Prospect research officer jobs in belfast
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE: Lead Trusts & Grants Officer
RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager
HOURS OF WORK: Full time 35 hours per week
LOCATION: Home working/ Hybrid
DURATION: Permanent
SALARY / GRADE: £32,330
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
• Senior Trusts & Grants Manager
• Trusts & Grants Officer
• Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
• Chief Operating Officer
• Senior Leadership & Service Managers
• Grant making trusts and foundations
• Major Donors
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Lead Trusts & Grants Officer is responsible for developing and delivering income from mid-value grant making funders, notably trusts and foundations. The role involves managing a dedicated pipeline of opportunities, writing and submitting compelling applications, and stewarding funder relationships. This position works closely with service teams to understand project needs and create accurate budgets and impactful funding proposals. This role will also provide direct line management to the Trusts & Grants Officer, supporting their professional development and ensuring the team's overall success in meeting fundraising targets.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising and Grants Management
• Pipeline Management: Lead on prospecting, developing and managing the mid-value trusts and grants pipeline, focusing on bids around £20,000 - £70,000, including multiyear grants, ensuring a consistent flow of opportunities to meet team income targets. Developing the skills and ability to manage higher value and more complex strategic bids.
• Application Writing: Develop and submit compelling, high-quality grant applications and proposals for mid-value funders, working closely with service teams, ensuring accurate budgets and income against Adoption UK’s strategic priorities.
• Stewardship: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of new and existing mid-value funders, providing timely and impactful reports to secure renewed funding, and developing relationships with key external contacts through excellent communication.
• Reporting: Oversee the accurate tracking of all applications, reports, and communications using team tracking methods, and the CRM database, providing regular progress updates to the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, the Trusts & Grants Officer, and service teams, to align fundraising activities with the organisation’s strategic priorities and annual income targets.
• Undertake other duties and projects as directed by the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager and Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications.
Team Management and Development
• Line Management: Provide line management and support to the Trusts & Grants Officer, including regular one-to-ones, appraisals, and professional development.
• Training and Mentoring: Guide the Trusts & Grants Officer on best practices for researching, writing, budgets, and stewarding of small-value grants.
Personal specification
Knowledge and experience
• Track record of successfully securing individual grant awards typically ranging between £10,000 and £50,000. (E)
• Knowledge of fundraising sector with specialist knowledge of grant making trusts and foundations, or similar grant/bid-writing experience (E)
• Experience in writing persuasive proposal documents and bids (E)
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising policies and process to deliver strategic goals (E)
• Experience in supporting service teams to deliver complex projects on time and to budget (E)
• Experience in successfully stewarding multiple stakeholders including grant managers and major donors (D)
Qualifications and Education
• Graduate level or equivalent significant professional experience in fundraising/bid
Skills and abilities
• Ability to make decisions within area of responsibility, based on defined frameworks, policies, and procedures and/or based on knowledge of regulations and best practice (E)
• Shows good professional judgement (E)
• Can successfully operate matrix management of complex projects at a national level (E)
• Delivers high quality work with minimal supervision and direction (E)
• Able to communicate clearly and engage with stakeholders at all levels (E)
• Is successful in securing positive external relationships with stakeholders and supporters (E)
• Demonstrates personal credibility (E)
• Demonstrates experience and ability in impact reporting (D)
• Ability to research the sector to identify the best prospects (D)
• Has the capacity to deal with complex issues and is good at problem solving (D)
• An exceptional administrator with excellent organisational and writing skills (E)
• Self-starter, used to working to deadlines and delivering against KPIs (D)
Accountability
• Shows previous experience of achievement of income targets (E)
• Shows previous experience of excellent funder or similar relationship stewardship (E)
• Able to contribute to the development of income growth strategy and strategic goals (D)
Behaviours
• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
• Contributes to an open and honest culture
• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency.
• Leads by example.
• Offers outstanding service to members.
• Promotes cross-functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge
• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
• Values the opinion of others. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect.
• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives.
