Fundraising and Communications Officer

Who are we? 

Established in 2010, Beating Time is an award-winning charity operating across the UK, from two offices in London and Birmingham. We help people survive a prison sentence and thrive after release, ultimately to reduce their chances of reoffending. We run two continuous programmes: Choirs Beating Time, running weekly prison choirs and songwriting groups, and Inside Job, which uses a peer-led employment model to help people through release and into paid work. We have sung with thousands of people, directly supported 700+ people into employment, influenced policy and partnered with many high-profile organisations. 

The role

We’re hiring for an enthusia9stic, organised and self-motivated Fundraising and Communications Officer to join us in London (Woolwich) or Bimingham (Digbeth). We’re looking for someone with an interest in the criminal justice system, strong knowledge of fundraising (particularly for small charities) and communications expertise. 

This role is an opportunity to shape how we present ourselves to funders and supporters and maintain long-term partnerships with them. You will play an active role in determining our future fundraising strategy while meeting the day-to-day demands of keeping a small charity afloat. You’ll contribute to our efforts to diversify income streams by securing support from corporates and other partners – this requires an ability to think creatively and strategically. 

An advantage of doing this work in a small team is you’ll be able to see the direct effect of your work on how we deliver Choirs Beating Time and Inside Job, often in practice during prison visits. You’ll work closely with senior management to stay on top of budgets and cashflow to inform your fundraising decisions and grow a culture of income awareness across the charity.

Communications play an important role in maintaining relationships with funders and stakeholders. We want to keep up a strong, involved presence on LinkedIn, while contributing to sector-wide advocacy, and boosting visibility through online and in-person events. An important part of our comms strategy is conveying our impact; you will also prepare regular impact reports for internal and external use. 

What we’re looking for

• Excellent writing and editing skills – your day-to-day tasks will involve writing grant applications and reports to new and existing funders (majority trusts and foundations). You will collate and write quarterly newsletters, circulated to funders, partner organisations, supporters and our employer network.
• Fundraising expertise – you will research and identify potential funders/corporate sponsorship to feed into the prospect pipeline. You will also develop and maintain a database to keep track of new/existing/past funders and monitor fundraising impact. 
• Strong organisational skills – previous experience working or volunteering with a small charity is a plus. You will often be working to deadlines and need to be able to plan ahead and organise your schedule accordingly. Your role as part of the central team will include taking minutes at weekly meetings, liaising with prisons and freelance musical directors, and actively reaching out to government and sector bodies where necessary. You’ll be able to multitask effectively and be highly organised with very strong attention to detail.
• Interest in the criminal justice system – we are active members of the criminal justice third sector, championing people with lived experience (especially within our own team). You may be asked to attend sector-wide events, participate in roundtables, and contribute to reports. 
• Solid knowledge of social media management – you will use Canva and other resources to design and post on our accounts, particularly LinkedIn. Posts might include internal updates (e.g. new hires, staff milestones), reactions to sector events (e.g. our response to the Sentencing Review), news about our employer partners, and beneficiary case studies. 

Why join us?

• Be part of a meaningful initiative that directly helps reduce reoffending and improve life outcomes for people leaving prison.
• Opportunity to work in a small, supportive environment where your efforts will have a real social impact.
• Competitive salary and the chance to develop your skills in the fields of employment support, criminal justice, and rehabilitation.
• Opportunity for frontline work and regular visits to local prisons.