Major donor executive jobs

Build Up is a youth-led charity that designs and builds public spaces, supporting young people aged 10-25 years old to shape their local area. We’re looking for a Head of Income Generation to drive our fundraising strategy and secure significant investment for our youth-led projects.

The Role

This is an exciting new position in our team, created to help build our case for investment, tell our story and harness the support of new audiences. You’ll shape priorities, diversify income, and build lasting funder relationships – while writing compelling bids that win investment. With consultancy support on communications and evaluation, you’ll have the tools to make a powerful case for our work.

Who You Are

You’ll have a proven track record in leading fundraising strategy, securing charitable investment and writing successful grants. Alongside trusts and foundations, you’ll bring experience across other income streams (like corporates or major donors). You’ll balance strategy with delivery, thrive under pressure, and be excited by funding young people’s ideas. Because our model is unique, we need someone who can turn our distinctive approach into clear, inspiring narratives that unlock new opportunities.

About Build Up

Build Up works to build the power of young people to shape where they live, and to change who can make decisions about London. We support young people to design and build public spaces, equipping young people with the tools and agency to have ownership over their neighbourhoods.

Our approach is unique – and it works. Young people gain skills, leadership and power over decisions that affect them, while local communities benefit from genuinely inclusive spaces designed by and for local residents.

Why Join Us

At Build Up, your work has a visible, lasting and personal impact. You’ll lead strategy, enjoy flexibility and support, and join a small, passionate team where your ideas genuinely shape the organisation’s future.

Key Details

This role is available on a 3 OR 4 day a week contract, subject to candidate preference.

Salary: £48,700 - 54,000 (pro rata, depending on experience) + 8% employer pension contribution
Full / part-time: 3 days (22.5 hrs) or 4 days (30 hrs) per week
Work pattern: Flexible
Holiday: 32 days plus public holidays (pro rata)
Location: Hybrid – at least 1 day per week in our office
Contract: 2 years (with potential to extend)
Start date: March / April 2026 (flexible)

To Apply

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Applications close Sunday 18th January 2026.

About the Refugee Council 

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute.

We have offices across the UK where our Services teams provide support to refugees at local level. 

Inclusion and accessibility 

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Our Values 

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Inclusive: We are inclusive. We work with - not for - refugees and people seeking asylum, so they have an equal voice, co-producing projects and ensuring their expertise and experiences are at the heart of what we do. 
• Collaborative: We are collaborative. Working with others is a priority in order to have the collective impact that is vital to achieve policy and practice reform.
• Courageous: We speak out when we see injustice, cruelty and unfairness. We always stand up for what we believe is the right thing to do to transform the experiences of those seeking protection in our country.
• Respectful: We are respectful of all those we interact with. We treat everyone – our staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, partners and people we disagree with – with the same respect, professionalism and understanding. 

About the role

The Executive Director of Fundraising & Digital is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, accountable for ensuring the Refugee Council’s financial growth, supporter engagement, and digital transformation. The role provides strategic leadership across fundraising, digital platforms, brand guardianship, and supporter experience, ensuring these functions deliver ambitious income targets, expand public reach, and align with the organisation’s mission and values.

As the executive lead for income generation and digital innovation, the postholder drives improvements in fundraising strategy, supporter acquisition, donor stewardship, and digital content delivery. They embed a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring fundraising and digital activity is ethical, compliant, and maximises long-term sustainability. They provide authoritative advice to the Chief Executive, Board, and Committees, ensuring robust income planning, brand positioning, and digital resilience.

The Executive Director builds and leads a high performing Fundraising & Digital directorate, fostering a culture of empowerment, innovation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. They act as joint guardian of the Refugee Council brand, ensuring consistency and impact across all channels, and model the organisation’s values, enabling staff and volunteers to deliver outstanding fundraising performance and dynamic digital engagement that strengthens public support for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Staff benefits

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including:

• Training & Development
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Work Life Balance Policies
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering
• And more.

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today.

Closing date: 26 January 2026.

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Roles: We are currently recruiting for two permanent vacancies.

