Senior trusts and grants fundraiser jobs

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 

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.

About the role

The Trusts & Statutory Fundraising Manager will play a key role in delivering Sands’ ambitious income growth plans and strengthening long-term philanthropic partnerships that support Sands’ work to save babies’ lives and support bereaved families. 

Reporting to the Senior Philanthropy Manager and sitting within the Partnerships & Philanthropy Team, the role will lead the development and growth of a strategic portfolio of trusts, foundations and statutory funders, securing significant multi-year income and building long-term relationships with supporters and partners. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and relationship-driven fundraiser to help shape and grow a high-potential area of fundraising at Sands. The postholder will work closely with senior colleagues across research, training, bereavement support and engagement teams to develop compelling funding propositions aligned to Sands’ strategic priorities. 

The role combines strategic planning, relationship management and high-quality bid writing, alongside leadership of the trusts pipeline, stewardship activity, cross-team collaboration and line management of a Trusts Fundraiser. 

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and strategic thinker with experience securing five and six-figure grants, developing funder relationships and translating complex programmes into compelling, impact-led cases for support. 

Includes line management of one Trusts Fundraiser. 

Main Responsibilities

The overall aims of this role are to: 

• lead and grow Sands’ trusts, foundations and statutory fundraising programme, securing significant multi-year income in support of Sands’ strategic priorities

• build and manage a sustainable pipeline of trust, foundation and statutory prospects, developing long-term relationships and identifying opportunities for growth

• lead the development of Sands' corporate grant and corporate foundation fundraising programme, bringing experience of securing corporate grant funding to establish an expanded area of income growth

• develop compelling, evidence-led funding propositions that translate Sands’ work into clear, engaging and donor-focused cases for support

• collaborate closely with colleagues across Research, Bereavement Support, Training, Communications and Engagement teams to shape strategic funding opportunities

• strengthen organisational understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising, bringing insight, innovation and strategic thinking to funding approaches

• provide supportive line management and development to the Trusts Fundraiser, fostering strong performance and collaboration

• ensure excellent stewardship, compliance, reporting and grant management across all trusts and statutory activity

• contribute to a culture of ambitious, relationship-led and insight-driven fundraising across Partnerships & Philanthropy

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Management & Income Growth 

• Develop and deliver Sands’ trusts and statutory fundraising strategy, aligned to organisational priorities and long-term income growth ambitions.

• Manage and grow a strategic portfolio of charitable trusts, foundations, lottery and statutory funders, securing five- and six-figure grants and multi-year partnerships.

• Lead trust-funded matched giving appeals (including Big Give), coordinating cross-organisational campaign activity across Philanthropy & Partnerships and Individual Giving teams, while collaborating with Engagement & Communications to develop compelling campaign assets and drive income growth. 

• Lead pipeline development and prospecting activity, identifying new funding opportunities and prioritising prospects with the highest strategic potential.

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to shape compelling propositions and articulate clear, evidence-led cases for support.

• Develop thematic and strategic funding propositions aligned to Sands’ work across research, training, bereavement support, inequalities and systems-change activity.

• Contribute insight and sector knowledge to strengthen organisational understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising opportunities and trends.

• Support the diversification of income through innovative approaches to partnership development, restricted and unrestricted funding, and strategic engagement opportunities.

Trusts, Foundations & Statutory Fundraising 

• Lead the development of high-quality funding applications, proposals, bids and reports for charitable trusts, foundations and statutory bodies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective funders, ensuring excellent stewardship and long-term engagement.

• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans that strengthen funder relationships and maximise opportunities for renewal and multi-year support, including leading and contributing to cross-charity stewardship initiatives and engagement campaigns involving trust funders, such as donor thankathons, impact events and bespoke recognition activities. 

• Work with internal stakeholders to identify fundable projects and package work into compelling donor-focused narratives and propositions 

• Manage the trusts and statutory funding pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting, reporting and tracking of opportunities and deadlines.

