Research programme manager jobs

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’) As a result, the Spear Partner Fundraising Manager role requires raising funds for both churches and charitable trusts.

About the role

Spear is in an exciting time of growth, as we expand our work nationwide. You will play a pivotal role in equipping new and existing Church Partners to build sustainable, thriving Spear Centres that transform young people’s lives. 

With an annual fundraising target of £125k, you will combine strategic insight, relationship-building and hands-on application writing, as well fundraising advice to help Church Partners grow diverse and resilient fundraising streams. Working closely with Trustees, Church leaders and Spear’s Central teams, you will strengthen funding pipelines, unlock new opportunities and ensure partners are supported every step of the way. 

Key information

• Salary: £37,000
• Contract: Full time (4 days considered) permanent. Monday – Friday with some out of hours work needed for events such as Spear Celebration. Ad hoc regional travel required to deliver training and support to partner churches.
• Annual leave: 28 days annual leave (including Christmas gift days) plus bank holidays
• Closing date: (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment.
• Creative, self-motivated forward planner who exercises initiative, with the ability to prioritise workload, including working well under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive, high-quality fundraising applications
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with the ability to relate confidently to a range of stakeholders both, internally and externally
• Experience in fundraising, Trust and/or community fundraising desirable, with good working knowledge of other fundraising streams is desirable but not essential
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information 

We are an office-based organisation and value the collaboration and opportunities to work creatively and build community that this offers us, with staff spending time in the working week both at home and in the London office.

Are you an experienced fundraiser, skilled in crafting persuasive appeals and telling moving stories of impact and change? We have a fabulous opportunity for you to use your creative and organisational skills to make a difference to families in South London and East Surrey.

Our programmes include individual family support, domestic abuse recovery and a range of parenting and group work programmes to enable families to thrive.

The core of your role will be in generating funds from trusts, foundations and grant making trusts.

• Identify and research prospective funders aligned with Welcare’s priorities.
• Develop tailored, high-quality grant applications, expressions of interest, and monitoring reports.
• Manage a rolling pipeline of small, medium, and large grant opportunities.
• Lead on multi-year and restricted funding applications where appropriate.
• Ensure accurate tracking of deadlines and submissions using eTapestry (Blackbaud’s CRM/Supporter Management System)
• Work closely with CEO, Head of Practice and Business Manager to gather data, case studies, and outcomes.

• Translate impact data into compelling narratives aligned with funder priorities.
• Support development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen future bids.

Salary:  £41,771 FTE (pro-rata £25,062)

Fully remote working

Generous Annual Leave allowance

Longlisted candidates will be required to complete a full application form prior to interview.

Application closing date: 6 April 2026

Interview date: rolling interview

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Whittington with some flexibility for remote working

Hours

Full time (37.5 hours per week) with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

Annual salary

Starting from C1 £27,355.42 with the ability to progress to C3 £30,308

Last day to apply

29/03/2026

Reporting to the Individual Giving Manager, the postholder will help deliver an ambitious programme, driving the recruitment, development, and retention of supporters across appeals, campaigns, lottery, and regular giving to generate sustainable income and lasting impact.

Knowledge and experience

Essential

·Experience in data management

·Knowledge of effective campaign or project planning

·Experience of researching and developing content for fundraising

·Experience of creating communications for a variety of audiences and channels

·Experience of analysing campaign results and using insight to optimise future campaigns

·Experience of collaborative working with multiple internal and external partners to deliver projects

·Proven track record of working to and achieving targets

Desirable

·Managing direct marketing campaigns in a charity environment

Values

·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours

Skills

Essential

·Confidence using CRM systems

·Working to deadlines

·A creative thinker

·Data led

·Strong attention to detail

·Organised

·Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·Effective Diary management

Personal Attributes

·Empathetic

·Team player

·Able to work under pressure

·Collaborative

·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice

Other requirements

·Valid driving licence

·Eligibility to work in the UK

·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests

Just so you know:

This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.

If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.

