Senior trusts and grants fundraiser jobs

Fundraising Officer – 4‑day week, hybrid, high‑impact charity based in Oxford

If you want a fundraising role where you can see the direct impact of every partnership, pitch and campaign this could be the right move.

About the role:
We’re looking for a Fundraising Officer to join Aspire’s small, agile and supportive Fundraising & Communications team. You’ll be an all‑round fundraiser, working across corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and community, events and individual giving. You’ll help grow and diversify our voluntary income so that more people across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley can move out of homelessness, poverty and long‑term unemployment into secure work and housing. 

This is a hands‑on role with real variety: one week you might be crafting a pitch for a new corporate partner, the next you could be pulling together a trust report, planning a community fundraising event or writing supporter communications. You’ll have room to shape the role around your strengths while learning from experienced colleagues.

About Aspire:
Aspire is a multi‑award‑winning employment charity and social enterprise. We support people who have faced serious barriers – including homelessness, offending histories, substance misuse, mental ill health and long‑term unemployment – to build confidence, skills and ultimately secure housing and work. In the last year alone, we supported over 1,800 people experiencing disadvantage to move closer to employment and housing and achieve lasting change. 

We are guided by our values: Ambitious, Supportive, Participatory, Inspiring, Reliable and Enterprising. You will see these lived out day to day – in how we work with participants, partners and each other. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Helping to grow and steward corporate partnerships across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, from prospect research and pitches to volunteering and sponsorship. 
• Supporting a strong pipeline of trust and foundation applications and reports, telling Aspire’s story with clarity and evidence. 
• Leading on community fundraising and events, building relationships with local groups, schools, faith communities, businesses and individual fundraisers. 
• Maintaining and developing individual giving through engaging, well‑timed communications. 
• Using our CRM (Salesforce) to keep supporter data, pipelines and reporting accurate and up to date. 
• Playing a full part in a collaborative team where ideas are welcomed and everyone pitches in at busy times. 

About you:

You don’t need to tick every box, but you will bring:

• Experience in at least one of: corporate fundraising, trusts and foundations, community/events or individual giving, plus enthusiasm to grow across all three. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your tone for different audiences. 
• Confidence building and managing relationships with supporters, customers or partners. 
• Good organisational skills and comfort working to deadlines and targets. 
• A genuine commitment to tackling homelessness, poverty and disadvantage, and alignment with Aspire’s values. 

Experience with Salesforce or AI tools would be helpful, but we’re more interested in your mindset: curious, proactive, organised and keen to learn. 

What we offer:

• A 4‑day working week (0.8 FTE). 
• Salary: £29,234 - £35,305 per annum (FTE), depending on experience (0.8 = £23,387 - £28,244) . 
• Hybrid / remote‑first working, with at least two in‑person team days per month in Oxford and occasional events and meetings. 
• The chance to shape and grow a varied fundraising role in a small, supportive team. 
• A values‑driven culture and the opportunity to see the tangible impact of your work. 

How to apply:

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter directly to by noon on Friday 17th July 2026. In your covering letter, please ensure you tell us how you meet the Person Specification and share examples of relevant achievements. 

We are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert early if we appoint, so we encourage early applications. 

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This is a critical and influential role at Independent Age, reporting to the Head of Governance. The post holder will provide high-quality support across a broad and impactful portfolio, including risk management, procurement and contracts, governance, safeguarding and business continuity, helping to build a culture where accountability, learning and continuous improvement drive meaningful change. 

Working closely with senior leaders and the Board, you will play an important role in enabling effective and confident decision-making across every level of the charity. This is an opportunity to contribute across a wide range of areas and to see the direct impact of your work on how the organisation functions and delivers its mission. 

We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for risk management, alongside a strong understanding of not-for-profit governance best practice. You will also bring experience in at least one of the following areas: procurement, contracts management, third party contract risk, business continuity planning, policy management or safeguarding.