• Maintain oversight of trust or statutory restricted funding, ensuring compliance with grant conditions and timely reporting on impact and outcomes.

• Represent Sands confidently in meetings, presentations and funder discussions, acting as an ambassador for the organisation and its work. 

Team Management 

• Line manage the Trusts Fundraiser, providing coaching, support, professional development and clear strategic direction.

• Foster a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team culture.

• Conduct regular line management responsibilities including 121s, supervision and performance check-ins, and contribute to annual appraisal and development processes.

• Support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the Partnerships & Philanthropy team.

Governance, Insight & Performance 

• Lead forecasting, budgeting and KPI management for trusts and statutory income streams.

• Use CRM systems, fundraising data and prospect research to support strategic decision-making, pipeline management and stewardship planning.

• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation, GDPR, grant conditions and ethical fundraising standards.

• Develop and maintain robust systems and processes to support efficient grant management, reporting and donor stewardship.

• Monitor sector trends, funding opportunities and emerging areas of interest relevant to Sands’ strategic priorities.

General 

• To undertake other duties as required by the Senior Philanthropy Manager and Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy

• To work flexibly and proactively with other members of the team.

• To maintain confidentiality over personal information relating to staff.

• Abide by all Sands Policies and Procedures.

• Undertake all mandatory training as required.

• Participate in annual appraisal and personal development review.

• The post holder must familiarise themselves with matters relating to Health & Safety Management, as affecting themselves, their department and the organisation as a whole.

• Promote the Sands vision and values at all times. 

Personal Specification: Skills & Experience

Fundraising Expertise 

• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure grants from charitable trusts, foundations and statutory funders.

• Strong experience developing and managing sustainable fundraising pipelines and securing multi-year funding partnerships.

• Experience identifying corporate foundation prospects and securing funding from corporate foundations. 

• Experience developing compelling, evidence-led and donor-focused cases for support.

• Experience of developing funding applications involving multiple stakeholders and complex programme areas.

• Strong understanding of trusts and statutory fundraising landscapes, trends and opportunities.

Strategic & Relationship Skills 

• Excellent relationship-builder, confident engaging with funders, senior stakeholders, clinicians, researchers and external partners.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling and accessible narratives.

• Strategic thinker with strong judgement, able to identify opportunities and balance long-term relationship building with day-to-day delivery.

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and influence stakeholders to support fundraising priorities and opportunities.

Management & Operational Capability 

• Experience managing, mentoring or supporting colleagues to achieve strong performance and professional development.

• Strong planning, forecasting, organisational and project management skills.

• Experience using CRM systems and fundraising data to support pipeline management and decision-making.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and perform effectively within a fast-paced environment.

Personal Specification: Core Competencies 

• Builds collaborative and credible relationships internally and externally, acting with professionalism and integrity.

• Communicates clearly and persuasively, adapting style for different audiences and translating complex information into compelling narratives.

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgement, balancing ambition with practicality and delivery.

• Uses insight, evidence and data to inform planning, prioritisation and fundraising approaches.

• Demonstrates resilience, adaptability and a solutions-focused mindset when managing competing priorities or challenges.

• Works collaboratively across teams to strengthen organisational impact and supporter experience.

• Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive and equitable fundraising practices aligned to Sands’ values and strategic priorities. 

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 

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.

Fundraising Manager

Organisation: The Outrunners Charity

Job Description

• Job title: Fundraising Manager

• Location: Hackney Bridge, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London (a canalside public destination less than five minutes from Hackney Wick station) 

• Salary: £36,700-£40,000 FTE depending on experience, pro rata to £22,000-£24,000 

• Hours: 0.6 FTE (3 days/21 hours per week). Office hours are 10am - 6pm with occasional evenings and weekends. Flexible working opportunities are available. 

Who are The Outrunners?

The Outrunners are a running and movement charity based in Hackney, on a mission to empower young people through movement. Backed by an incredible crew of volunteers and partner brands like Nike and Moju, we help young people in East London to build confidence, wellbeing, health and leadership skills.