African Revival is a small, passionate charity based in Surrey. For more than 20 years we have been dedicated to building schools and improving access to education for children in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education, as we believe education is the key to overcoming poverty. Since 2005, we have worked with over 300 primary and nursery schools in Uganda, South Sudan and (until recently) Zambia, to allow over 120,000 children to fulfil their potential. We don’t just provide infrastructure; we empower whole communities — pupils, teachers, and parents — to transform schools into thriving learning environments that build brighter, better futures.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Executive Director to lead and grow African Revival. This is an opportunity for a hands-on charity leader to strengthen our operations and governance, build sustainable income through fundraising and partnerships, and help expand our impact for children and communities.

Key responsibilities

• Governance & operations: ensure statutory and other reporting requirements are met in the UK and overseas; establish and maintain appropriate policies and procedures; manage day-to-day organisational administration; coordinate and attend Board and committee meetings and prepare papers.
• Leadership & stakeholder management: build and maintain close working relationships with UK and in-country staff, volunteers, trustees, donors and partners; champion a positive, inclusive culture. Help shape the charity’s strategic growth and long-term sustainability
• Finance oversight: uphold rigorous financial controls in partnership with the Finance Manager; support budgeting and forecasting (e.g., cashflow, movement in funds, in-country budgets); approve expenditure and monitor budget versus actuals, keeping the Treasurer and trustees appropriately informed.
• Fundraising & external relations: lead the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activity (including major events such as our annual Ball and Golf Day); research and submit applications to trusts and foundations; act as a public representative and ambassador for African Revival.
• Programme support & impact: work with UK and in-country teams to identify priorities, design and cost activities, and monitor progress and impact; strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning so we can evidence outcomes and continuously improve.
• Communications: oversee communications and reporting to donors and stakeholders, and support an engaging online presence across our website and social channels.

About you

Essential

• Senior leadership experience (in a charity, social enterprise, or non-profit organisation preferred but not essential).
• Proven ability to build and deliver fundraising activity (events, trusts & foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships).
• Strong operational and governance capability, including working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Sound financial oversight skills, with the ability to understand budgets, forecasts and financial controls.
• Excellent communication skills—able to represent African Revival credibly with donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, hands-on and comfortable working in a small team with competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and to creating an inclusive, respectful working environment.

Desirable

• Experience in international development and/or working with partners in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Experience strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL/MEAL) and using impact evidence to improve programmes.
• Confidence using digital tools (including CRM, Microsoft 365 and social media) and interest in using AI responsibly to improve productivity.
• Willingness to undertake occasional overseas travel for monitoring and donor engagement.

This role offers the chance to play a leading part in creating educational opportunities for children who need them most—working with a committed Board, a dedicated UK team and experienced in-country colleagues.

African Revival is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities. Applicants must be resident and have Right to Work in the UK.

Our client is a global eye care charity working to end avoidable blindness. Of the 1.1 billion people worldwide living with vision loss, around 90% have conditions that are preventable or treatable. Through specialist training, innovative programmes and initiatives such as the Flying Eye Hospital and the digital platform Cybersight, the organisation is helping strengthen eye care systems around the world. In 2024, the organisation raised £5.1m to support projects across eight countries and is aiming to grow this to £10m annually over the next five years.

Trusts and Foundations Manager
Permanent | Full time
Hybrid – 2 days a week in London (near Charing Cross)
£39,766 per annum

This role sits within the Trusts & Foundations team in the Relationships & Partnerships division and focuses on researching new funding opportunities of £50K+, securing new funders and managing high-value grants. You will build and manage relationships with new and existing funders, develop compelling funding applications and reports, and oversee grant management and compliance. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation and with International teams, you will play an important role in delivering ambitious income growth.

You will have a strong track record of prospect research and of securing significant trust and foundation income in the UK and/or Europe, with experience managing funding  applications from concept stage  through to stewardship. You will be an excellent communicator, confident relationship builder and highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering against ambitious income targets.

The organisation offers a competitive benefits package including 25 days annual leave (increasing with service), employer pension contributions up to 10%, flexible working, life assurance and employee wellbeing support. Full details are available on their website.

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting the organisation and is committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive process for all candidates. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Prospectus will review applications in the first instance and share candidate details with the organisation on an anonymised basis to help ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process.

The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black and ethnically diverse candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals and candidates with disabilities.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and criminal records checks. The organisation is also a member of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS). All applicants will need to provide proof of their legal right to live and work in the UK.

If you meet some of the criteria but not all we would still encourage you to get in touch. Prospectus can help you better understand the role and guide you through the application process. Please reach out to Jessica Stoddart.

Policy Officer

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 Sumnmary for Policy Officer 

We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Policy and Influencing team. You will build on your policy experience, responding to and shaping policy to ensure it drives real change for people affected by bowel cancer. You will turn complex issues into clear, actionable insight for colleagues, partners, and decision-makers, and contribute to evidence-informed positions that support the charity in influencing health policy. You will also lead on your own policy areas and work closely with our bowel cancer community to ensure their experiences inform and shape our work.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• We welcome applicants from a broad range of experience and background, specifically spanning policy, science or health
• Some direct experience of working on policy issues in health, or a relevant sector, and a willingness to develop these skills further, alongside an interest in those issues affecting bowel cancer patients.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Good verbal, written communications and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt style to different audiences. Including the ability to explain information clearly and encourage colleagues to understand different points of view
• Proven ability of strong analytical and research skills to identify and solve a range of problems
• Good interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills
• Understanding of the health policy and political environment
• Excellent organisational, time and project management skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines on defined work areas
• Proven ability to support the day-to-day management of specified projects, proving some technical input in the project planning stage.
• Knowledge of the health service and health service policy issues. Awareness of cancer issues and bowel cancer in particular is desirable

Please refer to the Job Description for further details. 

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.

Senior Policy Adviser

- Based at: CARE, 53 Romney Street, London, SW1P 3RF (option of a hybrid working)

- Salary: £38,000 - £43,000pa dependent on experience

- Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week NB. Part-time applications (minimum of three days per week) for this role will be considered.

- Contract type: Permanent

Do you long to see biblical principles informing and shaping public policy solutions to some of the deepest challenges our nation is facing? Do you have experience of engaging with parliament?

We are looking for a new Senior Policy Adviser to join our team at CARE. For 40 years and more, CARE’s Policy Team has worked with parliamentarians to inspire legislation that is good and godly, valuing human life and dignity as infinitely precious. Most recently, though our work on the Online Safety Act, we have helped to protect children and young people from online harm and through the current Crime & Policing Bill, to protect women and girls from the destructive impact of porn.

Our vision is to see politics renewed and lives transformed and we do this by telling God’s better story to a broken world. There are three core activities at CARE:

1. Equipping politicians through a relational approach where we provide well researched briefings and advice.
2. Engaging the church by producing relevant resources on a wide range of topics to serve church leaders and congregations.
3. Empowering future leaders through our highly regarded Leadership Programme.

About the Role

The role majors on enhancing CARE’s policy work and reputation in the public square. This will be achieved through proactive engagement with the UK’s Parliaments, equipping and informing CARE’s supporters, the church and wider public.

Our Senior Policy Adviser will be part of developing, advocating and leading on the formation and pursuit of policy in line with CARE’s objectives and strategy.

The post holder will be responsible, under the Senior Policy Manager, for helping to further CARE’s policy and public affairs objectives in a variety of ways.

The Team You Will Join

You will join a team dedicated to the issues we champion and to each other as we pursue excellence in our work.

We have expertise in addressing the harms associated with gambling and commercial sexual exploitation, in advocating for life affirming policies and in defending the innocent and vulnerable. To that, we have a long history of championing policy which strengthens the family.

This is an exciting time to join CARE as we strategise around new policy interests and opportunities, and a new colleague will be key to that. You will be a highly valued team member, get to share and develop your skills and build new relationships.

What You Will Bring

We seek a new colleague with experience, so this will probably be your second or third role in this field.

We have long established causes and concerns, but we are also looking at the policy horizon, so you’ll be innovative and creative too.

Above all, you will be passionate about the relevance of God’s word for the politics and culture of today.

How to apply

To apply, please click the link below to visit our website. 

There is a genuine occupational requirement for this role to be filled by a Christian – see CARE’s statement of faith.

The deadline for applicants is by 12.00p.m on Tuesday 7th April.

Shortlisted candidates will be advised by Friday 10th April
First Interviews: Monday 20th April
Final Interview: Friday 24th April

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with The Urology Foundation to recruit to a brand new Director of Philanthropy role, leading on an exciting new campaign and driving growth of income from HWNI supporters.

Director of Philanthropy
Salary - £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience
Location: London (hybrid working)

Over the past few years, The Urology Foundation has experienced an exciting period of growth, enabling them to strategically broaden their research portfolio and focus on driving greater impact. 

In 2024, they launched a bold new research strategy, co-created with a brilliant and diverse group of researchers. To fuel this vision, the charity are launching a £5m major appeal (with a significant proportion of this already committed) and as such, require a Director of Philanthropy to strategically lead and engage a newly established Development Board to maximise network opportunities and secure significant gifts from HNWI supporters. 

As Director of Philanthropy you will lead, shape and accelerate this appeal with a long-term vision of building a sustainable major giving function for the organisation. The Urology Foundation is a small organisation with big ambitions and a powerful team behind it to enable the success of the appeal - they're looking for a skilled philanthropy fundraiser who is energised by uncovering networks, strategising for the long term and eager to build committed relationships. 

You may already be a Director of Philanthropy, or a Deputy looking for your first senior step. Either way, you'll be relationship led and driven to spot opportunities, building trust with senior clinicians, board members and high value supporters. A background in health/medical research is certainly desirable but isn't essential - what matters more is that you understand how to navigate networks, work with major donor prospects and turn conversations into commitments. 

As Director of Philanthropy you will:

• Provide strategic direction and hands-on support to secure major gifts, collaborating closely with internal colleagues and senior stakeholders (including the CEO, Development Board and senior clinicians) to maximise network opportunities.
• Take ownership of the new appeal, driving strategy, momentum and donor engagement to develop a strong pipeline of new prospects and leads. 
• Oversee the creation of new cases for support, briefings and donor resources to ensure the organisational narrative remains compelling and evidence-driven. 
• Personally establish and manage a portfolio of HNWI supporters, ensuring tailored cultivation plans and stewardship. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to produce compelling fundraising assets that elevate the profile of the organisation and encourage high-value support. 
• With the support of the Events Manager, establish and co-ordinate a variety of events to support the appeal, engaging with HNW prospects and supporters. 

The role would best suit:

• A senior philanthropy fundraiser, with proven success in establishing pipelines of HNWI supporters and securing major gifts. 
• An individual with experience of campaign fundraising/working closely with senior volunteers/trustees and senior stakeholders to establish new network opportunities. 
• A strategic thinker with the ability to create long-term engagement plans that consider opportunities for support beyond the immediate appeal. 
• Someone who is happy to be both strategic and hands-on - you'll be comfortable with strategically shaping propositions and guiding senior leadership with HNWI engagements, but equally happy to meet prospects and handle day-to-day stewardship of your own portfolio. 

Please get in touch as soon as possible to express an initial interest, the deadline for applications (CV and Application Questions) is Thursday 9th April with first stage interviews scheduled to take place virtually on Wednesday 15th April.  

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Our Organisation

Womankind Worldwide is a global women's rights organisation working in partnership with women's rights movements and organisations to transform the lives of women and girls. We strengthen and support women's movements in our focus countries in Africa and Asia, and take collective action at regional and global levels, to ensure women's voices are heard, their rights are realised, and their lives are free from violence.

Currently, Womankind has staff based in Kenya and the UK. This position can be co-located in Kenya or the UK. You must have the right to work in either Kenya or the UK to apply for this role, in line with the laws and regulations of these countries.

Role Purpose

The Fundraising & Marketing team's purpose is to advocate for and raise flexible and unrestricted funding to enable Womankind to deliver it's 2030 organisational strategy.

This post will support the growth of trusts and foundations income by carrying out prospect research, preparing proposals and reports for small and medium-sized donors, and cultivating and stewarding new and existing donor relationships to secure long-term income for Womankind.