Location: Based in London E1, with the team meeting minimum twice per month to collaborate in person. Flexible working options available in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy.

Job title: Individual Giving Executive (Development)

Contract: Permanent 

About the role

With a bold new directorate strategy and refreshed team structure, Individual Giving sits at the heart of our plans to grow sustainable income and inspire lasting support. We’re transforming how we connect people with our mission to end homelessness - building a more integrated, insight-led approach to brand and supporter engagement. 

The Individual Giving team plays a central role in delivering our ambitions: maximising the power of our sector-leading Christmas appeal while driving year-round growth across our “Fab Three” income priorities — Regular Giving, Mid Value and Legacies. 

This role sits within our newly established Development Team and offers an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of supporter engagement at Crisis. You will create powerful, emotionally resonant campaigns for our existing supporters, inspiring them to connect with our mission and help end homelessness for good, while contributing to the Development team’s goal of raising £6.8m in income. The role plays a key part in shaping the future supporter experience at Crisis by delivering campaigns that connect people to our mission and inspire them to help end homelessness for good.

About you 

Individual Giving Executive (Development) 

Play a vital role in deepening supporter relationships - and help turn generosity into lasting impact. 

We’re looking for ambitious fundraisers to help deliver campaigns and communications that deepen supporter relationships, grow long-term income, and ensure every Crisis donor feels valued. 

You will work across integrated multi-channel development campaigns, including email, mail, phone and online, creating compelling stewardship and retention experiences that make every supporter feel valued and inspired to stay with Crisis. With a clear focus on data, insight and test-and-learn, you’ll help shape donor journeys that increase loyalty and lifetime value, ensuring the power of Christmas translates into long-term support for our mission. 

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for the roles. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.  

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

• A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview

Interview date and location: Wednesday 14, Thursday 15 and Friday 16 January 2026 via Microsoft Teams

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help. 

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

Starlight has a long and successful track record of delivering high-profile, high-value special events, including the prestigious Blenheim Ball, Newbury Race Day, and until recently, the Highclere Clay Pigeon Shoot. These events are supported by influential committees and play a critical role in raising income, stewarding donors and connecting supporters with our purpose.

With a gap in our Philanthropy team and maternity leave expected to begin in March, this 18-month fixed-term role exists to lead and deliver Starlight’s flagship events at a senior level, with immediate responsibility for the Blenheim Ball (April) –  the event Tatler refers to as “ society’s smartest ball “chaired by Lady Alexandra Spencer Churchill; and Newbury Race Day (May) – one of Starlight’s longest-standing and most successful supporter events, hosted by Nicky Henderson and his Committee.

This is a senior, delivery-focused role designed for an experienced events professional who can hit the ground running and immediately take ownership of two flagship events. Working closely with the Committees, you will bring leadership, strategic judgement and outstanding project management to ensure these events continue to excel in reputation, income and supporter experience.

We are specifically looking for talented individuals who have a short notice period and are available to start in January. Candidates need only apply if available through to April 2026 with no planned significant periods of leave.

Our client in Cirencester is an award-winning producing house charity renowned through the UK for its unique and innovative approach to theatrical excellent and problem-solving. They deliver the life-changing magic of live performance and will now hire a new Head of Development and Fundraising.

The Head of Development and Fundraising will drive their mission forward with creativity, energy and passion. The postholder will principally cultivate relationships and secure funding with major donors – both existing and new to the organisation – exciting and delighting those philanthropists to give significant gifts at the five-figure level and above. The role attracts a position on the committed management team while also managing a small team responsible for donors, sponsors, friends and partners to the organisation.

The selected candidate will have a proven track record of accomplishment in fundraising and will be able to demonstrate strategic thinking ideally within an arts fundraising setting. The fundraising experience and knowledge will be key too, with the postholder able to demonstrate a track record of telling compelling stories to captivate donors for revenue and capital fundraising asks.  Above all, the selected candidate will be a creative, out-of-the-box thinker, to match the ambitions and approach this organisation and its leadership takes.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
 In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon. 