Adoption UK is the leading charity for adopted and care experienced people and adoptive families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Relationship Fundraising role will play a significant part in contributing to a high-performing fundraising team. The role will cover the counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk.
You will report to the Relationship Fundraising Manager and support the Head of Relationship Fundraising & Volunteering to drive the continued growth of the charity’s fundraising income in your area. You will also be required to show excellent relationship-building skills to support community partnerships and volunteer groups, driving towards agreed targets.
This is a 12-month fixed term contract, or on return of the substantive postholder, to cover a period of maternity leave.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy, finance, and reporting
· Responsibility for stewardship and relationship building with supporters within the East region.
· Identify and apply for ‘Charity of the Year’ partnerships with corporates in the region, account manage these relationships up to a value of £50,000 per annum and support the Partnership Development Team with national partnerships in your region.
· Support existing volunteer fundraisers to encourage continued loyalty to the charity and to maximise funds raised, in accordance with fundraising legislation and good practice.
· Recruit new fundraising supporters in line with strategy.
· Support the Relationship Fundraising Manager (RFM) and Head of Relationship Fundraising (HORF) in developing the Relationship Fundraising strategy for ARUK to increase income within this stream.
· Support and extend volunteer networks within geographical area in line with strategy.
· To ensure that fundraising activity is implemented and managed to deliver budgets, targets and income in line with strategy. To achieve this by supporting and facilitating the development of groups and volunteers across geographical area.
· Work across a diverse geographical area and within a geographically dispersed team, whilst managing own workload in a cost-effective and proactive way.
Supporter Management
· Provide excellent customer service to fundraising supporters, with prompt responses to enquiries, to acknowledge support and increase long-term loyalty.
· Provide high-quality account management to volunteer groups in geographical area.
· Effective management of volunteer relationships within geographical area.
· Support, motivate and develop local fundraising volunteers, ensuring they have a clear understanding of ARUK to enable them to represent the charity’s work effectively.
· In liaison with the Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Officers, provide high quality account management to corporate supporters within specified geographical area and/or of relevant value.
· Keep up to date with fundraising legislation and codes of practice to be able to provide relevant advice to fundraisers.
· Ensure volunteers and fundraisers have all necessary materials for fundraising initiatives.
Increasing Community Support within geographical area
· Use own initiative to extend volunteer networks, develop new groups and supporters, and respond to fundraising opportunities within geographical area, in line with strategy.
· Manage recruitment process of new ARUK volunteers in geographical area, providing relevant support and training.
· Liaise with local community organisations (predominantly golf clubs) – both previous and new potential supporters – to extend income and activity in line with strategy.
· Provide face-to-face talks and presentations to community organisations for recruitment/ cultivation purposes.
· Arrange appropriate volunteer representation at events in the community, spreading the charity’s reach cost-effectively.
· Identify, research and target prospective community organisations, in liaison with RFM.
· Identify, research and target prospective local corporates in liaison with RFM / HORF and ARUK’s Partnership Development Managers and Partnership Development Officers, in line with strategy.
· Accurately track and record contact with both community and corporate prospects for planning and reporting purposes.
Monitoring and Reporting
· Ensure that your activity is monitored and evaluated, clearly communicating progress to your Relationship Fundraising Manager.
· Manage relevant information on the charity’s database, keeping detailed, up-to-date records of activity and income.
What we are looking for:
· Experience in partnership fundraising and/or relationship building
· Experience and confidence in public-speaking, such as giving presentations and talking at events
· Knowledge of recruiting key volunteers and fundraising supporters
· Experience and a keen interest in building long term relationships with supporters
· Proven ability of providing excellent stewardship
· An ability to manage a busy and varied workload
· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
· Excellent organisational skills
· Flexibility to work some unsocial hours and willingness to travel independently and Live within East Region
· Full driver’s license with access to own vehicle.
Additional Information:
Ways of working:
Remote - As part of our Remote ways of working you will be home based. You will only need to attend the office for specific requirements of the role and the business needs.
Roles that are classed as part of the Remote ways of working are able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £33,500 per annum, plus benefits, car allowance and associated expenses (if applicable).
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 16th November 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Twins Trust
Twins Trust is at the heart of the multiples’ community, supporting families with twins or triplets, influencing the healthcare system and campaigning on behalf of our community.
Multiple birth families face unique challenges and we’re there for them, every step of the way. With over 40 years’ experience, we tailor our services to our families’ needs.
Twins Trust has over 15,000 members who access our amazing community, information and courses and exclusive discounts.
Fundraising Officer
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and talented fundraising team
We are looking for an experienced Fundraising Officer to join our small and friendly fundraising team. You will support the High Value Partnerships Manager and Community & Events Fundraising Manager, both of which are already well-established income streams with lots of great potential. It’s a great opportunity to work across varied income streams including Corporate, Trusts & Grants, Community, Fundraising Events and Individual/Regular Giving.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week (negotiable for the right candidate)
Flexibility: We are a flexible employer and most of our staff are juggling things (including caring for multiples!) We are great at making jobs work around life.
Salary: £24,000 - £27,000
Reports to: High Value Partnerships Manager
Work location: Hybrid/remote. Office space in London Bridge, although entirely remote option is fine. Travel to partner meetings/events will also be required.
Closing date: Midnight 5th November 2025
Interview dates: Interviews will be virtual and take place in October/November on a rolling basis
Purpose of the role
- Reporting to the High Value Partnerships Manager you will provide support across our two priority Fundraising streams – Community Fundraising (Community, Events and Individual/Regular Giving) and High Value Partnerships (Trusts, Grants, Corporate and Sponsorship).
- Conducting prospect research (Corporate and Trusts/Grants) creating a pipeline of targeted opportunities, and submitting applications for lower level funding
- Providing excellent relationship management to those in our community who fundraise for us, whether that’s as a Regular Giver or Marathon runner
- Providing support to the Manager planning Fundraising Events, recruiting participants, attending and cheering on our fundraisers and thanking our supporters
- Accountable for delivering our annual raffle and ongoing Lottery programme
- Support the wider Development team with admin relating to Fundraising
Ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience either in supporting the delivery of High Value partnerships or Community Fundraising. They will be able to demonstrate how they have researched partnerships and/or submitted funding applications, providing excellent stewardship and creating meaningful partnerships that lead to long term support for the charity.
Person specification
Essential
- Experience of donor stewardship
- Excellent relationship building skills
- Ability to research and find vision aligned funders
- Ability to project manage the delivery of partnerships and/or events
- Excellent writing, communication skills and attention to detail
- Able to collaborate with a team of various disciplines or work independently as required
- Ability to multi-task and manage several different priorities at once
- Enthusiasm for the issues we work on
Desirable
- Working understanding of admin processes relating to fundraising
- An understanding of GDPR in relation to fundraising
- Experience working in a CRM (Microsoft Dynamics experience a plus)
Twins Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of families with twins, triplets or more.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job overview
The role will focus on growing the value of funding from large trusts and foundations globally, as well as from corporate foundations and institutional funders via consortium partnerships with larger conservation actors.
The role will oversee grant and contract management with existing organisational and institutional partnerships, as well as grow this portfolio through developing a robust pipeline of new opportunities, finding creative ways to secure visibility and first meetings, developing relationships, compelling funding applications and ensuring strong contract management oversight.
The role will lead a team of two, work collaboratively with fundraising colleagues based in the US and UK to secure visibility with and develop strong long-term partnerships with new Trusts and Foundations; and work closely with colleagues in Kenya to ensure strong project delivery and grant management. Responsibilities include:
- Lead the implementation of the Trusts & Foundations (T&Fs) programme with a particular focus on growing the portfolio of large T&Fs in the USA, UK and European markets;
- Work with fundraising colleagues across priority markets and with communications colleagues, using innovative and proactive approaches to business development and relationship building to unlock visibility opportunities and develop relationships with new prospects; in order to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of high-value funding opportunities.
- Continue to oversee the current ‘programme funding’ portfolio which includes existing institutional funding partnerships and corporate foundation relationships in Kenya, ensuring that ongoing and new opportunities where they exist are capitalised on.
- Collaborate closely with and provide technical expertise to Ol Pejeta’s Project Implementation function in Kenya to develop and embed ‘programme funding’ systems, policies, processes, to ensure that the organisation works to the highest standards in grant management;
- Oversee collaboration and co-working with Ol Pejeta’s Programme teams and other colleagues to ensure high quality project design content is translated into technical proposals and budgets for donors;
- Work closely with Kenya’s implementation function to support strong project delivery and contract management.
- As a Head of, actively contribute to team and department objectives through decision making and action on planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.
Key Activities
- Support the Chief Fundraising Officer with overall strategy development, implementation and adaptation;
- Work closely with the Chief Fundraising Officer to ensure operational and budget planning, management and reporting of resources;
- Oversee the T&F team’s operational planning processes, annual reporting and core performance monitoring;
- Strategic coordination of multiple stakeholders in proposal development processes (programme experts, internal stakeholders, partners and donors);
- Build strong relationships across all departments of the organisation and with existing and new partners;
- Support the recruitment process/selection/appointment of fundraising staff across the department.
Strategic leadership delivery and management of Trusts and Foundations priority in the global fundraising strategy.
- Develop and implement tactics for T&Fs that support Ol Pejeta to meet its overall strategic objectives;
- Ensure that the relevant parts of the Fundraising strategy, planning and practice is adaptive to both internal and external changes and that the team adopts innovative approaches to its work;
- Effectively integrate T&F team objectives and outcomes into wider Ol Pejeta income targets and programme priorities.
Business development and management
- Proactively cultivate relationships with key prospects, donors and partners (with particular focus on US, UK and European markets);
- Network both internally and externally to ensure relevant stakeholder participation and intelligence gathering in various fora;
- Lead and coordinate proposal development, including budgeting, with programme teams and finance;
- Collaborate with Ol Pejeta’s communications and marketing department to ensure communication activities appeal to donor interests, promote our partnerships and help to position Ol Pejeta as a partner of choice;
- Research and share trends and intelligence on T&Fs, and develop relationships that strategically position the organisation to mobilise resources from new and existing donors.
Support effective grant & risk management and compliance
- Support the development and implementation of improved business policies to facilitate improved management of and accountability for T&F funding and other larger institutional partnerships;
- Provide quality assurance and technical backstopping on reporting and general compliance, in line with organisational and donor requirements;
- Guide the negotiation of strategic grants/contracts to ensure the organisation signs up to appropriate contractual requirements;
- Advise on the interpretation and application of donor rules, regulations, processes and procedures;
- Provide guidance and capacity building on grant cycle management to colleagues across the organisation.
People Management, Financial Management and Departmental contributions
- Provide inductions to staff across the organisation on T&Fs and institutional funding opportunity;
- Build, motivate and effectively collaborate with teams remotely;
- Conduct probationary reviews and annual performance management reviews for direct line management staff;
- Support the Chief Fundraising Officer to have oversight of the team budget lines;
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the global fundraising team based in different geographical locations
- Contribute to overall departmental processes and initiatives;
- Act within the parameters set by the organisation on financial policies and procedures.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
- Ensure effective cross-functional collaboration to strengthen fundraising and grant management skills across the organisation;
- Oversee the development and maintenance of information systems and tools for sharing donor policies and guidelines, funding opportunities and best practice across the organisation;
- Keep pace with international developments and engage with other INGOs to keep abreast of opportunities and global trends in T&F fundraising.
Education, Language & Qualifications
- Bachelors or equivalent in a relevant field preferably Fundraising / International Development;
- Excellent verbal and written communication with fluency in English;
- Language skills in Swahili and German advantageous.
Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience
- Relevant experience working in an international NGO or philanthropy environment with diverse workforce;
- Experience in Trusts & Foundation fundraising across international markets;
- Demonstrated experience cultivating and managing relationships with trusts and foundation donors (or others) to secure six figure grants;
- Substantial experience cultivating and managing donor and stakeholder relationships;
- Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills with demonstrable proactivity in business development;
- Strong technical proposal writing and budget skills;
- Strong ability to manage staff and influence team members remotely;
- Ability to manage and facilitate complex projects and processes;
- Experience working on the African continent with a deep knowledge of conservation and community development;
- Willingness to travel internationally as required;
- Willingness to be on call for donor enquiries out of hours.
Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience
- Tendering and project management experience;
- Knowledge of conservation finance including the biodiversity credit market;
- Personal network of contacts and relationships in T&Fs;
- Experience in developing complex institutional funding bids;
- Understanding of developments in alternative finance for conservation;
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Head of Developing Philanthropy
We are looking for a passionate and strategic Head of Developing Philanthropy to join the Environmental Funders Network (EFN) in this remote working role.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in growing environmental philanthropy across the UK and to help inspire funders to support causes that sustain a thriving planet.
Position: Head of Developing Philanthropy
Location: Home-based (within 90 minutes of London by train)
Salary: £60,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Full time (nb. 80% FTE or flexible working considered for the right candidate)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 11:59pm on Sunday 23rd November 2025
The Role
Working closely with EFN’s Executive Director, you will lead on growing the amount of funding flowing to environmental causes from UK funders – including trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals – by connecting and engaging with those not yet funding environmental causes at scale, and inspiring and supporting them to start giving or to give more.
You will form part of EFN’s Leadership Team, deputising for the Executive Director as needed, and will likely line manage a small team of 3–4 individuals.
You will:
- Revise and implement EFN’s Growing Environmental Philanthropy (GEP) strategy, working with the Executive Director, Board and GEP Advisory Group.
- Raise awareness of the need for environmental philanthropy through partnerships, events, communications and media opportunities.
- Identify and engage new funders and advisors through meetings, events, field trips and speaking engagements.
- Provide inspiration, advice, and practical resources for funders and advisors to start or expand their environmental giving.
- Support wider programme delivery, including the Big Give’s Earth Raise campaign and partnerships with organisations such as the Beacon Collaborative and Climate Lead.
- Contribute to fundraising for EFN’s GEP programme and support EFN’s financial sustainability.
About You
You’ll bring at least five years’ experience in fundraising or a related industry, with a proven track record of building and managing relationships with individual donors or high-net-worth clients. You’ll be a confident communicator and creative thinker with a strong commitment to environmental and social justice.
You will have:
- Strategic leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams.
- Excellent relationship management and influencing skills, with confidence in public speaking and representing EFN at high-profile events.
- Experience developing and delivering inclusive, outcome-focused events and programmes.
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise a substantial workload and work independently.
- Solid IT skills, including CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) and virtual meeting platforms.
Desirable:
- Experience coordinating networks of funders or organisations.
- Understanding of the funding landscape within the environment or NGO sectors.
- Experience in fundraising and/or managing online resources or websites.
Benefits Include:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Flexible working options
- Learning and development opportunities
- Equipment and office allowance
About the Organisation
The Environmental Funders Network (EFN) works to transform environmental philanthropy in the UK by increasing funding levels, improving effectiveness and supporting those creating a thriving planet. EFN engages more than 1,000 funder participants and 1,800 fundraiser participants through research, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
We’re excited to recruit our first Major Donors and Partnerships Coordinator to lead on securing and managing key relationships with corporate partners and major donors. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with proven experience in corporate fundraising and major donor engagement to help shape CLAPA’s high value fundraising strategy from the ground up. If you're passionate about building meaningful partnerships and making a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
You will play an active part in shaping and delivering corporate fundraising campaigns and stewardship activities, with a good level of ownership balanced by the support of an experienced income generation team.
As Major Donors and Partnerships Coordinator, you will contribute significantly to diversifying and sustaining CLAPA’s income. With an ambitious Income Generation Strategy in place, this is a timely opportunity to help strengthen CLAPA’s profile in corporate fundraising and partnerships. Building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with donors and partners will be a core part of your role.
Working in a small and collaborative income generation team, you will need to be organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a supportive environment where you can grow your skills while making a meaningful contribution.
The Link to apply is listed in the attached Recruitment Pack or can be accessed via the Redirect to recruiter button.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



