About Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS)
Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan (FIGS), is a registered UK Charity (114620) set up in 2011, at the request of local community leaders to help build and develop a girls’ boarding school in South Sudan. Ibba Girls Boarding School now educates over 320 primary and secondary school girls from across Western Equatoria State and employs around 40 staff.
The school provides high-quality education in a context where most girls leave school before completing primary education and very few reach secondary level. FIGS is a relatively small UK-based charity with a strong national reputation and a substantial impact, demonstrating what high-quality girls’ education can achieve in South Sudan. FIGS works closely with Windle Trust International, which provides technical, financial and organisational support to the school in South Sudan.
FIGS raises approximately £500,000 each year to meet the running and development costs of IGBS and FIGS. Fundraising and effective communications are therefore central to our mission. We are a small team and are looking for someone who will thrive in a varied role, is proactive, organised, and capable of handling multiple demands, with a readiness to learn and take on additional responsibilities.
The Role
This role involves supporting both fundraising and communications activities, alongside essential administrative functions. The Fundraising and Communications Officer will play a key role in implementing FIGS’ fundraising and communications plans, supporting donor engagement, campaigns, events, and day-to-day operational administration. You will be working closely with our Head of Fundraising and Communications, ensuring that FIGS has the resources to continue to support the education and boarding of over 320 marginalised girls in South Sudan.
The role is home-based but requires the ability and willingness to travel to fundraising and supporter events across the UK, including occasional evenings and weekends.
FIGS is a trustee-led charity, with an active and engaged Board that plays a hands-on role in governance, strategy, fundraising and ambassadorial work. Trustees bring a wide range of experience, including diplomacy, international development, education, finance and communications, and work closely with staff to ensure the charity is well-run, accountable and effective.
While Trustees retain strategic oversight and are closely involved in key decisions, FIGS also has a small paid staff team responsible for day-to-day operations, fundraising delivery and communications. The culture is collaborative and supportive, with regular interaction between Trustees and staff, and a shared commitment to the success of Ibba Girls Boarding School.
The staff team currently consists of:
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Head of Fundraising and Communications, responsible for overall fundraising strategy, communications, donor relationships and line management
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Fundraising and Communications Officer (this role), supporting the delivery of fundraising and communications activity, donor engagement and essential administrative functions
Staff work remotely within the UK and collaborate closely online, with regular team meetings and clear priorities. In South Sudan, Windle Trust International acts as FIGS’ managing agent, providing professional management and operational oversight of Ibba Girls Boarding School.
This role sits at the heart of FIGS’ fundraising and communications work. You will work closely with the Head of Fundraising and Communications, interact regularly with Trustees (particularly around campaigns, events and reporting), and help ensure that systems, supporter engagement and communications run smoothly and professionally.
The role is well-suited to someone who enjoys working in a small, mission-driven organisation, is comfortable with a degree of trustee involvement, and values collaboration, clarity and shared responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising and Communications
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Support fundraising plan delivery: Assist in achieving income targets and KPIs, including helping to draft grant applications and end-of-project reports.
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Campaign and appeal support: Assist with planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns and appeals (digital and postal).
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Donor communications: Draft and support newsletters, blogs, appeals, event invitations, and other donor communications
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Relationship-building: Support engagement with individual donors, community groups, churches, schools, and other supporters
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Events support: Assist with organisation, promotion, and delivery of webinars and in-person fundraising/supporter events.
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Online presence: Help maintain and develop FIGS website, email marketing, social media content, and video content.
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Donor stewardship: Ensure supporters are thanked promptly and follow-up actions are completed in line with policy.
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Ambassadorship: Represent FIGS positively in communications and at events.
Administration and Fundraising Support
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Database and record maintenance: Update CRM and administrative records.
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Administrative support for campaigns and events: Help coordinate fundraising activities and materials.
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Communications materials coordination: Maintain photo/video archive, collateral, and documentation.
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Administrative support for smooth running: Ad hoc tasks as agreed with Head of Fundraising and Communications.
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Trustee and volunteer support: Practical arrangements for events and supporter engagement.
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Support Head of Fundraising and Communications with monthly fundraising and communications reports
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Gift Aid and basic financial support (future): Assist with processing if needed.
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Team meetings: Prepare for and attend weekly online meetings.
And other duties from time to time as set out by the line manager.
Person Specification
Essential
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Experience in fundraising, communications, charity administration or a closely related role.
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Experience of fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, digital fundraising, email fundraising, or demonstrable transferable skills.
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Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and engagingly for different audiences.
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Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail.
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Confidence in using databases/CRMs, email marketing platforms and standard office software.
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Understanding of, or willingness to learn, GDPR and good practice in supporter data management.
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Ability to work independently from home and manage competing priorities.
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UK-based, with the ability and willingness to travel to events across the UK.
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Commitment to FIGS’ values and to the importance of girls’ education.
Desirable
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Experience supporting or delivering digital fundraising campaigns.
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Experience of fundraising in a small charity environment.
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Experience of video editing for communications purposes.
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Experience supporting events (online or in-person).
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Experience managing or contributing to websites and social media for an organisation.
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Familiarity with Gift Aid processes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
FIGS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
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A CV
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A supporting statement (up to 500 words) explaining your suitability for the role and how you would contribute to FIGS’ fundraising and communications work.
Please also include details of two referees.
Applications should be submitted via Charity Jobs. Interviews will be held remotely.
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Application Deadline: February 23rd
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First round interviews: WC March 2nd
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Second round of interviews: WC March 9th
Registered Charity
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Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan aims to improve the opportunity and quality of primary and secondary schooling for marginalised girls.
Thank you!
Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.
You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.
With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.
Who are we looking for?
To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.
We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.
Person specification:
- Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
- Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
- A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
- Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.
See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK.
Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews: Wednesday 4th March
As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our vision is a future where no child dies of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma or suffers due to the treatment they receive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Inclusive & Blind Recruitment Statement:
In line with Caudwell Youth’s recruitment policy, we operate a blind recruitment process to help ensure a fair and unbiased selection. At the initial application stage, we ask all candidates to submit only a CV and a covering letter (maximum 1 side of A4)
Please use your covering letter to explain why you are interested in this position and to explain how your experience, skills, or achievements enable you to meet the person specification and support your application.
Your anonymised cover letter to this question will be the only information shared with the interview panel for the blind shortlisting process, so we encourage you to make it clear and impactful.
Should you be shortlisted for an interview, you will then be invited to fill in our full application form.
We value equity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
ABOUT US
Not all young people have the same opportunities in life. Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk. We support young people up to 25 years, who face real challenges in their lives. They may experience mental health challenges, be leaving care or be at risk of exploitation or offending.
We provide person centred support through volunteer-led mentoring for up to 18-months, alongside a targeted intervention programme called Shaping Futures for high-risk young people. Founded by the philanthropist John Caudwell in 2022, we now support young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and Luton.
Over our first 3 years as a charity, our work has consistently achieved exceptional outcomes for at-risk young people. 95% reduced offending behaviour, 64% reduced their exploitation risk, 83% reported improvements in their mental health and 45% had moved into education, employment or training. When a young person makes progress, families and communities benefit too. In fact, economic analysis shows that for every £1 invested in our programme, we save the public purse £6.05.
Unfortunately, demand for our service far outstrips supply, meaning we have often had to close our waiting lists. Whilst the risks and challenges young people face continue to grow. We currently support around 400 young people. The driving ambition behind our forthcoming strategy is to reach more.
To achieve this we are setting out to develop and expand our programmes. To become a national charity. We will do this working with at-risk young people, empowering them in everything we do. Our ambition to support more at-risk young people is shared with them.
OUR VISION: A brighter future for at-risk young people.
OUR MISSION: Empowering at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support.
Purpose of Role:
Provide strategic leadership on all Caudwell Youth’s external communications, ensuring they are effective in driving engagement and delivering our strategic goals.
Responsible as part of the Senior Leadership Team for the overall leadership of Caudwell Youth. Promoting the mission, vision and values of the charity, and the development and implementation of our strategic plan.
Key Duties:
Corporate leadership
- As part of the Senior Leadership Team work with the Board of Trustees to: develop and progress the organisation’s strategy, set and manage the organisation’s budget and ensure risks are managed effectively
- Lead by example, instilling a values-led and inclusive culture, with strong youth involvement
Commnications
- Lead on brand strategy, developing the brand to become more youth-led, reviewing our visual identity, core messaging, content and channels.
- Be responsible for digital strategy, leading development of our website and social media channels.
- Be responsible for our CRM, maintaining good data practices and delivering timely, integrated communications to our key audiences.
- Lead the development of communication plans, storytelling, assets and content; increasing the proportion of content created and delivered by young people.
- Provide the framework and support for youth participation in communications activities, working effectively with the Operations teams.
- Work with young people to identify influencers and celebrity/ambassador support to raise awareness and support our brand values.
- Lead proactive and reactive media engagement; including crisis communications with support from the CEO and John Caudwell’s PR team.
- Ensure our brand and communications convey a powerful case for support; working with the Fundraising team to create compelling donor communications to recruit and engage challenge participants and donors.
- Develop and deliver marketing strategies for volunteer recruitment to enable our mentoring programmes to grow.
- Gather and share the views and experiences of young people to influence change, building policy and campaigns activity as resources allow.
- Oversee the production of digital, printed and physical assets as required.
- Lead and manage the Communications team effectively, supporting development to maximise performance.
- Ensure effective processes and analytics are in place, reporting to SLT and the Board of Trustees on KPIs
Administration
- Manage the Communications budget
- Be responsible for our marketing software, including CRM, and adhere to data retention schedules.
- Act as Data Protection Officer for Caudwell Youth
- Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
- Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.
Experience:
Essential
- Proven experience in senior communications roles.
- Sound leadership and team management experience, with the ability to manage and motivate teams to achieve targets.
- A minimum of five years’ experience in communications, media relations/PR, advocacy and/or marketing.
- Experience of involving beneficiaries in communications activities, preferably young people
- An good understanding of GDPR.
Desirable
- Experience of working on charity communications
- Knowledge or experience of fundraising practices
- Experience of policy and campaigns
- Experience of working with young people
- Lived experience that aligns with the young people we support
Skills:
- Ability to work strategically and collaboratively as part of a senior leadership team.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling.
- An understanding of developing support journeys to promote engagement
- Proficiency in digital marketing and social media management.
We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.
Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid – working from home with travel as required
- WPA Healthcare (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
- Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
- Extra paid day off on your birthday
- Paid day off for volunteering in your community
- Training opportunities to support your personal development
- Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
- Being part of a passionate and dedicated team
Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.
As an organisation supporting young people with care experience, with mental health and those at risk of criminal exploitation and offending, we are keen to receive applications from those with lived experience. For those who are care experienced, we will guarantee an interview.
We actively seek to bring diverse perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from disabled people and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.