Major gifts manager jobs
Job Profile
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.
You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth.
You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.
Key Responsibilities:
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Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.
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Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.
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Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.
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Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.
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Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.
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Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.
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Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.
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Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.
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Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.
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Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;
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Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.
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Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.
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Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.
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Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.
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Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.
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Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.
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Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.
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Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.
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Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.
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Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.
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Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.
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Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.
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Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.
Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Education/ Training
Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).
Work Experience
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At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.
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Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.
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Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.
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Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.
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Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.
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Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.
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Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.
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Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.
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Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.
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Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.
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In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.
Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes
Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.
Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:
Essential
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Fluent in spoken and written English.
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Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.
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Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;
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Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.
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Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud
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Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.
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Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.
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Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.
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Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.
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Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.
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Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.
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Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.
Desirable
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Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan
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Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.
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Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.
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Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.
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Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.
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Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.
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Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.
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Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.
The Organisation
Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.
Other Information
Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.
Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations.
This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.
Please submit a cover letter (no more than two A4 pages) and CV (no more than two A4 pages) via CharityJob or to the email address provided by 23:30 on the 17th December 2025, including your name and the job title in the subject line. The precision and style with which you present yourself in your cover letter and CV will be given significant weight in shortlisting candidates. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the deadline, then you have not been successful for shortlisting.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Working with communities in Afghanistan to find long-lasting solutions and provide life-saving support to those in crisis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: London Hybrid (1-2 days per week in London office)
Interview date: w/c 19th January 2026
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.
We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time
About the role
We are excited to be looking for someone with expertise in high value fundraising communications and project management to join our growing Philanthropy and Partnerships team. This role is central to ensuring our fundraisers are equipped with the tools, assets, and information they need to fundraise efficiently and effectively through every step of the donor journey
This exciting role will play key part in helping to drive our ambitious plans to grow Young Lives vs Cancer’s high value (for us, this means income from major donors, grant-making trusts & foundations, and companies) income to £8m net by 2028.
In this role, you will work on a variety of projects from concept stage through to delivery that will help create a step change in the pace and scale at which the team can attract, engage, secure and retain support from high value audiences.
You will also lead on the delivery of an exceptional high-value stewardship and cultivation strategy, ensuring every supporter experiences a personalised, impactful journey. This includes developing innovative engagement opportunities, showcasing the tangible difference their support makes, and building deep, trust-based relationships that inspire long-term commitment. You will champion best-in-class stewardship practices, leveraging insight and creativity to strengthen connections and unlock transformational giving.
This role is ideal for a curious, creative and collaborative individual who is committed to delivering exceptional supporter experiences. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What will I be doing?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.
Main responsibilities
- Create and maintain a suite of clear and compelling written and designed communications including funding propositions, toolkits and cases for support to secure six and seven figure gifts from high value audiences.
- Coordinate stewardship moments across Philanthropy and Partnerships aligned to key calendar events throughout the year.
- Being responsible for development and overseeing an exciting stewardship and cultivation strategy and action plan for newly identified and top prospects, designed to support the delivery of targets and KPIs around high value fundraising development and income growth.
- Support the development of a culture of philanthropy across the organisation by helping colleagues understand and engage with high-value fundraising. This includes keeping internal teams informed about donor impact, sharing updates through meetings and internal channels, and responding promptly to requests for information. You will help coordinate materials, prepare briefings, and assist with internal events that showcase the importance of philanthropy, ensuring everyone feels connected to and invested in our fundraising success.
- Ensure accurate and timely updating of donor stewardship activities and communications in the fundraising CRM, supporting effective donor journey tracking and reporting.
What do I need?
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.
Knowledge and skills
- Strong understanding of visual design principles and highly skilled in using Canva and other similar programme to design and create engaging fundraising assets.
- Knowledge of philanthropy & partnerships fundraising including an understanding of the different high value audiences and typical motivations for giving.
- Outstanding writing skills e.g. copy writing, proofreading and editing with the ability to adapt messaging for different high value audiences.
- Strong planning and organisational skills; able to work with tight deadlines.
Demonstrable experience of:
- Writing winning bids, applications, proposals or reports for at least one of our high value audiences e.g. companies, trusts and foundations, or high net worth individuals.
- End-to-end project management.
- Developing and managing relationships with multiple internal stakeholders to deliver results.
- Experience working with fundraising CRMs, with a strong understanding of how to record, track and report on donor interactions and stewardship activities.
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Liam Mills.
#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome
Thank you!
HCPT is seeking a visionary and results-driven Strategic Director of Fundraising and Communications to lead the organisation’s income growth from £650,000 to over £2 million by October 2028. This role is pivotal in shaping and delivering a multi-stream fundraising strategy and a compelling communications approach that amplifies HCPT’s mission and impact.
The Strategic Director of Fundraising and Communications will ensure that HCPT’s mission is visible, engaging for our existing and new pilgrims and supporters and is well funded to ensure we can deliver THE BEST pilgrimage experience we can offer as defined and measured by our beneficiaries and volunteers.
This is a senior role in volunteer-led organisation and as such the successful postholder will be required to exercise flexibility with evening and weekend work to meet the business needs of the charity, given the availability of our volunteer leaders who have professional commitments during the day.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
HCPT is a volunteer-based charity helping children and adults with varying needs experience a pilgrimage holiday to Lourdes in small, caring groups.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Organisation
This is a well-established national charity with an income in excess of £100 million, playing a vital role in supporting people affected by a major health condition. The organisation is values-driven, impact-focused, and undergoing continuous improvement in its financial operations. The Finance & Assurance directorate is a trusted partner across the charity, enabling better decision-making through high-quality financial insight and compliance.
The Job
As Financial Accountant, you'll lead a small team and report to the Head of Financial Accounting. You'll be responsible for producing accurate financial statements, managing audit deliverables, ensuring compliance with charity and company law, and driving improvements in financial processes and reporting. This is a hands-on technical role with leadership responsibilities, requiring collaboration across finance, systems, and planning teams to deliver a seamless finance function.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing statutory accounts and technical accounting adjustments
- Leading year-end processes and audit engagement
- Ensuring compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, and Gift Aid
- Driving system and process improvements
- Supporting and developing Associate Accountants
The Person
You'll be a qualified accountant with strong technical expertise in SORP/FRS102 and experience in a large, complex organisation. You'll bring a track record of producing high-quality financial reports, managing audits, and improving performance through data and collaboration. Open to candidates coming straight from practice, especially those who have previously laised with charities.
We're looking for someone who:
- Communicates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Builds high-performing, accountable teams
- Is resilient, adaptable, and committed to continuous improvement
- Works collaboratively across departments and disciplines
- Champions inclusion and values-driven leadership
What's in it for You?
- A meaningful role in a purpose-led organisation making a real difference
- Remote working with occasional office attendance
- Competitive salary in the region of £50,000-£58,000
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance and income protection
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- A collaborative, high-support environment focused on learning and impact
What to Do Now
If you're a technically strong accountant who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, I'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
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Thank you!
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.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We believe in a society where everybody with a learning disability has a meaningful occupation, and where their contribution is recognised and valued.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.