Areas of responsibilities:

• Prospect research – Co-ordinate the prospect research requirements for trusts and foundations, working closely with the Philanthropy Manager – Foundations, produce clear and relevant donor profiles and where relevant, make recommendations for donor cultivation and development

• Proposal and report development - Produce and send high quality, engaging and relevant applications and reports to trusts and foundations and develop and maintain efficient ways of keeping existing and prospective donors up to date and engaged on the work of Womankind.

• Donor relationship management - Establish and manage long term, effective and values-aligned relationships with existing and prospective trust and foundation donors by providing excellent donor and supporter care. Maintain prompt and personalised thanking to donors.

• Event management support - Work with the Philanthropy Manager – Foundations and Philanthropy Manager – Corporate Partnerships to coordinate a range of cultivation and engagement events for key donors including researching venues, co-ordinating invitation process and guest list management, liaising with relevant staff and post-event follow up.

Key relationships and collaboration:

• Internally: fundraising, grant making and feminist partnerships, communications, policy and advocacy and finance and resources

• Externally: Trusts and foundations, other donors, sector allies

Person Specification

Essential Experience:

• Minimum of two years experience in a fundraising role, with a focus on relationship-based fundraising, ideally trusts and foundations

• Experience and a proven track record of growing income from trusts and foundations

• Demonstrable experience of prospect research

• Proven ability to write compelling proposals and reports communicating complex project information to donors

• Proven ability to form good working relationships with colleagues across the organisation

• Proven experience using a fundraising database (ideally Beacon) to maintain accurate donor records, manage invitation guest lists for events, and extract data for donor reporting and prospect tracking

• Experience of fundraising for a UK based organisation

Essential Travel requirements: the role requires a willingness for occasional overseas travel. This may involve an overnight stay.

Desirable:

• An understanding of fundraising from corporate or major donors

• Experience of growing unrestricted income

• Experience fundraising for an intermediary funder or sub-granting programme

• Experience of organising donor events

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong presentation and communications skills with the confidence to deal with a range of stakeholders

• Understanding ethical fundraising principles and performing initial due diligence checks

• Highly organised approach with meticulous attention to detail

• A good understanding of relationship-based fundraising

• A good knowledge of the funding environment in the women's rights sector

Values and Behaviours

The ideal candidate must be committed to the mission, vision, values and aims of Womankind Worldwide as it works towards a feminist workplace which is fit for the future and o supports our staff equitably across our locations.

All posts are expected to contribute towards developing a supportive working environment, to demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, professionalism and respect, transparency and accountability and to uphold quality standards as outlined in policies and procedures, and in compliance with Womankind Worldwide's Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy.

Application timelines

Closing date for applications is the 23rd April 2026, we may close for applications early depending on the number of applicants.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 4th May 2026.

The Big Chalk Partnership is made up of more than 150 organisations with a common vision of creating nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us. 

This relies on an expansion in the scale, pace and impact of nature recovery activities across southern England, benefiting globally important habitats and species and delivering ecosystem services including natural beauty, clean water, healthy soils and our own wellbeing.

The Protected Landscapes Partnership and Defra are supporting our Partnership to catalyse progress towards the UK’s nature commitments across these special landscapes. The Nature Recovery Fund Manager will co-manage a significant grants fund on behalf of Big Chalk’s Partnership Board. 

The Big Chalk programme is hosted by the National Landscapes Association. The National Landscapes Association represents and supports the UK’s National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Association is a charity and non-profit membership organisation. The team advocates, communicates and fosters collaborative action which supports the UK’s network of National Landscapes to be as effective as possible. We champion the interests of National Landscapes with governments and coordinate the delivery of national projects.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds – the most important thing is that you are motivated to work collaboratively and effectively with Big Chalk’s partners to help ensure our grant-making benefits nature to the greatest extent possible.

With significant experience of grant making and donor reporting in the environmental or social sectors, you’ll bring a collaborative mindset and be skilled at quickly building positive working relationships with new colleagues, our partners, our funders and other stakeholders. 

You’ll have applied experience of working across the grant-making lifecycle, and possess excellent analytical skills, able to identify, summarise and communicate key issues and risks. 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, then we’d love to hear from you.

About this role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead our fundraising and partnership development activities, supporting the diversification and growth of income across both established and emerging streams. While the role will place significant emphasis on corporate fundraising, it will also involve the strategic development of grants and trusts. You will develop strong relationships with funders, identify new opportunities, and support our members to build their own grassroots fundraising capabilities.

Working closely with both colleagues and members, you'll help shape our funding strategy, develop high quality proposals, and ensure we have the systems and insight needed for sustainable growth. Your contributions will enable us to expand our work to engage and empower communities across Britain. 

In addition, you will help shape the guidance we provide to members of the community rail movement, strengthening their grassroots fundraising capabilities and approaches.

Main responsibilities

• Manage and grow corporate relationships for the benefit of Community Rail Network and its members, nurturing effective, lasting relationships that help community rail to deliver on its aims around community development, sustainable travel, and inclusion.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new corporate supporters and relevant grant opportunities, taking a proactive approach to cultivating new leads, building networks and flagging upcoming opportunities well in advance to ensure sufficient preparation time.
• Engage, listen and pitch to funders, understanding shared priorities, articulating the value of partnering with us, and securing continued or increased support. 
• Work cross-team to create strong proposals, using member and partner insights to identify funding needs and opportunities, and develop compelling cases for support and budgets.
• Develop joint grant applications by collaborating with colleagues, members and external partners to create bids aligned with our strategic aims and which recognise our current strengths, resources and prioritie
• Support strategic funding development, working closely with the senior leadership team to shape our approach and deliver against funding objectives and ensure it is understood by colleagues.
• Champion a positive fundraising culture and ethos, providing expertise and contributing member support, training, and events across the community rail movement.
• Contribute to wider organisational activity, including using major events and campaigns, such as the Community Rail Awards, to advance fundraising efforts.
• Develop and maintain effective fundraising systems, including funder reporting, review processes, and tracking KPIs to monitor progress and impact.

Skills, competencies and experience

1. Proven skills and experience in third sector fundraising, including corporate fundraising, grant management and funder reporting, with a broad understanding of the full fundraising mix and ability to spot new opportunities.
2. A demonstrable proactive approach to relationship building, with experience engaging and stewarding funders to create long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.
3. Strong proposal/grant application and report writing skills, able to tailor communication for different audiences and stakeholders to maximise clarity, relevance and impact.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to gather insight and inspire engagement both internally and externally.
5. Strong organisational and time management skills, able to balance multiple and competing  priorities and meet deadlines effectively. 
6. Experience of, or demonstrable understanding of, membership organisations, including the ability to balance member needs with our organisational objectives.
7. Appreciation of and commitment to community development, empowerment and sustainability, and the value of community engagement in relation to transport.
8. Solid understanding of KPIs, targets, budgeting, and risk management, with the ability to plan, track and evaluate performance effectively.
9. A proactive, positive and self-motivated mindset, able to work independently, collaborate well, and inspire confidence in others.
10. IT literate, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, TEAMs, the internet and social media.

Other information

This post is home-based, but with travel (including occasional overnight stays) for team meetings, events, member engagement, and external meetings. This is a permanent position and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 3%; flexi-time working (core hours 10am-3pm); access to Employee Assistance Programme. 

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Donor Relations Manager

Department: Proposition Dev & Supporter Engagement
Grade and Salary: £45,031 - £48,607 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 142025

About Us

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare.  Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.

​We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations.

​We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world we live in. 

More on King’s College London

​King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place.  Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas:  

• ​Educating the next generation of change-makers; 

• ​Challenging ideas and driving change through research; 

• ​Giving back to society through meaningful service; 

• ​Working with our local communities in London; 

• ​Fostering global citizens with an international perspective.  ​

About the role

This role will shape how King’s builds trust, celebrates generosity, and strengthens long term donor relationships. The Donor Relations Manager (maternity cover) will lead the creation and delivery of high quality stewardship for some of the university’s most impactful supporters.

Reporting into the Head of Donor Relations, the role oversees the project management of more than 120 bespoke donor reports each year - compelling, insight rich updates that show donors the real difference their gift has made across King’s, from pioneering research into personalised cancer treatments and young people’s mental health to innovative programmes in AI and Law and sustainability. Working closely with fundraisers and our Advancement Writing team, the post-holder will ensure every report is delivered on time, to an exceptional standard, and with opportunities to introduce more personalised, creative stewardship along the way.

The post holder will partner with fundraisers to design tailored stewardship plans for major and principal gift donors, including those giving £5m+. This includes impact reporting, naming and recognition, and bespoke engagement projects that help donors feel valued, connected, and confident in their support of King’s.

Strong project management skills, excellent writing and organisational abilities, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to juggle deadlines with confidence and initiative are key to this role, as are creativity, curiosity, and a passion for crafting meaningful donor experiences.

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week) and is a fixed term contract for the year of maternity cover. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% of time in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates with the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

· Understanding of one or more of: UK Charity sector/Higher Education and donor relations/stewardship

· Project management skills and strong editorial, copy writing and proof-reading skills

· Insight driven – ability to think about what is and isn’t working, see new innovations in the sector and take on feedback from fundraising colleagues and our donor community

· Ability to meet deadlines, work well under pressure and deliver projects to budget

· Strong relationship management and people focused skills with proven experience in collaboration across teams to achieve shared goals

Desirable criteria

· Adobe InDesign software experience

· Experience of using Microsoft Dynamics or similar customer/donor data base and associated processes and systems

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role. 

We offer the opportunity of an “Ask Us Anything” Teams call on Thursday 9th April 2026, 12 – 12:45. During this call you will be able to ask any questions you might have about the role, the selection process, our department, our core values and work culture, our current hybrid work policy, or simply listen to others’ questions. 

​This roles with have two interview stages, a standard skills-based interview followed (for up to two appointable candidates) by a Core Values interview. 

 Close Date: 12-Apr-2026

​First stage interviews are likely to be held on w/c 20th April 2026.

Core Values interviews are due to be held on w/c 27th April 2026.

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.

About Us

I Choose Freedom provides safe refuge, advocacy and specialist support to adult and child survivors of domestic abuse across East and West Surrey. Each year, we support around 250 survivors to rebuild their lives and find lasting safety.

The Role

We’re looking for an ambitious, relationship-driven Community Fundraiser to help grow our sustainable income and ensure survivors can access lifesaving refuge.

As part of a small, close-knit fundraising team, you’ll develop and deliver a vibrant programme of community and events fundraising. From challenge events and matched-funding campaigns to seasonal appeals, you’ll play a central role in engaging supporters, generating income and shaping future fundraising activity.

Key Responsibilities

Income Generation & Strategy

• Develop and deliver an annual community fundraising plan
• Generate income from individuals, community groups, schools, faith groups and local businesses
• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities
• Manage and report on income targets
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to align with wider fundraising strategy

Campaigns and Events

• Lead community campaigns and appeals (e.g. challenge events, seasonal campaigns)
• Develop new fundraising initiatives to diversify income
• Support the planning and delivery of events
• Coordinate community engagement and corporate volunteering activities

Supporter Engagement

• Build and manage strong relationships with supporters
• Deliver engaging talks and presentations to inspire fundraising
• Create compelling fundraising materials and communications
• Ensure excellent supporter stewardship, including thank-you and impact reporting
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with fundraising regulations

About You

You’ll have at least 1–2 years’ experience in fundraising, community engagement or a similar role and be ready to take the next step in your career.

You will bring:

• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Confidence in communicating with a wide range of audiences
• Experience working towards and achieving targets
• Excellent organisation and time management
• The ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach

You’ll also have a genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Additional Information

• Full driving licence and access to a car is essential (travel across Surrey required)
• Some evening and weekend work will be required (time off in lieu provided)

Please note:

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

The locations of the refuges cannot be disclosed at this stage for confidentiality reasons however the role will be hybrid with in-office days based across East Surrey and West Surrey.