovate with Giving Circles, Development Boards, and more!

What You'll Do:

- Cultivate and grow a portfolio of major donors.

- Host exclusive events and personal meetings to engage and inspire support.

- Create compelling proposals and impact reports that resonate with supporters.

- Collaborate with senior leaders and Trustees to strengthen relationships with philanthropists.

- Bring your strategic mindset to implement YMCA’s Major Giving Strategy.

About You:

You're a motivated and personable fundraising professional with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts. Your relationship management skills are top-notch, and you’re passionate about crafting unforgettable donor experiences. 

Why Join Us?

- Be part of a vibrant, growing fundraising team impacting young people's lives.

- Work for a charity that values collaboration and celebrates your contributions.

- Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and promote a fun, friendly environment, we’d love to hear from you! Join us and help shape the future of young people across England & Wales!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Fundraising Officer

Stomping Grounds North East
�� North East England (hybrid/remote arrangements considered)
�� Full-time | Permanent
�� £28,000 per annum

�� Help us connect children and communities with nature

Are you a skilled fundraiser who wants to make a real difference? Join Stomping Grounds North East and help expand access to life-changing outdoor experiences for children, young people and families.

About Us

Stomping Grounds North East is a charity dedicated to connecting children, young people, families and communities with nature through forest school and outdoor learning activities across Northumberland, Durham, Gateshead and Newcastle.

We believe that access to the outdoors and its benefits should be a right, not a privilege, and we actively work to remove barriers for under-served groups.

Our Values

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented in the outdoor and environmental sector.

We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and are dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment for all staff, participants and partners.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Stomping Grounds North East works closely with children, young people and families and is committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare.

We embed safeguarding across all areas of our work and expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to safer recruitment processes, including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and skilled Fundraising Officer to lead and grow our income generation activities. You will play a key role in securing funding, building strong relationships, and communicating the impact of our work.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop fundraising activity within a growing organisation and directly contribute to expanding our reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Applications

• Develop and submit high-quality funding applications to trusts, foundations and statutory funders
• Build and manage a strong funding pipeline
• Work with senior leadership to shape fundraising strategy

Donor Management

• Manage individual giving, including one-off and regular donations
• Build long-term relationships with donors
• Maintain accurate records and ensure GDPR compliance

Corporate Partnerships

• Develop relationships with corporate partners and local businesses
• Create tailored sponsorship proposals
• Deliver partner engagement and reporting

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Support impact measurement across programmes
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data
• Produce clear reports for funders and stakeholders
• Monitor income against targets and report on performance

Storytelling & Communications

• Capture compelling stories and case studies
• Support fundraising through content across digital platforms
• Ensure ethical and sensitive representation of participants

Compliance & Reporting

• Submit funder reports in line with agreements
• Maintain strong record-keeping and stewardship practices

About You

Essential

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing or grant management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Experience of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting

Desirable

• Experience in the charity, education or outdoor learning sector
• Experience in corporate or community fundraising
• Experience in ethical storytelling

What We Offer

• A meaningful role in a values-driven organisation
• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive and collaborative team
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to make a tangible difference

How to Apply

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

To apply, please visit the Stomping Grounds North East website and go to the ‘Join our team’ page.

Head of Development 

Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500

The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience. 
 

You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.

You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K. 
 

This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth. 
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
 

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
 

External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities 
• Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events 
• Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure

Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation

• Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
• Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.

Events & Community Fundraising

• Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.

Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships

• Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity 
• Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
• Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
• Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign 

Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care

• Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
• Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
• Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones

Digital Fundraising & Communications

• Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
• Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.

 
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records.
• Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.

Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice

• Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
• Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
• Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
• Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
• Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation. 

General

• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
• Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
• Attend staff meetings / training as required.
• Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.

 
What Success Looks Like

• Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
• Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
• Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
• Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
• A motivated, high-performing development team 
• Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation 
• A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact

The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business.  This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu. 

Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.

Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.

• Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
• Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
• Experience writing successful funding applications.
• Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
•  Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
• Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
• Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
• Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
• A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact

Desirable

• Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
• Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
• Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising

Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us: 

• Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
• What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role 

Our Commitment to Equality
 

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.

We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
 

If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.

At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.

Is this position right for you?
We’re seeking a Fundraising Officer to support the growth of all our programmes, services, and campaigns. Primarily working on a new area of trusts and foundations fundraising, including researching prospects. You will be responsible for making grant applications and updating funders, as well as providing overall support to the wider fundraising team at Humanists UK.

Are you an early-career fundraiser with some experience of working in the trusts and foundations sector, either for a charity or as a funder? Are you looking for your next big move and a new role that you can really get your teeth into? Do you want to grow your skillset while taking ownership of exciting projects? If so, this could be the role for you.

What you'll be doing

You'll be part of the Advancing Humanism Directorate. You'll work with our Head of Fundraising, Jess, as well as working closely with our Director of Advancing Humanism, Liam, and other members of the Communications and Marketing team.

The fundraising team is responsible for income generation including donors, campaigns, grants, and exploring new ways we can sustain and grow our fundraising. This includes planning and leading giving campaigns; donor and funder stewardship (working with the Chief Executive’s Office); developing and maintaining an income pipeline; and identifying new opportunities to diversify our income streams.

Key Tasks & Activities

Implementing and further developing Humanists UK’s grants, trusts, and foundations fundraising strategy, with key tasks including:

• Researching new funding prospects

• Maintaining and growing our funding pipeline.

• Supporting colleagues across the organisation to develop, bid for, and report on appropriate projects for funding

• Writing clear and compelling funding bids, proposals, and appeals, and produce timely, high-quality reports for funders

• Maintaining accurate records of applications, reporting schedules, project milestones, and grant income using the charity’s CRM system.

• Working with the finance team to make sure grants are administered efficiently and all income is accurately recorded

• Monitoring progress against targets, providing regular updates and income reports to the Head of Fundraising

• Supporting continuous improvement by maintaining effective systems for tracking and evaluating trust fundraising activity

• Keeping informed about developments and sector trends in fundraising

As a successful candidate

You will have strong organisational skills and be confident managing a varied workload, balancing application and reporting deadlines with funder stewardship and pipeline development needs.

You will also be a proactive and supportive team player and a self-starter. We are a small team who manage our own work, but value coming together to share ideas, support one another, and take creative risks.

We are seeking a proactive, strategic and donor-centred fundraiser to lead and implement our

Individual Giving and emerging Legacy Giving programmes. This role is ideal for a fundraiser with experience in donor stewardship, campaign development and relationship-based fundraising who is ready to play a key role in growing sustainable voluntary income.

You will lead on the end-to-end delivery of supporter acquisition, retention, and stewardship plans, ensuring that every donor feels valued and understands the impact of their support. Alongside managing an established portfolio, you will proactively build a strong pipeline of new prospects, driving year‑on‑year income growth.

In addition, you will lead the development of our first Legacy Giving programme. With no formal legacy activity in place and a large, engaged volunteer network, this is a unique opportunity to establish a long-term income stream from the ground-up – raising awareness, creating accessible materials and nurturing warm supporters who may consider leaving a gift in their Will.

This role blends strategic planning with “hands-on” campaign delivery. You will use insights from supporter data to refine supporter journeys across both digital and traditional channels, managing budgets and key relationships to achieve our growth targets. We are a growing charity, and this role offers the opportunity to innovate and shape the future of our Individual Giving and Legacy Giving programmes with strong support from Head of Fundraising and the CEO.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a year‑round Individual Giving strategy to acquire new supporters and increase donor loyalty.
• Plan and deliver multi‑channel fundraising campaigns including two established annual Big Give campaigns.
• Plan and deliver legacy awareness moments throughout the year (e.g., Remember A Charity Week).
• Monitor and strengthen donor retention, reactivation and upgrade strategies through consistent, high‑quality stewardship.
• Build strong relationships through meetings, events, tailored communications and impact reporting.
• Work with Head of Fundraising, SMT and Trustees to support high-value donor engagement.
• Lead the creation and delivery of Schoolreaders first Legacy Giving strategy.
• Develop clear and accessible legacy information for supporters, volunteers and the wider public.
• Collaborate closely with the Comms Manager to develop impactful campaign assets and compelling stewardship content and legacy messages across multiple channels.
• Ensure all donations and supporter interactions are promptly and accurately recorded in the fundraising CRM (Salesforce) and ensure donors receive timely and well‑managed acknowledgements.
• Create personalised cultivation plans, stewardship strategies and donor engagement touchpoints, particularly for the charity’s 100 Club members and HNWI’s.
• Represent Schoolreaders at face-to-face meetings and events to raise the charity’s profile and secure individual support.
• Work alongside colleagues and volunteer County Teams to maximise local and national fundraising opportunities.
• Identify PR opportunities generated by fundraising activities and coordinate with the Comms Manager to optimise visibility and income.

Benefits:

As part of our commitment to making Schoolreaders a great place to work, we offer access to the following employee benefits:

• 25 days annual leave (3 of which must be taken over Christmas), 1 day paid leave for your birthday, plus public/bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to a free 24/7 support service providing legal, financial, emotional, and medical advice
• A positive, supportive working environment which actively supports a healthy work-life balance
• Charity away days and social events
• Free parking and on-site facilities such as a canteen