Do you want to inspire people to play their part in God’s transforming mission in the world? The Philanthropy Lead will make an impact by finding and engaging people who understand the importance of leadership and care about mission in tough places. If you are someone who enjoys meeting new people, communicates with warmth and passion, and builds long-term trust with supporters/clients, this could be a great role for you.
Full details can be found in the Candidate Pack attached. More information about Innovista can be found on our website.
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), permanent. Applications are also welcome from candidates who wish to propose a part-time arrangement, as part of a job share.
Location: Home-based with travel for donor meetings, including occasional evenings and weekends. Requirement to attend regular team meetings in Oxford.
Salary: £35,000-£43,000 per annum FTE, depending on experience.
To apply, please follow the directions on our website.
- Closing date for applications: 11 July 2025 midday.
- Interviews will take place the week commencing 21 July.
This role has an occupational requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010).
Innovista is committed to protecting the well-being of children and adults at risk. Our Safeguarding Policy and Whistleblowing Policy are available.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Supporting Christian leaders where they’re needed most
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Project Lead to manage and collaborate with an external development/implementation partner and coordinate the smooth adoption of Salesforce within the Charity. This critical role will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from planning and requirements gathering to execution, testing, training, and post-implementation support. You will be the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project.
Main Responsibilities
- Work with the Director or Finance & Operations (DFO) to invite tenders for and engage a development / implementation partner to support the adoption of this phase of Salesforce implementation
- Work with the development/implementation partner to develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Manage the execution of these plans, tracking progress, and ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
- Coordinate with the implementation partner to gather and document business requirements from relevant team members to translate these into technical specifications.
- Lead and motivate key stakeholders including the implementation partner and end-users. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication between team members.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and issues. Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure their buy-in throughout the project.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate potential project risks. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure project success.
- Define and implement quality assurance processes to ensure the delivered Salesforce solution meets business requirements and is free of defects. Oversee testing activities and ensure proper documentation of test results.
- Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth user adoption of the new Salesforce solution. Provide training and support to end-users.
- Manage project budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
- Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, requirements documents, technical specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
- Providing updates against outcomes / budget to the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) to enable rigorous, timely feedback to the project funder.
Person specification
- Proven experience (three years minimum) of leading digital transformation projects, with a strong focus on Salesforce implementations and customisations and a strong record of success.
- Deep understanding of Salesforce platform capabilities.
- Excellent project management skills, including budget and stakeholder management.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Ability to manage, coordinate and get buy-in from technically inexperienced team members.
- Experience with data migration and integration is a plus.
- An understanding of safeguarding data, confidentiality, safe working practices and GDPR compliance.
- Knowledge of appropriate project management frameworks (agile, waterfall) to set project scope, meeting key milestones and budget constraints
- An understanding of equal opportunities issues and a commitment to diversity.
- Commitment to Create, its activities and mission.
Terms & Conditions
- This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed term contract for one year, with a review to extend at the end of that term.
- This role is based in London.
- Salary: £45,000 per annum pro rata (0.6 FTE).
- Holiday: 25 days (including 3 faith days*) + 8 Public Holidays pro rata.
- A beautiful office based in the City of London. Hybrid working is available following induction period.
- 21-hour week: standard office hours are 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Work outside these hours is required on occasions.
- The opportunity to visit projects and Showcase events.
- As part of Create’s Green Action Plan, the charity offers the Cycle to Work scheme. T&C Apply.
- In line with Create’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Create will carry out upon appointment.
* Create closes the office over the Christmas period. For staff members who celebrate other faith days, however, the charity is happy to discuss alternative dates.
Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and positively welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Closing Date: midday 21 July
Reports to: Chief Executive
Hours of work: 0.8 FTE (30hrs per week) (flexible for the right candidate)
Holidays: Uncapped annual leave, plus two week-long shutdowns
Main work address: Hybrid - a mix of remote working and time at our Abingdon office. The role involves regular travel across Oxfordshire to meet funders, partners, and community supporters, and occasional evening or weekend work for events and networking.
Closing date: midday 21 July
Interviews: w/c 28 July or w/c 4 August
About Quest for Learning
Quest for Learning is an education charity on a mission to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind - often due to complex and compounding disadvantage. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, with limited access to books, low parental literacy, and challenging home environments. Some face health inequalities, live in areas affected by crime, or have recently arrived in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers.