You will be an excellent communicator, confident working with senior stakeholders, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, can-do approach. Above all, you will take pride in getting things done efficiently and to a high standard and be motivated by the opportunity to work for a values-led organisation making a meaningful difference to older people.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the above criteria but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. In line with this, our office has many inclusive features, and there is no dress code. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all, but if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. Those contracted to work in the office are required to attend the office a minimum of 4 days per month. This role supports Board and committee meetings which may be held online or in the office, meaning availability to support with this is required. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the Careers page on our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please visit our website to submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Tuesday 14 July, 23:59

1st Interview Dates: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 July, online via Microsoft Teams 

2nd Interview Dates: Wednesday 29 July, in person at our London Office (Avonmore Road)

Fundraising Manager

Salary: £65,000–£70,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or Part-time (30 hours per week considered, salary pro rata)
Location: Hybrid working between home and our offices at Great Portland Street and Kennington Lane, London
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Report: Fundraising Assistant

About International Students House (ISH)

International Students House (ISH) is a unique charity in the heart of London's West End, bringing together students from across the world through affordable accommodation, social activities, welfare support and cultural exchange.

For over a century, ISH has been creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to live, learn and build lifelong international friendships. As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are investing in our fundraising capability to secure the long-term future of our charity and expand our impact.

We are now seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-focused Fundraising Manager to establish and lead our fundraising function.

The Opportunity

This is a newly created senior role offering the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at ISH.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows philanthropic income and builds sustainable funding streams.

You'll lead on developing relationships with trusts and foundations, major donors, alumni, corporate partners and international supporters while creating compelling fundraising campaigns that inspire long-term engagement.

If you're an experienced fundraiser looking for the opportunity to build something meaningful and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

As Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement a 3–5 year fundraising strategy aligned with ISH's strategic objectives.

• Build a diverse fundraising portfolio across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, alumni, community fundraising and international philanthropy.

• Identify, cultivate and steward major donors and strategic partners.

• Lead the development of compelling funding applications and grant proposals.

• Secure significant income from trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate sponsors.

• Develop donor stewardship and recognition programmes that encourage long-term support.

• Work collaboratively with Marketing, Alumni Relations, Events and CRM colleagues to deliver integrated fundraising campaigns.

• Establish fundraising KPIs, monitor performance and report regularly to the CEO, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.

• Manage and develop the Fundraising Assistant while fostering a collaborative fundraising culture across the organisation.

• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with charity law, the Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection legislation.

About You

You will be a motivated fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic income and developing successful fundraising strategies.

You'll bring:

Essential

• Significant experience in fundraising, philanthropy or income generation.

• Demonstrable success securing funding from trusts and foundations, major donors and/or corporate partners.

• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies.

• Outstanding relationship management and networking skills.

• Excellent proposal and bid-writing abilities.

• Strong financial awareness and project management skills.

• Experience using CRM systems and analysing fundraising performance.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• A collaborative, proactive and results-driven approach.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, higher education or international education sectors.

• Alumni fundraising experience.

• Knowledge of UK trust and foundation fundraising.

• Experience securing international philanthropic funding, particularly in North America.

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent.

• Fundraising qualification or professional accreditation.

Why Join ISH?

This is an exciting opportunity to build a fundraising function with significant scope for innovation and growth while helping transform the lives of students from around the world.

In return we offer:

• Salary of £65,000–£70,000 (depending on experience)

• Full-time or part-time working options

• Hybrid working

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service

• Defined benefit contributory pension scheme

• Vitality private health insurance (Senior Management Team)

• Healthcare cash plan

• £3 daily meal allowance for use in our catering facilities

• Sage employee benefits platform

• Interest-free annual travel loan (after probation)

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Join Us

If you are an experienced fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, build meaningful donor relationships and help secure the future of an organisation that has supported generations of students from around the world, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the next chapter of International Students House.

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Are you an experienced Trusts and Foundations fundraiser seeking an exciting role in the nature and rewilding sector? Are you looking for a friendly, flexible and values-driven organisation where you can make a tangible difference and advance your fundraising career?  This opportunity could tick all your boxes! 

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture (SBP) is a charity dedicated to making rewilding happen, as a solution to the biodiversity and climate crises. We work across Scotland, from the mountains to the sea and from the remotest communities to our urban centres. Our vision is of a vast network of rewilded land and water, where wildlife flourishes  and people thrive. 

In the five years since we were founded, we’ve established ourselves as a leading force for rewilding in Scotland: a charity that achieves outsized impact through our powerful storytelling and innovative collaborations.  We’re a small, agile and friendly team that works hard to:

• Drive support for rewilding – through our films, creative storytelling, conferences, training courses and political advocacy.

• Commit land and water to rewilding – by supporting over 100 landowners to enhance nature on their land, from crofts and community-owned sites to farms and large estates.

OUR FUNDRAISING 

SBP is a growing organisation with an exciting portfolio of nature recovery projects across Scotland.  Our key income streams include grants from charitable trusts, foundations and statutory bodies, philanthropic donations, corporate partnerships, regular giving and appeals. We have a strong track record in fundraising from trusts and foundations, and we are currently in receipt of grants from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other significant environmental funders. 

Our Fundraising Team comprises a Rewilding Investment Lead (who develops corporate partnerships) and a Trusts and Foundations Lead, led by our Fundraising Manager.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Trusts and Foundations Lead, you would establish and maintain relationships with a wide portfolio of charitable trusts and foundations, and be responsible for securing both project-specific and core income.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Identifying and researching funding opportunities, including due diligence as appropriate.

• Networking, and building and stewarding relationships with prospective funders.

• Liaising with senior, project and finance staff to identify, prioritise and cost key fundraising needs.

• Managing a dynamic pipeline of applications matched to the agreed fundraising priorities.

• Preparing and submitting compelling expressions of interest and funding proposals, including accurate financial information as required. 

• Processing grant offers and ensuring income is recorded accurately. 

• Managing a schedule of reporting and stewardship deadlines to ensure timely feedback and thanks to funders. 

• Securing progress updates from colleagues delivering funded work, in order to produce high-quality reports that meet funders’ requirements.

• Seeking feedback in relation to unsuccessful bids, in order to guide and strengthen future proposals.

• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records on our fundraising CRM database. 

• Contributing to the development of fundraising strategies, plans and campaigns. 

• Participating fully in Fundraising and SBP team meetings, events and cross-team activities as appropriate. 

Essential skills and experience:

• At least two years’ experience securing and reporting on grants from trusts and foundations, and/or reviewing and advising on grants within a grant-giving organisation.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail. Experience writing compelling bids and reports that align with funders’ priorities.
• Ability to communicate confidently with funders and colleagues in a friendly and engaging manner.
• Experience using a variety of information management tools, including CRM databases and spreadsheets, to accurately record and manage information.
• Confident with numbers. Experience working with project and finance colleagues to develop project budgets.
• Able to organise day-to-day activities according to agreed priorities, manage a busy workload, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrable passion for nature and rewilding in Scotland.
• Able to maintain personal wellbeing, productivity and effective communication in a remote team.
• Share and demonstrate our core values (see below).

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience securing grants at £250,000 and over.
• Experience of using desktop design tools to create attractive materials that combine written content with imagery.
• Experience building and managing relationships with senior or strategically important stakeholders, e.g. Board members, CEOs.
• Proficient with DonorPerfect CRM.
• Experience developing complex, multi-year budgets for grant applications, including full cost recovery where applicable. 
• Experience using a range of tools and approaches to manage priorities, meet deadlines and hit targets.
• Experience with funders that support nature and climate causes.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification within a relevant discipline.

OUR VALUES

Our values define us as a charity and guide our relationships with colleagues, partners, funders, supporters and wider interest groups. 

● We are passionate about Scotland and its huge potential for nature restoration.

● We are bold and willing to push boundaries to make rewilding happen. 

● We trade in hope and possibility, not fear and conflict. 

● We are inclusive and respectful, inviting everyone to join the conversation. 

● We are collaborative, building connections across interest groups to drive change.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Salary: £35,500 - £37,500 FTE, depending on experience. Salaries are paid on the last working day of each month by bank transfer and cover the period of the first  of the month to the last day of the month. 

Contract: Permanent position. 

Place of work: This role is home-based and will require a suitable home office working  environment. SBP will provide a laptop and additional equipment as needed. 

Travel: Attendance of team meetings held across Scotland will be required (typically two to three times per year), and the role may also involve occasional travel elsewhere within the UK. Travel expenses will be paid in accordance with SBP’s  expenses policy. Applicants must be based within a reasonable commuting distance and must have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship). 

Hours: We are open to this role being full-time or part-time (minimum 0.6 FTE, equating to
22.5 hours per week).  Working hours are flexible. The nature of the post may require occasional evening and weekend work. Paid overtime is not routinely available, but time off in lieu will
be given. 

Flexibility: Subject to ensuring that the needs of the charity and the role are met, SBP endeavours to meet the flexible working needs of its staff. 

Holidays: 28 days FTE (pro rata for part-time), including public holidays, plus 5 additional office closure days between Christmas and New Year. 

Pensions: We offer a workplace pension scheme with a 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution. 

Probationary period: 3 months. 

Notice Period: 1 month during the probationary period, thereafter 2 months.

Training: SBP is fully committed to personal development and training and offers staff regular opportunities for both internal and external training. 

Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion: SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is committed to equality of opportunity for all and we make recruitment decisions by matching our business needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership. We regularly review our recruitment practices to improve the accessibility of SBP, and we would welcome feedback from you. 

TO APPLY 

Please email your CV and a covering letter (maximum two pages). The covering letter should detail why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience equip you for
this role. 

Applications should be sent by 5pm on Monday 13 July.

Interviews will be conducted by video call on Monday 20 July. 

We endeavour to provide feedback on request to unsuccessful applicants. However, as a small charity – and depending on the number of applicants we receive – we may need to prioritise feedback to those candidates who are shortlisted for interview. 

Thank you very much for considering this role.

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and regular external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a stronger and more sustainable fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to help shape that next stage.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at an exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and grow a developing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to build meaningful partnerships across Oxfordshire
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising, partnerships and long-term sustainability, and this role offers the opportunity to help build strong relationships and community support around an ambitious, evidence-led charity with significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking an energetic, proactive and relationship-focused fundraiser to help grow Quest for Learning’s community, corporate and partnership fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on building relationships and developing opportunities with local businesses, community organisations, schools, supporters and wider networks across Oxfordshire.

We are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building partnerships and creating opportunities through strong communication and relationship management. The successful candidate will help raise the profile of Quest for Learning, strengthen supporter engagement and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable income base.

This is a role for someone who is motivated by people, partnerships and meaningful social impact.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also recruiting for a trusts and grants fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Key responsibilities

Community and partnership fundraising

• Build and develop relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Identify and develop opportunities for corporate partnerships, sponsorship and community fundraising
• Represent Quest for Learning at meetings, networking events and community activities
• Develop and maintain relationships with local organisations including schools, Rotary clubs, WIs, businesses and civic groups
• Support the development of fundraising campaigns, partnership opportunities and supporter initiatives
• Help grow Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter network across Oxfordshire
• Work with the CEO and trustees to identify and cultivate new opportunities and introductions

Supporter engagement and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with supporters and partners
• Ensure strong communication and stewardship with supporters
• Help supporters and organisations engage meaningfully with Quest for Learning’s mission and impact
• Support the development of compelling fundraising messaging and supporter communications
• Gather and share stories, outcomes and examples of impact with supporters and partners

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability
• Maintain accurate records of partnerships, communications and activity within Beacon CRM

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers and partnership-builders do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as partnerships, account management, business development, communications, education, customer relationships, sales, marketing or community engagement - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people and organisations
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong written communication skills
• Confidence representing an organisation externally
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience in relationship-building, partnerships, stakeholder engagement or supporter-facing work

Desirable

• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or business development
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire community or business landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation
• Experience supporting events, campaigns or community engagement activity
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar systems

What success in this role looks like

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building strong and sustainable community and corporate relationships
• Increasing Quest for Learning’s visibility and supporter engagement
• Developing new partnership and fundraising opportunities
• Growing unrestricted and partnership-based income
• Strengthening supporter stewardship and community presence
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• confident building relationships and engaging with people
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Regular travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• your CV
• and a short statement (maximum one page) explaining:
  • why you are interested in the role
  • and how your skills and experience relate to the role

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July 

Harris Hill is delighted to partner with Age UK Oxfordshire, supporting their search for an interim Trust and Foundations Officer.

This role is a 6 month contract, working 3 days per month in Abingdon, and the rest remotely. 

Job Purpose:
We are looking for a proactive and resilient writer and fundraiser who thrives on crafting persuasive content for Trusts, Foundations and Grant Makers.
Building on our current success, and understanding the competitive climate, this role will unlock both existing and untapped funding opportunities to diversify our income and fuel our new five-year strategy.
The post holder will lead on researching prospects, writing funding applications, and account-managing existing relationships. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that applications reflect the most accurate and relevant content, playing a critical role in generating income that sustains our impact on local older people and unpaid carers.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious, growth-focused team committed to delivering success.

