Events & Community Fundraising Manager

About Arthritis Action

Arthritis Action is the UK charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis. We offer an integrated self-management approach, which looks at both the physical and mental health impact of living with arthritis. We support people living with musculoskeletal conditions through healthy eating advice, mental health resources, pain management techniques, Online Groups, employment support, and exercise advice and resources.

We are looking for a Community and Events Fundraising Manager to lead Arthritis Action’s community and events fundraising programme, growing income and supporter engagement through innovative campaigns, challenge events, community partnerships and excellent stewardship. The role will identify new opportunities, build long-term relationships with supporters and community groups, and use data and insight to maximise participation, income and impact.

Purpose

This is a varied and rewarding fundraising management role, focused on developing and delivering an ambitious community and events fundraising programme that generates sustainable income, increases awareness of our work and builds long-term supporter relationships.

You will lead the development of community fundraising, supporting and inspiring individuals, families and community groups to raise funds for Arthritis Action.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Fundraising, Communications and Services Teams, you will help maximise fundraising income, increase engagement and ensure our supporters receive outstanding stewardship.

Key Responsibilities – the role will include but not be limited to:

• Lead the community and events fundraising programme, developing and delivering an ambitious annual programme that grows income, participation and supporter engagement.
• Develop and diversify income streams across community fundraising, challenge events, sponsored activities, individual fundraising and third-party events.
• Build strong relationships with community fundraisers and supporters, providing excellent stewardship, motivation and ongoing engagement to maximise lifetime value.
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities, including local community groups, schools, clubs, businesses and networks aligned with Arthritis Action’s mission.
• Develop compelling fundraising propositions and supporter materials that inspire individuals and communities to raise funds and champion Arthritis Action.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to promote events, tell powerful supporter stories and increase awareness, engagement and fundraising reach.
• Develop excellent supporter journeys, from initial recruitment and onboarding through to stewardship, recognition and re-engagement, using data and insight to improve retention.
• Measure and evaluate fundraising activity, reporting on income, participation, return on investment and supporter engagement, and using insights to continually improve performance.
• Collaborate across the organisation to ensure community and events fundraising supports Arthritis Action’s wider strategic objectives and increases engagement with people affected by arthritis.
• Representing the Charity at networking events to promote fundraising and meet contacts, travelling as appropriate within London and the rest of the UK.

  Other Activities

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with relevant legislation, regulations, safeguarding requirements and Arthritis Action policies.
• Keeping up to date the parts of the CRM and website relevant to community and events fundraising.
• Undertake other tasks relevant to the level of this position within the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS      

• A track record in community and events fundraising - Essential        
• Experience of building strong relationships and engaging supporters from a wide range of backgrounds - Essential                            
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to write in Plain English for a range of audiences - Essential
• Experience of balancing multiple priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail - Essential
• Experience of monitoring and evaluating fundraising activity, and managing budgets - Essential
• An understanding of, and commitment to, Arthritis Action’s vision, mission, equal opportunities and diversity - Essential
• Database experience - Desirable

ATTRIBUTES  

• Excellent interpersonal skills - Essential       
• A self-starter, able to work on own initiative where required - Essential
• Enthusiastic team-player with a can-do attitude - Essential
• Able and willing to travel within the UK - Essential

How to apply

Applications should be in the form of a CV with a covering letter explaining your interest in and suitability for the role. Please provide both email and telephone contact information for yourself. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Applications should be received by 11:59pm on Monday 28 September 2026 at the latest.

Interviews will take place in the London office on Monday 5 October 2026.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert ahead of the deadline should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Arthritis Action is an equal opportunities employer. We treat employees and job applicants in the same way regardless of age, disability, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief.