Senior fundraising events executive jobs

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Philanthropy Manager to work as part of our Fundraising Team.

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

The Fundraising team is a dynamic group of fundraisers who are passionately committed to raising money for our life-changing work in the mental health and mental illness space. We have a diverse portfolio of income streams spanning Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, In-Memoriam, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Partnerships.

As a newly established programme, Philanthropy demonstrates exciting potential for both Rethink and MHUK, with initiatives spanning major donor and mid-value engagement. Trusts & Grants have a strong track record at Rethink Mental Illness and a growing portfolio of supporters at Mental Health UK. The team is well-positioned to develop innovative funding propositions that support the future ambitions of both charities, working to achieve both in-year cornerstone grants and long-term, transformational funding. Corporate Partnerships have launched several exciting partnerships across both charities and the portfolio and team continues to grow.

How you will make a difference

Are you an excellent relationship manager looking for a new and exciting challenge? We are looking for an ambitious individual, who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of people affected by mental illness to join our small, growing Philanthropy team.

Philanthropy is developing income stream for Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK. This role will support the Interim Head Trusts and Philanthropy to lay the foundations for the future of high value giving for both charities, helping carve out relationships and ideas that form the basis of our transformational giving. It’s an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship builder who is inspired by the prospect of building a high impact philanthropy programme.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Z2K is a small but fearless anti-poverty charity. We combine frontline advice with bold influencing to tackle the systems that drive poverty - and we’re recruiting our first Major Donor & Corporate Lead.

You’ll lead on building and delivering our strategy for major donors and corporates, cultivating long-term partnerships rooted in shared values. Working closely with our Chief Executive, senior leadership team and trustees on major donor and corporate fundraising, and with our Communications Lead on fundraising communications and campaigns, you’ll shape compelling approaches to inspire support. You’ll also line manage our Fundraising Officer (grant funding & events), helping diversify Z2K’s income to change lives and challenge injustice. This is a hands-on role with plenty of scope to shape your approach. You’ll lead on identifying new prospects, crafting compelling proposals, and making the case for support to a wide range of external audiences. 

You’re a strategic relationship-builder who thrives on finding and forging connections that deliver lasting impact. You bring a track record of securing income from major donors and corporates, whether in the charity sector as through a business development function in the private sector. You know that successful fundraising starts with research, curiosity, and consistent cultivation. You’re confident identifying new prospects, opening doors, and developing tailored approaches that speak to both hearts and minds.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, values-led team, and your work will directly contribute to our ability to improve lives and push for systemic change.

You will benefit from 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, enhanced sick and parental leave, matched pension up to 5%, income protection, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Overview

At Operation Smile UK, we work with global colleagues to improve the lives of those living with cleft conditions around the world – by providing surgery and comprehensive care services to patients and strengthening health care systems in the countries where we work. Operation Smile UK’s Partnerships Team works to maximise high-potential income channels such as corporate partnerships, major donors and trusts and foundations. The Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer will play a key role in the team securing critical income from global and national corporate partners and from our network of committed community fundraisers.

We are looking for a candidate who thrives on building relationships – with partners and with colleagues in the UK and around the world. You will be a brilliant communicator, someone who can juggle multiple priorities and inspire people to believe in our story. Ideally, you will have at least a year’s experience in a relationship management role (in a commercial or fundraising setting), and a particular interest in international development. In return, you will be part of an ambitious and high-performing team, working with national and global corporate partners, gaining international programme exposure and being given the opportunity to take responsibility from the outset. 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Fundraising

· Take the lead on managing a portfolio of small and medium corporate partners - taking responsibility for all aspects of these partnerships, including communication, staff activities, events, reporting, income collection and acknowledgements

· Provide support to the Senior P&P Manager in activities relating to OSUK’s global corporate partners through managing employee-led activities across the portfolio.

· To manage and develop new initiatives for employee engagement and community participants

· Support on new business acquisition, specifically in creating new avenues for income generation through existing partnerships.