Role Description:
1 Work Plan Development
• Prioritise Funding: Collaborate with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing to set funding priorities.
• Pipeline & Annual Plan: Develop and maintain a pipeline of targeted trusts, foundations, and grant makers.

• Record Keeping: Improve and develop the management and workflow of Trust and Foundation fundraising through our CRM, keeping accurate records.
2 Application Content
• Content Creation: Work with relevant staff to produce high-quality, persuasive proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Budget Translation: Interpret existing budgets into funder-specific templates.

3 Stewardship of Existing Funders
• Donor Stewardship: Implement high standards of stewardship for a portfolio of trust and foundation partners (typically giving between £25k– £100k per annum along with non-financial support).
• Relationship Building: Establish strong working relationships with funder representatives, including senior staff and trustees.
• Stewardship Plans: Develop and execute tailored stewardship plans, including engaging communications and targeted meetings.
4 Development of New Partnerships
• Prospect Development: Proactively identify and engage trusts and foundations not currently supporting Age UK Oxfordshire.
• Network Mapping: Collaborate with colleagues to map funder networks and uncover new opportunities.
5 Team Systems Co-ordination
• Database Management: Maintain and utilise our Trust and Foundation database to track donor information and performance.
• Reporting: Work with service delivery staff to manage funder reporting requirements, ensuring prompt and high-quality responses.
• Prioritisation: Collaborate with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing to prioritise options for new funding opportunities.
• Ongoing Research: Keep abreast of sector research and
administrative developments as required.

Experience
Essential:
b) Demonstratable experience in grant writing with a proven track record of securing income from Trusts, Foundations, and/or Grant Makers.
c) Experience in identifying, researching, and developing funding opportunities.
d) Working effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
e) Building and nurturing relationships with grant-making bodies.
f) Working to ambitious targets and building and maintaining a pipeline.
 

Desirable:
2+ years of experience in Trust and Foundation fundraising.
Experience in securing £100,000+ grants and multiyear funding.
Experience in using data insights to inform funding proposals.
Experience in working with delivery staff to collect compelling quotes, beneficiary
stories, and data to help bring projects to life for potential funders.
Experience working with delivery staff and finance teams to help shape budgets and
translate those into funders preferred language/templates.

The client is interviewing on an ongoing basis, so will go as soon as they see someone they like. Please apply ASAP to avoid any disappointment.
Experience reporting on KPIs, variances and forecasting.

The Head of Fundraising and Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving Bowel Research UK's fundraising strategies and audience engagement initiatives.

This position is responsible for embedding and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, growing the charity’s supporter base and income, building up new and under-developed income streams and communicating effectively with their audiences to expand their reach, and encourage financial and non-financial support to deliver the organisations mission.

You will have the autonomy and scope to drive elements of your work and take ownership of your own objectives. You will be required to collaborate on decisions to shape and deliver initiatives, programmes and processes as required for each area of income delivery. 

Key to the success of this role is a strong understanding of individual giving fundraising – an area that is underdeveloped at Bowel Research UK. This role blends the strategic oversight and leadership of a Head of Fundraising role, with the hands-on expertise of an IG fundraiser. Experience across other income streams would be a huge benefit as the role leads all fundraising income streams, but experience in individual giving is essential.

The successful candidate for this role will be someone who has already operated at a senior level within a charity such as at Senior Manager level, or Head of in a specific income stream.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please send an email to THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 14th July 

There will be a two stage interview process: 

Stage 1 interviews: 22nd or 23rd July 

Stage 2 interviews: 29th or 30th July 

Do you believe in the power of the arts to build community and transform lives? At Pimlico Musical Foundation, we work with a diverse community, providing a broad range of opportunities for both children and adults, and free musical education to local children, many of whom face considerable challenges. We bring people together, provide opportunities for young talent, and support the local community's engagement with the arts. We achieve this through various programmes, in partnership with local schools and organisations such as Westminster School, Oxford University, Opera Holland Park, the Rodolfus Foundation, and Future Academies.

We are seeking an experienced and driven fundraiser to take strategic ownership of our income generation across all income streams, leading the next phase of our growth. As Head of Fundraising, you will own and develop the fundraising strategy while continuing to deliver hands-on where needed, supported by an engaged board and CEO. Most of all, we are seeking someone who wants to make a difference, contributing to a community and improving access to the arts for everyone, regardless of their background.