We work closely with schools to provide targeted, high-impact literacy and numeracy programmes that give these children the chance to catch up, thrive, and believe in their potential. On average, our small-group tutoring helps pupils make 13 months of progress in just 10 hours - building not only essential skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility.
The impact extends well beyond the classroom. By supporting children early, we help prevent the need for more complex and costly interventions later in life, from mental health support to exclusion and social care. Our work contributes to stronger, fairer communities by giving every child the foundation they need to participate fully in society. In doing so, we are advancing social sustainability and helping to meet global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.
Role Purpose
This is a hands-on and outward-facing role for a confident, capable fundraiser ready to lead Quest for Learning’s income generation efforts. As our sole dedicated fundraiser, you’ll take ownership of securing income across a broad mix of streams - including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.
You’ll be out and about representing the charity, building relationships with local businesses, community groups, and supporters, and bringing our mission to life with energy and clarity. You'll need to be a proactive self-starter who enjoys meeting people, thrives in a varied role, and is motivated by delivering results that improve life chances for disadvantaged children.
This is a busy and varied role which often involves working on multiple fundraising activities at once. A typical day could include working on an application to a new funder, designing a supporter newsletter, gathering information for an end of grant report, and researching new prospects.
This role would suit someone with experience of securing funding, managing funder relationships, and developing new opportunities - all with a focus on practical delivery. You’ll work closely with the CEO, leadership and programme teams, and our board of trustees to help grow a diverse and sustainable income base.
Key Responsibilities
Trusts and foundations
- Research and identify prospective funders, building a robust pipeline
- Write and submit compelling, tailored funding applications
- Deliver timely, high-quality reports with evidence of impact
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders through clear, proactive stewardship
- Monitor success rates and financial information and adapt strategy to improve performance
Community fundraising
- Initiate and grow partnerships with local community groups (e.g. WIs, Rotary clubs, schools, churches)
- Support or coordinate local fundraising events and campaigns (e.g. fun runs, quizzes, coffee mornings)
- Attend community events to represent the charity and engage new supporters
- Equip and support individuals and groups to fundraise on our behalf
Corporate partnerships and other earned income
- Build relationships with local and regional businesses to secure sponsorship, gifts-in-kind or Charity of the Year support
- Develop creative, mutually beneficial opportunities to engage corporate partners
- Work with the CEO and board to identify and cultivate prospects
- Explore other potential income streams including education consultancy or training offers
Individual Giving and supporter engagement
- Support the development of campaigns to encourage donations from individuals
- Help create a compelling case for support across our communications
- Identify opportunities to increase visibility and supporter base (e.g. speaking engagements, community fairs)
- Ensure Quest for Learning is regularly engaging with our supporters
- Champion the use of storytelling and pupil outcomes to inspire giving
Marketing and communications (fundraising-focused)
- Develop fundraising messaging and materials with the CEO and team
- Lead on all communications relating to fundraising and supporter engagement
- Ensure consistent branding and tone across all fundraising-related comms
- Share our impact with passion and clarity to motivate supporters
Planning and systems
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in our Beacon CRM
- Track income performance and contribute to budgeting and forecasting
- Create and deliver realistic workplans to manage multiple deadlines
- Liaise with programme staff to gather data and stories for funders
- Report on income and fundraising activities to CEO and trustees
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of securing income across multiple streams
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain our mission clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences
- Excellent bid writing and reporting skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Confidence in networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
- Proactive, self-motivated, and happy to work independently
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Values-led, personable and enthusiastic - able to represent the charity with warmth and professionalism
Desirable
- Experience working in a small charity or education setting
- Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape or local networks
- Experience with community fundraising, challenge events, or individual giving
- Skills in Canva, Mailchimp or similar content creation tools
- Familiarity with Beacon or similar fundraising CRMs
- Understanding of primary education and the barriers disadvantaged children face
- Experience producing fundraising workplans or reports for trustees
Why work with us?
Quest for Learning is a friendly, values-led education charity with a big mission and a supportive culture. We’re committed to flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth, and we believe in helping our team thrive while doing meaningful work.
We offer:
- Unlimited annual leave (minimum 28 days pro rata, plus bank holidays), with full charity shutdowns in August and at Christmas
- Flexible hybrid working with autonomy over your schedule
- A culture of trust, kindness, and high standards
- Opportunities to test ideas, develop skills and shape a growing organisation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.