BACKGROUND

Over the past 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in England.

In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm.

The Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Associate Director of Philanthropy, UK, the Philanthropy Manager will support the implementation of the UK Philanthropy team’s strategy, with a focus to identify, establish and develop new and existing high value relationships with individuals who have the capacity to support IRC at a five and six figure level. This is an exciting role working with senior stakeholders across IRC, in the UK and internationally, to cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropists to effectively solicit multi-year gifts to fund high-impact programmes that will deliver transformative change for IRC clients across the world.

As part of this, the Philanthropy Manager will:

· Develop and implement initiatives to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from donors in the major gift range of £10,000 and above, both in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and through account management of a discreet prospect portfolio

· Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the research function to identify and cultivate positive relationships with existing donors and new prospects to significantly grow our major donor pipeline

· Manage a portfolio of major donors through various personalised approaches, including face-to-face meetings, phone calls, events and written and verbal communications

· Develop personalised donor stewardship plans with the aim of increasing their engagement and uplifting their support to achieve the revenue target for the UK Philanthropy team and the overall revenue target for the International Philanthropy team

· Lead on gift management, reporting and proposal development for new prospects and existing donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that match the individual’s requirements

· Identify and deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities for donors

· Maintain thorough and up to date files and records relating to major donors

· Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of IRC’s work in the UK and around the world

· Collaborate proactively with a network of internal and external senior stakeholders, garnering their support and influence in the development of relationships with philanthropists

· Contribute to profile raising of the IRC’s Philanthropy programme and the IRC more widely through proactive networking and external engagement with potential donors and their advisors

· Proactively collaborate with other members of the Philanthropy team, supporting the delivery of the wider Philanthropy strategy as required

· Carry out administrative activities and other duties, as required, to maximise fundraising.

Scope and Authority

Authority: This position is responsible for supporting the delivery of Philanthropy and contributing to the identification, cultivation and stewardship of £10,000 and above gifts from HNWIs.

Key Working Relationships

· HNWI donors and prospects

· Third party philanthropy advisors

· Key contacts across IRC in UK and internationally:

o International Philanthropy Team

o USA Philanthropy

o Engagement with the UK and International Board

o Global Partnerships and Philanthropic Services

o Communications team

o Policy and Advocacy team

o UK Finance team

o Country Programme and regional teams, the Awards Management Unit as well as IRC’s Technical Units

o President’s Office and Executive Director of IRC- UK

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Partnership identification, cultivation and stewardship (65%)

· Manage a portfolio of HNWI prospects and donors, working closely with the Director of Philanthropy to cultivate successful, high-impact relationships

· Collaborate with colleagues to develop transformative funding opportunities, create tailored plans for the cultivation of donors, deliver unique stewardship and cultivation opportunities, and coordinate internal and external meetings to drive donor relationships forward.

Partnership Management (25%)

· Lead on the creation of inspiring and engaging impact reports and proposals for donors, ensuring timely and accurate communications that are matched to the requirements of donors.

· Use Salesforce and IRC’s internal grant management system, OTIS, to keep clear and accurate records of donor communications and interactions related to all donor relationships

Team collaboration (10%)

· Contribute to the wider ambitions and shared objectives of the Philanthropy team as part of the HNWI Pillar

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications

· Knowledge and understanding of the principles and methods of philanthropy fundraising**

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and enthuse, through the delivery of strong external and internal communications**

· Ability to establish and build relationships with donors, colleagues and senior stakeholders at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds, both externally and within IRC**

· Ability to identify potential donors, produce donor stewardship plans and be able to implement and execute them

· Ability to influence and negotiate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring best possible outcomes for the IRC

· Excellent attention to detail

· Excellent Microsoft Office software skills including Excel

· Demonstrable ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet conflicting deadlines

· Ability to understand and demonstrate commitment to IRC’s Equal Opportunities Policy and to ensure all activities are consistent with Equal Opportunities

· Ability to work collaboratively with members of a fundraising team and across departments, whilst managing conflicting priorities and deadlines in a busy working environment

