Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

Calibre Audio is a national charity providing accessible audiobooks to people who are unable to read print due to visual impairment, dyslexia, or other conditions. Through a digital-first service and a diverse library, we enable people to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of reading.

Everyone has the legal right to equal access to information, yet only 7% of print books are converted to audio, the format needed for many disabled people. For young people, this has serious implications for their ability to learn and develop, and for the elderly, socially isolated, or disadvantaged, coming to terms with the loss of their sight, health and mobility, losing a lifelong love of the written word can be a real blow.

Calibre Audio’s vision is an inclusive society where everyone with a print disability can enjoy accessible books. The charity distribute 1,500 books daily to children and adults whose lives are transformed by access to literature. They work with all major publishers and record many of their own titles, including books unavailable elsewhere in audio. Calibre Audio are now broadening their mission to deliver wider social impact: improving literacy and education outcomes, supporting wellbeing, and tackling loneliness.

This is a pivotal role responsible for leading and growing income from trusts and foundations. Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, the postholder will develop and deliver a strategic trusts fundraising programme, securing five- and six-figure grants, building long-term partnerships, and contributing significantly to organisational sustainability and growth.

As Senior Trusts Fundraiser, you will: 

• Develop and implement a multi-year trusts and foundations strategy aligned with organisational priorities
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, with a focus on high-value and multi-year grants
• Build a robust pipeline of prospective funders
• Develop compelling, high-quality funding proposals and reports
• Secure significant income from a portfolio of trusts and foundations
• Manage and grow relationships with key funders, ensuring excellent stewardship
• Work closely with colleagues across services and senior leadership to gather impact data and shape funding cases
• Act as a key ambassador for Calibre Audio with external stakeholders

Essential skills and experience: 

• Proven track record of securing five-figure+ income from trusts and foundations
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to craft persuasive, tailored proposals
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organisational need into compelling cases for support
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience securing six-figure or multi-year grants
• Knowledge of the charity, disability, literacy, or arts sectors
• Advanced CRM skills (preferably Beacon CRM) and pipeline management

Employee benefits include: 

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day at Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contribution

New Forest Disability Information Service provides a range of information, advice and practical support services to people affected by disability across the New Forest and surrounding areas.

Our team currently comprises: CEO, Operations Manager, 6 Welfare Advisors, Administrator and circa 20 Volunteers who staff our shop and provide first line information and support. All paid staff are part time.

In looking to a more secure and sustainable future, these roles are now being complemented by a marketing manager and this fundraising post.

With the exception of proceeds from our shop, our work is entirely supported by grants and service contracts.

Current significant grant funders are:

· National Lottery Community Fund

· Access to Justice Foundation

· Lloyds Foundation

We also have a rolling annual service level agreement with New Forest District Council for the provision of specific services.

Despite not having a dedicated fundraising function, we have a positive track record of securing such funding and have strong foundations on which to build.

In order to sustain and develop our service offer, we now need to adopt a focused approach to fundraising to both maintain effective relationships with existing funders and to diversify our income streams.

With the support of Lloyds Foundation we have recently benefitted from the contribution of a fundraising consultant. This has included an analysis of our position/needs and the production of a fundraising strategy. It has also included the provision of various tools and templates including an Excel-based CRM should this be required.

With room for some amendment from the successful candidate, this strategy needs to be converted into a SMART work plan and be implemented.

Priority tasks for the first six months would include:

· Engaging with our consultant to finalise the strategy

· Producing a work plan

· Create and secure agreement re our ‘case for support’

· Identify prospect Trusts and Foundations

· Write and submit a volume of applications to be agreed with the CEO

Our broad performance expectations are to secure a 2:1 return on investment in year one rising to a minimum 4:1 return by end of year three.

We anticipate this being a two or three day/week role and are open to discussion as to this being a freelance or employed position.

About Dreams Come True

We work with children who have it tough. Right now, there are thousands of children who need our support. They live in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, some are living with a disability, some are living with serious illness, and some are living with life-limiting conditions. These children deserve our attention.

We believe that every child and young person has a right to dream, no matter who they are, and where they live. Our dreams makers work with these children to bring moments of magic and deliver lasting impact.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Fundraising Manager, the Community & Events Executive is an integral part of the Fundraising team, providing outstanding administrative and general fundraising support with a focus on income generation, supporter stewardship and data accuracy. The Fundraising Executive manages all incoming fundraising enquiries and provides excellent customer care and stewardship to our community and events supporters. This is a busy role, supporting colleagues across multiple areas of fundraising, including events, community, corporate and trusts fundraising.

In this role, you will undertake all key administrative, database and financial duties to ensure the smooth running of team processes and procedures.

The role provides an opportunity to develop fundraising knowledge and is perfect for someone who has a passion for building income, relationships and delivering excellent supporter care. As this is a people-facing role, you will be working with supporters over the phone, online, in writing, and face-to-face, to ensure our supporters receive the ultimate supporter journey and experience.

The post holder should have a full clean driving license and be willing to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends to attend and support events.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate fundraiser to make a real difference to children with high needs living in the highest areas of deprivation in the UK. 

Please find attached the full job description and person specification.