We deliver free, fun, sociable, youth‑led running and movement sessions for 8–18 year olds every week - during term time and holidays. But we’re about more than just running. We create space for young people to explore creativity and culture, go on exciting trips, access wraparound wellbeing support, and develop the skills and opportunities they need to shape the futures they want.

Over the past five years, we’ve supported thousands of young people and helped push greater diversity within the running world.

We like to do things differently - taking young people out of their everyday environments and into exciting new spaces, opening doors to opportunities they might not otherwise have access to. If that sounds like something you want to be part of… read on.

Our achievements

We’re a small charity but we pack a mighty punch. Our income has grown year-on-year since we became a charity 6 years ago -  allowing us to expand our core team and move into office premises large enough to incorporate a Youth Hub. Last year we worked with over 1,150 young people through our school and communities programs, and this year we’re looking to expand our work even further!

To give you a sense of the kinds of work that we do, over the last year we have:

• Hosted a free Girls’ Festival for 100+ ethnically diverse young girls, allowing them to try running sessions, creative classes and yoga experiences in a safe and empowering environment.

• Hosted free training academies for ethnically diverse women and young people aged 16-21 to train for their very first half or full marathons! We offered physical, emotional and logistical support throughout their training journey and cheered on every single one of them as they ran either the Hackney Half or the London Marathon under the Outrunners name. Since programme launch, we have worked with over 250 people in our Academies.

• Took diverse groups of young people to races and events, such as Hackney School run and Black to the Trails. 

• Offered personalised mentoring to several of our young people who were struggling with school or life.

• Expanded the career horizons of young people by offering them a free work experience opportunity with our partner brands.

What do we want?

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser for a strategic and hands-on role who loves working in a small, ambitious charity and wants to help shape the next stage of growth at The Outrunners (current annual income circa £350k).

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead on income generation, with a primary focus on trusts and foundations, while growing a more diverse and sustainable income mix through corporate partnerships, community fundraising and individual giving.

You will translate the lived experiences, energy and impact of our young people and programmes into compelling funding propositions. You’ll support the CEO to build genuine, long‑term relationships with funders and partners who believe in movement, equity and opportunity for young people - and who want to be part of something fresh, joyful and youth‑led.

Does this sound like you?

• A driven, experienced fundraiser who enjoys leading income growth in a small, ambitious charity and taking real ownership of results.

• A strategic thinker who is also hands‑on – happy managing pipelines, writing bids and following up relationships day‑to‑day.

• Someone who can translate impact, lived experience and data into clear, compelling cases for support.

• A confident relationship‑builder who can engage, influence and inspire funders, partners and supporters.

• Resilient and adaptable, comfortable balancing multiple income streams, deadlines and priorities.

• Values‑led and trustworthy, with a strong sense of integrity, accountability and ethical fundraising practice.

• Motivated by social impact and excited to fundraise for a youth‑led organisation rooted in movement, equity and opportunity.

• Happy to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events, funder cultivation or partner activity.

Experience and skills we’re looking for

• 5+ years’ experience in fundraising, ideally within a small or growing charity.

• Proven success securing income from trusts and foundations, including prospect research, high‑quality bid writing and effective funder stewardship.

• Strong understanding of what drives successful grant applications, from alignment and evidence to storytelling and relationships.

• Experience developing or contributing to diversified income streams, such as corporate partnerships, community fundraising or individual giving.

• Ability to manage income pipelines and use systems/CRMs to track fundraising activity and performance.

• Sound understanding of fundraising regulation and best practice.

• Confident relationship‑builder with experience engaging funders, partners or senior stakeholders.

• Strong storytelling and written communication skills, with the ability to combine impact data, lived experience and insight into compelling cases for support.

• Excellent organisation and time‑management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities.

• Collaborative and positive team player, comfortable working in a small, fast‑moving organisation.

• Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with confidence working across diverse communities.

• Desirable:

  • Experience fundraising for youth, wellbeing, sport or community‑based organisations.

  • