Research funding officer jobs

Join The MindKind Projects in a key leadership role at the heart of a trusted, community-led organisation. Over the past 6 years, we’ve grown into one of the region’s most recognised wellbeing organisations, with 5,000+ people engaging in our programmes and a strong track record of reaching communities often excluded from traditional services.

We’re looking for an organised, people-centred Operations and Project Lead who can turn vision into delivery. This is a hands-on role for someone who can build calm structure in a fast-moving environment, support staff and volunteers well, strengthen partnerships, oversee budgets and reporting, and help secure future funding to sustain and grow our work.

You’ll be joining an organisation that blends lived experience with professional expertise, and builds culturally competent, evidence-based work side by side with local communities. If you’re practical, values-led, and motivated by helping good people deliver meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please see recruitment pack for full details. 

Location: Camden (Head Office)/Hybrid

Salary: £44,052 - £46,770 per annum 

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls.

Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising – including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community – as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace’s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board.

About the Role

Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace.

About You

You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy.

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

This is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world's most prestigious universities at a time of extraordinary ambition and philanthropic momentum. 

Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £82,255 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record
Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Here at the University of Oxford, we are recruiting three Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts to join our incredible team. These are new positions, part of an expansion of our friendly, collaborative and successful Principal Gifts team.

As Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts, you will operate at the highest levels of the University to secure transformational gifts at the eight-figure-plus level, advancing Oxford’s mission and global impact.  Your work will help ensure that Oxford continues to attract the brightest minds, pursue world-leading research, and address the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

You will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, Director of Development – Principal Gifts, and other senior leaders to align principal gift opportunities with institutional priorities and articulate a compelling case for support to some of the world’s most significant philanthropists.

Your impact will be enduring – enabling breakthrough discoveries, expanding opportunity for students, and strengthening Oxford’s position as a global leader in education and research.  The Associate Director of Development role offers the chance not only to secure transformational gifts, but also to shape the future of Oxford’s philanthropic culture and leave a legacy at an institution that has been changing the world for over nine centuries.

This is a chance to join a dedicated, professional and ambitious team at a time when Oxford’s fundraising is at unprecedented levels. With strong support from the Vice-Chancellor, a proven track record of principal gift success, and an unparalleled global reputation, you will have every opportunity to make your mark, both at Oxford and in your career.

You will be passionate about what we do here, not phased by complexity and ambiguity, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders.  We hope to hear from you!

The University of Oxford is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: midnight on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

No agencies please

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a new countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA team, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Job-share will be considered.

Job Title: Heritage Engagement Officer
Salary: £27,855 – £31,097 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part Time – 22.5 hours per week
Contract: 2 Year Fixed Term
Location: Heritage Centre, Spa Well Rd, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon-on-Tyne, NE21 6RU

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years’ experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission focuses on Improving People’s Prospects, Creating Better Places, and Promoting Greener Living, supporting communities to thrive no matter the challenges they face.

A key part of our work is the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill, a unique visitor hub set in the beautiful Derwent Valley. Operated by Groundwork, the centre showcases the area’s rich natural, industrial and cultural heritage, hosts year‑round events and activities for all ages, and features a café and community space that directly supports local environmental and heritage projects.

About the role

The Land of Oak & Iron is a unique landscape filled with centuries of industrial history, vibrant woodlands, cultural traditions and iconic wildlife. With support from National Lottery Heritage funding, we are delivering an exciting programme that will strengthen heritage connections across the valley.

As our Heritage Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in capturing stories, developing engaging resources, enhancing the Heritage Centre experience and building strong connections with volunteers, community groups, artists, schools and heritage partners.

This role is perfect for someone who loves working with people, is passionate about storytelling, and is excited to help preserve and promote local heritage for future generations.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about heritage, community storytelling and local history.
• Confident engaging with people from all backgrounds.
• Creative, organised and able to lead on heritage interpretation projects.
• Experienced in working with volunteers or community groups.
• Comfortable working flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 5th April 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Make yourself at home

We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

The Operations Manager leads the day-to-day management of the office and administration team, oversees organisational operational and administrative systems, and acts as the key point of contact for all operational matters. They work collaboratively with the leadership team to develop, implement, evaluate and improve organisational operational policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance, ethical working, effective service coordination and high standard client, staff, partner and stakeholder experience. They line manage the operations and administrative staff, recruit and manage volunteers and the volunteering service and coordinate trainers and the training service. At KSAAS, the operations lead is supported directly by the CEO, Head of ISVA Services & Head of Therapeutic Services and indirectly by the Board of Trustees.