Experience

· Demonstrable experience of securing gifts from high net-worth individuals**

· Demonstrable experience of writing persuasive and creative proposals and correspondence in a range of relevant styles

· Demonstrable experience of managing a portfolio of high net-worth individuals and relationships with senior stakeholders in a fundraising or corporate context**

· Demonstrable experience of supporting the implementation of events with wealthy individuals and influential contacts

· Demonstrable experience of managing information on a fundraising database e.g. Salesforce

· Demonstrable experience of compiling information from various global stakeholders in order to create compelling tailored proposals and reports

· Demonstrable experience of supporting a team and implementing new administrative systems and processes

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary’s University’s new Development Department has a bold five‑year strategy to grow philanthropy and deliver lasting impact. At its heart is the School of Medicine, opening in 2026 as one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, dedicated to tackling health inequalities and serving diverse communities. In just its first year, our campaign has already secured £3.6m towards a £20m goal, funding capital projects, scholarships, and faculty. This is an extraordinary moment to join Development at St Mary’s: you will help shape a pioneering culture of philanthropy, inspire transformational gifts, and play a defining role in building a medical school of national significance and social purpose.

Job Purpose: 

We are seeking a dynamic, results‑driven Philanthropy Manager to grow our major donor programme in partnership with the Development Director. Your primary focus will be cultivating and securing five and six‑figure gifts from high‑net‑worth individuals, building a sustainable pipeline of transformational support. At this exciting moment in St Mary’s history, you will help drive a landmark £20m campaign for the new School of Medicine, inspiring donors to shape the future of UK medical education and tackle health inequalities. Working closely with senior leadership, academics, and campaign volunteers, you will translate strategic priorities into persuasive cases for support and steward lasting donor relationships.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and want to make a meaningful impact we would love to hear from you. 

Closing date: 21 January 2026

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 2 February

St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. 

The Brain & Spine Foundation is seeking a Fundraising-Focused CEO to take the helm of our charity at a moment of growth and opportunity. This is a rare chance to shape the future of a national charity, driving income, influence and impact for the 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by neurological conditions.

As Fundraising Focused CEO, you will combine leadership with personal fundraising delivery, building high-value relationships, diversifying income streams, and raising the charity’s profile. Working closely with a committed Board and a passionate team, you will lead a trusted organisation into its next chapter to ensure more people than ever can access vital information, support and hope when they need it most.

Deadline for applications

Sunday 11th January

Interviews with Brain & Spine Foundation

w/c 19th January

Fundraising Manager – Corporates and Trusts

£42,000 pro rata

Hybrid (office based in London Bridge)

Full or Part Time – Minimum 3 days a week up to 5 (flexible)

Bringing hope and help to the homeless.

Robes is a small but mighty charity tackling homelessness across Southwark and Lambeth. Working with over 600 volunteers, churches and community partners, we deliver life-changing services to vulnerable people on the streets.

In winter, we run emergency night shelters. Year-round, our Wednesday Club offers hot meals, showers and support. We provide up to six months of floating support to help guests secure sustainable accommodation and find employment or training.

We've generated around £1.9 million from private sector funding over seven years – evidence of genuine impact and donor confidence. Now we're entering an exciting growth phase. In 2027, we celebrate our 20th anniversary, presenting an incredible opportunity to expand our reach and attract new supporters.

Why Join

You'll work with a warm, values-driven team committed to tackling homelessness. Your fundraising directly enables us to provide shelter and hope to vulnerable people. This isn't a bureaucracy – you'll have real influence on strategy and growth. You'll build meaningful relationships with trusts, foundations, corporate partners and major donors, and you'll see the impact – meet someone who came off the streets, found employment, rebuilt their life. That's what you'll enable.

Our 20th anniversary in 2027 creates perfect momentum for campaign fundraising and corporate engagement. The Board is invested in growth. There's a genuine appetite for fundraising excellence and strategic expansion. You're joining at exactly the right moment.

About You

You're an experienced Fundraiser with a track record securing grants and managing relationships with trusts, foundations and major donors. You're strategic and thorough – you understand relationship-building, can write compelling applications, and articulate impact clearly.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A proven success in corporate and charitable trust fundraising, with a strong understanding of funder and donor expectations and a track record of effectively meeting them.
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and meeting income targets.
• Strong relationship-building and stewardship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the confidence to engage and build relationships with stakeholders and partners at the highest level.
• A keen eye for detail and ability to analyse complex data and research findings to extrapolate key messages to craft compelling cases for support or to communicate the impact of interventions.
• The ability to present complex information in the most appropriate format tailored to the specific audience.

The Role

You'll lead fundraising strategy across multiple income streams, focusing on trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. You'll manage the full fundraising cycle from research and relationship-building through stewardship.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you’ll execute our new fundraising strategy, support our growth plans, research funding opportunities, write strong grant applications, manage a pipeline of major donor prospects, plan our 20th anniversary campaign, and provide quarterly progress reports.

With three days a week focused on foundation and corporate partnerships work, a full-time role would typically include one day on legacy work and one day on community events.

You bring at least three years' fundraising experience, ideally in a charity setting. You're skilled at grant writing, relationship management and strategic planning. You have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. You're proactive, flexible and genuinely motivated by mission.

What We Offer

Competitive salary plus 25 days holiday, pension contributions and flexible working. You'll be part of a warm team with direct access to leadership and real influence over strategy. You'll work for an organisation with proven impact as well as:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bi-monthly team reflective practice
• 2 volunteer days annually (pro-rata)
• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), increasing annually up to 30 days
• An additional day of paid leave for your birthday
• Maximum of an additional day a year paid leave if moving house
• Full salary if on jury service

If you're passionate about tackling homelessness and using your skills to create real change, we'd love to hear from you.

Please the full job description on the application page to learn more about the role and key selection criteria.

Apply now with CV and a Covering Letter addressing the key selection criteria.

Deadlines

Applications close midnight on Monday, 12th of January.

First round interviews will be held on Friday, 16th of January.

Since 2013, FarmAbility has been supporting learning disabled and autistic adults in Oxfordshire, running an outdoor day service for co-farmers (our participants), across multiple sessions each week throughout the calendar year on various farm and garden sites. Currently we work with over 65 people each week. When our co-farmers come to us they get involved in a wide range of purposeful, real-life farm and nature-based tasks. Co farmers also have the opportunity to socialise with others and form friendships. There are always new people to meet and lots of opportunities to interact with others from all sorts of backgrounds at a FarmAbility day.

Role description:

This role will support FarmAbility in developing our fundraising capacity. Currently, the majority of this work is carried out by the CEO and we are looking for an experienced fundraiser to support with the creation and delivery of a fundraising strategy, and with the practical work of submitting grant applications and stewarding current and potential new donors. Together with the CEO the Fundraising Officer will develop a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy for the charity incorporating major donors, trust & foundations, corporate support and community fundraising. The postholder will be engaged with our mission and eloquent in their expression of our work and its impact to external audiences. They will work closely with our Impact team to present our outcome messaging to funders and will also work closely with our Communications & Events Officer (C&EO) to plan and deliver community-based fundraising activities for our supporters to engage in, helping to deliver online and social media focused campaigns and community events.

We are open to this role operating largely remotely with a hybrid workplace for the right candidate, with the expectation of a regular in person presence on site to understand our work, connect with the team and meet our wider community of participants and supporters at events and celebrations. This is a multi-faceted role, with opportunity to grow and develop. You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation. FarmAbility is a warm and friendly place to work and we put a lot of store on creating strong team relationships and a flexible, accommodating work environment. All staff share our goal of a more inclusive society and a determination to enable co-farmers to achieve positive outcomes and experiences within our service.

Role responsibilities:

Trusts and Foundations:

• Work with the CEO to prepare, write, and submit high-quality grant applications, ensuring they meet the requirements and deadlines of funders.

• Maintain and develop relationships with existing trust and foundation supporters by providing regular updates, face to face meetings and site visits as appropriate.

• Work closely with the CEO and Impact team to gather relevant data for funding applications and ensure accurate reporting on project outcomes.

Individual Donors:

• Work with the CEO and C&EO to develop a regular giving scheme, enabling people to offer a regular gift to FarmAbility and establishing a reliable donation stream.

• Ensure prompt communication with ad hoc donors, including thank you letters, progress updates, and invitations to events as appropriate.

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, gift history, and personal preferences using the organisation’s CRM system. Events and Community

• Support the Communications and Events Officer (C&EO) to organise and execute fundraising events (e.g., sponsored challenges, ticketed events) to engage community donors and generate income.

• Collaborate with the C&EO to promote fundraising events through social media, newsletters, and other marketing channels.

• Collaborate with the C&EO to develop engaging fundraising materials, such as newsletters, social media posts, and donor case studies.

Financial and Administrative:

• Work with the finance team to manage budgets for events and initiatives, ensuring targets are met and expenses are controlled.

• Support the Finance Lead, CEO and Treasurer to monitor and report on income received from trusts, foundations, and individual donors- including Gift Aid, ensuring that all income is correctly allocated.

• Prepare regular progress reports for the CEO, board of trustees, and funders as required.

Collaborative Working:

• Attend networking events, conferences, and meetings with funders and donors to represent the organisation and develop new opportunities.

• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with all colleagues in the team to ensure the successful delivery of our programmes. Respond promptly and appropriately to daily, weekly, monthly team communications.

• Take on additional responsibilities appropriate to the post as required (for example when new projects are implemented within FarmAbility).

• Take part in FarmAbility community events and carry out roles to plan, deliver and review these activities as required in collaboration with the whole team.

Please note, closing date for applications is 15th January 2026.

This new post will build on our Charity fundraising work which seeks to generate income from a portfolio of philanthropic sources, including trusts, foundations, individuals, corporate sponsors, and statutory bodies. The primary focus of this role will be to support the Reinventing Borde Hill project, helping to transform Borde Hill’s South Park and establish a community growing garden at Sugworth Farm.

The project has an am fundraising target of £1million, to be raised over the next two years. Additionally, this post will also seek and pursue opportunities to support the work of Borde Hill Garden Charity more widely. Working with the Reinventing Borde Hill project team, the role will effectively manage funders, driving the financial sustainability of the project and wider charity operations.

Your passion for heritage, the natural landscape, and community involvement will feed into compelling funder proposals and ongoing relationship-building with supporters. You will report to the Managing Director, and prepare monthly/quarterly updates for the Project Board and NLHF.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Do you want to lead transformative fundraising and communications strategies that make a global impact?

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping RFUK’s external profile and driving income growth to support our ambitious 2033 vision: scaling up community-led protection of tropical forests. Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll oversee strategic communications and fundraising, manage a small team, and work closely with colleagues across programmes and operations.

This is a senior leadership position where no two days are the same—whether you’re crafting compelling narratives, engaging major donors, or amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities on the global stage.

The role is full-time, permanent, and based in London with hybrid working options. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of two days per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter. RFUK can sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for the successful candidate if required.

Application process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Friday 16th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 29th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

Location: Reading, Hybrid (at least once per a week to Reading Office)
Hours: 37 per week 
Salary: 28,532.46 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 5th January 2026

The Public Fundraising Executive supports the whole Public Fundraising team to achieve its aims and objectives by undertaking key administrative tasks, stewarding supporters across a range of fundraising activities, and assisting with the delivery of the team’s projects, which might include managing marketing campaigns, attending events or conducting research. They are also responsible for the acquisition, engagement and retention of supporters across all our public fundraising income streams. These include individual giving (cash, regular giving, lottery, payroll giving), legacies, in-memory, third-party challenge events, community fundraising, owned products and events, and innovation and new product development. The Public Fundraising Team play a vital role in contributing to our organisational strategic goal of developing sustainable sources of income and have received significant long-term investment from the Board to accelerate growth of fundraising income in this area.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland. 

The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team. 

There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.

This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact our team and we will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 12th January