· Responsible for managing inbound enquiries relating to corporate partnerships

· Lead on producing corporate-related social media and communications content

· Maintain orderly upkeep of all relevant records and databases

Community Fundraising

· Lead on the handling of all inbound community fundraising correspondence, including donations received, merchandise and speaking requests

· Develop a strong understanding of fundraising platforms such as Just Giving and Enthuse, maintaining their upkeep and reconciliation with Operation Smile's financial and reporting systems

Additional Responsibilities

· Expand your understanding of Operation Smile’s programmatic work globally, of cleft lip and palate conditions, health system strengthening and the global surgery sector

· Support other areas of the Partnership Team’s work, including events.

Recruitment

We are actively interviewing for this role on a rolling basis as suitable applicants apply. If you're interested in this role, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Your cover letter should explain your experience in relationship management and why you you would be a good fit for this role. Applications which do not cover this will not be considered. 

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Join Operation Smile UK as our new Communications & Content Officer, where you’ll craft powerful stories that elevate our mission, spark fundraising, and shape our brand across digital and print channels. If you’re passionate about storytelling, campaign coordination, and making a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Purpose

The Communications and Content Officer supports the delivery of engaging and effective communications across Operation Smile UK’s channels. The postholder will create and coordinate content that raises awareness, supports fundraising, and strengthens the organisation’s profile in the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Content creation and content management

• Working with the Senior Communications Manager, research, draft, and edit compelling content for the UK website, newsletters, and print materials.
• Support the reimagining of existing content to ensure messaging is fresh, relevant, and audience-led.
• Collate and maintain a library of case studies, stories, and assets for use across teams.
• Ensure brand voice and tone are consistently applied across all communications.

Digital and organic social media

• Develop and maintain a social media content calendar which supports our Communications Strategy and liaise with our Social Media Freelancer to plan and approve posts.
• Contribute to the delivery of multi-channel campaigns, liaising with internal stakeholders and suppliers to create assets and meet deadlines.
• Assist with monitoring and reporting on content performance, identifying opportunities for growth and engagement.

Campaign coordination

• Support the planning and scheduling of communications campaigns like World Smile Day and advertising events like our annual carols concert.
• Manage feedback processes to ensure the timely delivery of content and materials.
• Act as the first point of contact for all content requests from across the organisation.

Administration and finance

• Collate quotes for expenditure and liaise with suppliers as required.
• Track invoices, ensuring coding is accurate and amounts match agreed quotes.
• Maintain organised systems for content workflows, approvals, and campaign schedules.

Monitoring and evaluation

• Gather engagement and performance metrics from all channels.
• Provide regular reports to the Senior Communications Manager.
• Suggest improvements to optimise performance and impact.

Recruitment

We are actively interviewing for this role on a rolling basis as suitable applicants apply. If you're interested in this role, it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity of a busy and ambitious orchestra. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities. 

As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records. 

This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research. 

This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Pipeline Development:

• Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts

• Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events

• Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects

• Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement

• Implement improvements to pipeline management process 

• Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation

CRM, Data and Insights:

• Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records

• Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition

• Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting

• Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events

Department Operations:

• Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications

• Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations. 

• With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits

• Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.

• Reporting and Administration:

• Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department

• Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting

• Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements

• Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required

• Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Understanding of different fundraising income streams and the donor cultivation cycle

• Experience of philanthropic prospect research and data analysis

• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding and experience of using a CRM database (Tessitura is an advantage)

• Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including HMRC Guidelines, Gift Aid, GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator)

• Experience in handling financial and transactional data, and producing financial reports

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities

• High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Interest in and appreciation of the arts

Desirable:

• Experience in a similar role within a fundraising team from the arts and cultural sector

• Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work; understanding the opportunities and challenges in the orchestral sector – including as this relates to funding opportunities

• Experience in major fundraising campaigns

Overall purpose of the role

To lead the development of a regular giving and legacy programme at the AHF, and to support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO in development and management of a major gifts programme during the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with possibility for continued role thereafter. The post holder will be responsible for developing systems to monitor and increase the number of regular and legacy donors to the AHF, including stewardship opportunities, and will assist in prospect research, qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors.

2 Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO on development and delivery of the anniversary programme of activities, with particular focus on research to identify potential invitees to and engaging attendees at and after campaign launch and closure events, exhibition launches in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and London, and an industry-facing conference in London.
    
2. Develop and manage a legacy programme for the AHF including stewardship activities; develop and manage a personal portfolio of legacy donors, including making asks of existing regular supporters to consider legacies and development and drafting of legacy proposals and contracts.
    
3. Develop and manage a programme of higher-level regular giving (over £500 per annum), including stewardship activities and making asks of regular supporters to increase their giving.
    
4. Support the Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO, and CEO, with identification and management of a growing portfolio of major gift prospects, including supporting major gifts asks and helping Director of Programmes/Deputy CEO and CEO with ongoing cultivation and stewardship of major donors.
    
5. Lead on managing the AHF’s donor database, Beacon, ensuring the data is up to date with giving from Charities Aid Foundation and other external gifts, that fundraising activity is appropriately recorded on the database, and that our records are fully compliant with data protection legislation.
    
6. Work closely with the Communications Office and consultants supporting the AHF’s 50th Anniversary campaign, with an eye on developing and maximising opportunities to introduce the AHF to new potential supporters and to bolster our key messaging with those already known to us. As part of this work, sit as Secretary of the AHF Communications and Anniversary subcommittee of our Board.
    
7. Develop and maintain a reporting structure to keep AHF SMT and Board up to date with fundraising activity and opportunities.
    
8. Responsible for maintaining the AHF’s log relating to Donor Due Diligence and assisting the Director of Programmes & Deputy CEO with maintaining appropriate policies related to fundraising, including those associated with donor due diligence.
    
9. Contribute to the development and delivery of new ways of working at the AHF that will see our organisation build and maintain greater philanthropic fundraising success, including bringing examples of best practice from other charities. Assist with other tasks and activities as required, particularly those activities and processes that support the wider engagement of potential supporters with the AHF’s work.

3 Person specification

Essential

• At least five years of experience in fundraising at a charity or educational institution, including at least three years of front-line engagement with supporters;
• Knowledgeable about the processes and legislation surrounding UK fundraising, including data protection and
• A pro-active leader, with demonstrably excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, and both verbal and written communication skills;
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and target-orientated; able to work effectively on own initiative, set appropriate priorities, delegate where appropriate and meet deadlines;
• A confident and engaging presenter and speaker;
• Demonstrable ability in problem solving in response to challenges posed;
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and a track record of collaborative work with external partners;
• Demonstrable interest in and commitment to the AHF’s mission – to help deliver a sustainable future for historic buildings throughout the UK through community enterprise;
• Strong numeric and financial skills; and
• A commitment to achieving beneficial social outcomes through heritage.

Desirable

• Experience working in a heritage-related charity.
• Experience building or managing legacy programmes.

Job Title: Senior Programme Manager
Closing date: 26th September 2025 17.00 GMT
Interviews: 3rd October 2025
Reports to: Ubele Founder/ CEO
Location: Min 2 days per week based in North London office, remote working available for max 3 days a week
Pay: £60,000- £63,000 full time, gross per annum
Type of Contract: One-year fixed term contract
Annual Leave Entitlement: 28 days’ annual leave, including UK bank holidays.
Pension: 3% employer pension contribution on eligible earnings.

About The Role  

The purpose of this role is to have overall responsibility for The Phoenix Way (TPW) Programme across the London, South and East regions and delegating day to day management South and East Regions to a dedicated Programme Manager. The role includes:

Strategic oversight of and accountability for the London, South and East regions of The Phoenix Way the creation of sustainable Black and racially minoritised communities and community-led organisations across three separate regions, with an in-depth focus on Greater London by ensuring there is an equitable stake in decisions relating to funding processes, priorities, funding allocations and beyond.
Collaborating with funders, statutory bodies, community organisations and voluntary sector, and other stakeholders committed to the development of an equitable future.
Actively supporting all funding bodies to seek change for diverse communities and deliver significant improvements in their organisation’s cultures, strategies, competences, and capabilities.
Helping funding bodies to adopt equitable policies and practises based on the evidence and learning garnered from the community organisations that receive funding and support from TPW. 

We couldn’t do the work that we do across the county without the incredible support from our members and supporters. Do you have the desire to help us inspire more people to support our work through donations and membership? Do you want to be part of a fantastically passionate team working hard to nurture individual relationships with our members and supporters and provide regular opportunities for them to visit us, meet us and see and hear about our amazing work?

We are the county’s leading local charity working towards a county rich in wildlife and managing over 3,000 acres of land for wildlife and people across Worcestershire. We work with organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county.

The organisation is currently supported by around 23,000 members and supporters, which is around one in 25 residents in Worcestershire. To date we have successfully recruited members through our membership recruiters, with others coming direct to us through our website or by visiting us at Lower Smite Farm. We need to continue to grow our membership supporter base and we need someone with the fundraising experience to help lead this growth and introduce innovative suggestions throughout the supporter journey and experience to strengthen recruitment and improve our retention and ultimately increase our income generation.

The role will focus on progressing our work around the supporter journey, ensuring that we reach as many potential supporters as possible and enable them to understand our work and feel motivated to support the organisation. Growing our prospect pool and educating these prospects to inspire them to become long-term supporters of our work is essential to the ongoing success of the organisation.

We’re Wild About Inclusion.  To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better.  It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

A full driving licence is essential. This is full time, permanent position. This role will be subject to reference checks and a DBS enhanced check with child barred list.

Four Greens Community Trust is all about helping people and changing lives in the North of Plymouth. We are looking for an innovative and inspirational CEO to lead the team into even more new and exciting chapters in the story of our growth. You will be part of a dedicated, versatile and hardworking group of staff and volunteers and part of a community which cares for each other.

We are looking for somebody who has exceptional community leadership and communication skills, who has confidence in leading capital projects and working in partnership with health and wellbeing organisations. You will have proven experience in strategic leadership, income generation and organisational development.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all, regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

For more information and an application form, please take a look at our recruitment pack.

Bexley Deaf Centre (BDC) is a small and dynamic, well-established charity which has been serving the borough since 1994. Our work is focussed exclusively on supporting people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. We work to raise awareness, break down barriers and promote understanding within the community.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation; we are about to launch an ambitious new 5-year strategy and are actively expanding and developing the support and services that we provide. 

We are looking for a dynamic and driven Business Development Manager who can spearhead our fundraising initiatives, lead the development of new projects and support organisational change to facilitate the growth of our services.

You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation to maximise the positive impact that we have on our client’s lives.  Starting with a strong foundation to build upon, you will lead on fundraising activities and service development to support our exciting new strategy.

The role will include:

· Develop and implement fundraising strategies to enable us to diversify our funding and become more sustainable

· Identify and evaluate opportunities for new projects, leading on the development of proposals, timelines and budgets

· Work closely with the senior leadership team to identify areas for growth and increasing capacity

· Support the growth of the organisation and change required to deliver our fundraising strategy 

Experience of working with Deaf people or knowledge of the Deaf community would be an advantage but not essential.

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) is looking for a new Director to lead our national network and champion rural arts across the UK. We’re seeking an inspiring leader with a collaborative approach to advocate for our members and sector, to strengthen partnerships and support a vibrant network that ensures creativity and culture thrive in every community.

About NRTF

NRTF is an Investment Principles Support Organisation (IPSO) within Arts Council England’s (ACE) National Portfolio. As a national membership and strategic organisation, we unite and champion the diverse parts of the rural touring sector. We advocate on behalf of our members, offering up-to-date information, advice, guidance, professional development and networking opportunities. By sharing news, stories and opportunities, supporting rural touring-focused projects and initiatives, and through our Annual National Rural Touring Conference, we raise the profile of rural touring, embedding its value in the wider cultural landscape. We celebrate the work and achievements of the volunteer promoters, professional artists and organisations who make culture accessible for rural communities. This is an exciting moment to join NRTF as we enter our third decade as an organisation and continue building the profile and impact of rural touring across the UK, while supporting the passionate and committed members at the heart of our network.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Director is the strategic and operational lead of NRTF, responsible for the organisation’s vision, management, performance, and long-term sustainability. They ensure delivery against NRTF’s mission and business plan, champion rural touring at a national level, and act as the primary liaison with Arts Council England, stakeholders, and the wider sector. Working closely with a proactive Board of Trustees, the Director provides leadership on governance and compliance in line with UK Charity Law and NRTF’s Articles of Association, ensuring the organisation operates with transparency, accountability and good practice. The Director is a visible ambassador for rural touring, building strong relationships across the cultural sector, advocating for members, and promoting the role of rural touring in ensuring that creativity and culture thrive in every community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

● Lead and implement NRTF’s Business Plan and strategic objectives.

● Oversee the delivery and evaluation of all funded programmes and initiatives.

● Develop and sustain relationships with our members, including the rural touring schemes, national and regional stakeholders, funders, and policy-makers.

● Ensure alignment with ACE’s Investment Principles and “Let’s Create” strategy.

● Ensure long-term sustainability through innovation, partnerships, and appropriate diversification, ensuring the organisation remains relevant and forward-thinking.

Finance and Fundraising

● Lead financial planning, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with the Finance Officer and Treasurer.

● Ensure ACE and funder reporting is accurate and timely.

● Lead on developing new funding opportunities, working with colleagues and freelance support to secure income from trusts, foundations and diversification streams.

Membership and Sector Support

● Foster strong relationships with membership, particularly scheme members.

● Understand and respond to member needs, ensuring services and benefits are relevant.

● Foster a strong member community through events, forums, and networking opportunities.

● Together with the NRTF team, design and deliver initiatives to grow, engage, and retain members.

● Represent NRTF and advocate for member interests at national and international events, conferences, and sector forums.

Project and Event Delivery

● Provide strategic oversight of all NRTF projects, ensuring they are well-managed, impactful and aligned with the business plan.

● Lead and represent NRTF at the Annual National Rural Touring Conference and other national events, with project managers and freelance teams responsible for delivery.

● Foster partnerships with schemes and sector organisations to co-create and deliver events and projects that serve members and raise the profile of rural touring.

Communications and Advocacy

● Provide strategic leadership for NRTF’s communications and advocacy, ensuring consistency of voice and alignment with the business plan.

● Lead sector advocacy and act as spokesperson and ambassador for rural touring.

● Maintain and develop national visibility for rural touring through partnerships, media opportunities and press engagement (with support from NRTF’s freelance press agency).

● Oversee delivery of marketing and communications, working with the Marketing & Digital Coordinator to manage campaigns, content and social media.

● Build strategic partnerships with other organisations, funders, and influencers.

HR and Operations

● Lead on recruitment, contracting, staff management, and HR policy implementation.

● Line-manage employed staff, ensuring fair and effective working conditions.

● Manage Contracts for Services for freelance teams and contractors

● Maintain organisational infrastructure, including IT, office resources.

Governance and Legal

● Support and develop the Board of Trustees, ensuring sound governance practices.

● Organise and service Board meetings, the AGM, and working groups.

● Act as Company Secretary: ensure compliance with charity and company law, maintain registers, and submit returns.

Person Specification

Essential

● Proven senior leadership within arts or cultural organisations.

● Commitment to rural/community engagement.

● Strong understanding of the UK arts funding landscape, especially ACE.

● Demonstrable experience in finance, HR, governance, and fundraising.

● Experience in project delivery.

● Strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills.

● Experience of working and engaging with key stakeholders.

● Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees.

● Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

● Evidence of original thinking, idea making and bold ambition.

● Caring and positive leadership style.

Desirable

● Awareness of the ethos, principles and practice of rural touring.

● Knowledge of community arts and engagement, and/or cultural networks.

● Experience in legal compliance and company secretary responsibilities.

● Understanding of contemporary cultural policy and advocacy.

● Experience in digital communications, social media, and PR.

● Experience in event management and programming.

If you are excited by this role but are not sure if you fully meet the person specification, we encourage you to reach out to our Interim Head of Operations, Jo Purseglove to discuss further.

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

Oxford is excited to invite applications for a newly created role that will lead fundraising for its School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE). The Head of Development will be a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), who will work closely with SoGE and DAE leadership to establish a small Geography team, and to develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.

SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at the University of Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of the School of Geography and the Environment, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and several geographers based elsewhere in the wider university.

This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success, as will be a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work, and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as of managing staff, is desirable.  Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. 

· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. 

· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. 

· An excellent contributory pension scheme. 

· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs. 

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. 

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship. 

 Application Process 

To apply, please upload: 

· A covering letter/supporting statement 

· Your CV 

· The details of two referees 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025 

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.