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is a feminist organisation that firmly believes that sexual violence against women and girls arises from the patriarchal social structure in our society.  We believe this social structure causes and propagates gender inequality and that sexual violence is one tool that is used to control women and girls as part of this social dynamic.  We recognise the sexual violence affects people of al genders and provides a safe space for all survivors of sexual violence across Kent & Medway, where they can access the high-quality trauma-informed specialist practical and therapeutic support they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities

About us

We are a national charity dedicated to ensuring support and access to treatment for everyone living with leukodystrophy. These rare and often life-limiting conditions affect individuals and families in profound ways, and we are committed to ensuring that no one faces them alone.

Our work focuses on the shared challenges across all leukodystrophy conditions, bringing together those affected within a compassionate community of Tender Loving Care. Alongside providing support, we champion research, raise awareness among both the public and medical professionals, and collaborate with specialists and other rare disease charities to improve best practice across healthcare systems.

As we continue to develop and strengthen our impact, we are seeking an experienced and values-driven Chief Finance & Operations Officer to join our senior leadership team.

The role

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, responsible for ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic financial leadership and hands-on operational support.

This role will suit a qualified accountant who enjoys combining strategic oversight with practical involvement in the day-to-day realities of a small charity.

Please note that this is primarily an office-based role.

Key responsibilities

Finance & governance

• Lead on all aspects of financial management, reporting, and control
• Prepare management accounts, cashflow forecasts, budgets, and year-end statutory accounts
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements
• Work closely with the CEO and Treasurer and support the Board of Trustees with clear financial reporting and advice
• Oversee payroll, gift-aid and financial policies
• Work within our current Sage desktop system and support the transition to a cloud-based finance system, which is being implemented at the start of our new financial year (July 2026).

Operations

• Oversee operational systems and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance
• Support HR administration and organisational policies
• Manage risk, insurance, and regulatory requirements
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
• Be willing to engage in day-to-day operational matters as they arise

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ICAEW, or equivalent)
• Has proven experience in charity finance, including SORP and restricted funding
• Has experience working with trustees and senior leadership teams
• Is comfortable working both strategically and operationally
• Is hands-on, pragmatic, and solutions-focused
• Has excellent communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
• Is aligned with our mission and values

Experience in a small charity environment would be highly desirable.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a values-led organisation
• Senior leadership role with influence across the organisation
• Flexible working arrangements
• A collaborative and supportive working environment

Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the British Liver Trust  

Communications Team 

Building momentum, Changing lives 

The British Liver Trust is the UK’s leading charity supporting children and adults affected by liver disease and liver cancer. We advocate for improved prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care for all people affected by liver conditions across the UK. Liver disease is a public health emergency – it is the third leading cause of premature death in the UK, with deaths increasing by 400% over the past two generations. 

We believe that liver disease and liver cancer are at a tipping point. By taking bold action ourselves and with others, we will start to shift that balance and seize this moment. We are looking for an experienced policy officer to support us on this journey and to directly contribute to change.

This is an exciting time for the Trust as liver disease is increasingly being recognised as a priority by the NHS and we have recently launched our new organisation strategy.   

We are seeking a policy and public affairs professional to support existing work and support our advocacy with key stakeholders across the UK and to help improve outcomes and care for all liver disease patients.

The role  

• Run the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Liver Disease and Liver Cancer

• Support our policy development, including supporting our consultation responses

• Help secure parliamentary debates and speakers, and provide tailored and impactful briefings 

• Coordinate political outreach to grow our pool of supportive MPs 

• Monitor and horizon scanning 

• Represent the Trust at external meetings to amplify our profile and policy messaging

• Work closely with colleagues in the communications, outreach, roadshow and fundraising teams to ensure policy is embedded across the Trust’s work. 

The postholder will have the opportunity to influence change and improve outcomes and services for liver disease and liver cancer patients. 

Policy and Public Affairs Officer 

Salary £32,000 – £35,500 per annum  

Full time 35 hours per week  

Home-based with regular access to London and occasional visits to Winchester (HQ).  

We offer a range of benefits for our employees, including: 

• Life assurance 4x your salary starting from date of employment 

• 5% employer pension contribution, rising to 7.5% at 15 months and 10% at 27 months service (optional on contribution increase) 

• Holiday buy-back scheme (up to 3 days per annum) 

• 25 days paid annual leave (FTE) 

• BUPA health cash-back scheme; money back on everyday healthcare costs, 24/7 health advice line, employee assist programme, mental health support & wellbeing resources 

• Cycle-to-work scheme 

• Contractual sick pay offering up to five weeks’ full pay, dependant on length of service to support employee wellbeing 

• 3 days additional gifted leave between Christmas and New Year 

If you would like to apply for the role, please send:

• a covering letter explaining how your experience, skills and knowledge make you suitable for the role, with particular relevance to the Job Description

• an up-to-date CV, including two referees

Closing date: 5pm on Friday the 10th of April 

Interviews: to be held on Tuesday the 21st of April 

Please Note: You will not be eligible to apply unless you hold the L2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training and have worked for 5 years in cycle training. If you do not hold this qualification your application will automatically rejected. 

• Lead the Trust’s strategic development work supporting our 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.
• Drive innovation across the Bikeability programme — including training guidance, evidence-based pilots, and digital learning products.
• Use your expertise as a qualified cycle training instructor to shape improvements to national training delivery.
• Support research, evaluation and evidence generation to ensure the programme remains future-focused and impactful.
• Represent the Trust at national forums, government meetings, conferences, and sector events.
• Manage development budgets, oversee project governance, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ideal for someone with quality assurance experience, a strong background in qualification design and evaluation, and a proven track record of delivering innovative, high-impact projects.

We expect to hold interviews on either 10th or 13th April but we may do rolling interviews. 

Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Salary£49,321.55 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £49,321.55 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1095733

Join YMCA England & Wales as our next Senior Fundraising Manager (Major Giving) and play a crucial role in transforming the lives of young people. This is your chance to lead a vibrant fundraising initiative that makes a real difference!

About Us:

At YMCA England & Wales, we uplift vulnerable young people by providing them with safe homes, vital life skills, and the support they need to thrive. We’re all about fairness, opportunity, and collective action—join us in making a difference!

Your Role:

As our Senior Fundraising Manager, you’ll develop and execute an ambitious Major Giving strategy, building strong relationships with high-net-worth donors and engaging new prospects. Get ready to innovate with Giving Circles, Development Boards, and more!

What You'll Do:

- Cultivate and grow a portfolio of major donors.

- Host exclusive events and personal meetings to engage and inspire support.

- Create compelling proposals and impact reports that resonate with supporters.

- Collaborate with senior leaders and Trustees to strengthen relationships with philanthropists.

- Bring your strategic mindset to implement YMCA’s Major Giving Strategy.

About You:

You're a motivated and personable fundraising professional with a track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts. Your relationship management skills are top-notch, and you’re passionate about crafting unforgettable donor experiences. 

Why Join Us?

- Be part of a vibrant, growing fundraising team impacting young people's lives.

- Work for a charity that values collaboration and celebrates your contributions.

- Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

If you’re ready to make a real impact and promote a fun, friendly environment, we’d love to hear from you! Join us and help shape the future of young people across England & Wales!

To apply: please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

Health Professional Education and Engagement Manager

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

A key focus of our strategy is to reach and engage with as many people as possible, affected by and at risk of bowel cancer, by embedding our information and support services within NHS diagnostic, treatment and care pathways. As Health Professional Education and Engagement Manager you will play a central role in helping us achieve this. With a focus on developing networks in primary care and developing existing relationships with CNS’s and secondary care health professionals, you will work across the UK to understand the needs of these stakeholders and identify ways in which we can support them. You will lead the development of our health professional education programme, combining live education events with online learning modules.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about activism, campaigning, and collective organising to play a central role within our Democracy & Representation Team. The successful candidate will support and strengthen the delivery of officer-led campaigns and projects, working closely with our five elected Sabbatical Officers. You will help turn their ideas into meaningful change, from coordinating campaign activity and managing deadlines to ensuring officers have the tailored support they need. You will help connect work across the Students’ Union, contributing to campaigns on key issues such as liberation, student rights, fair representation, and intersectionality.

If you are motivated by supporting others, thinking creatively about campaign strategy, and contributing to impactful, student-led change, we would love to hear from you.

As a Wilder Learning Officer, you’ll help shape and deliver an inspiring programme of outdoor learning, training and engagement that connects people of all ages with nature across Sussex. You’ll coordinate and deliver high‑quality sessions to teachers and children across EYFS, Primary and Secondary phases, in-school and outdoor settings. You’ll deliver and assess our accredited Forest School and Wild Beach training programmes to adults; advise on school grounds improvement for nature; and champion the benefits of nature connection through a wide range of activities and events. Alongside hands‑on delivery, you’ll support in marking, evaluation and planning; contribute to income generation; and help ensure our schools and learning programmes are safe, inclusive and reflective of best practice. You’ll play a key role in communicating our work—engaging with teachers, families, volunteers and external partners, acting as a friendly, knowledgeable ambassador for Sussex Wildlife Trust.

This is a varied and practical role at the heart of our Wilder Learning team, empowering educators and wider school communities to connect with nature and take meaningful action for wildlife in Sussex.

A valid drivers’ licence is required for this role.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check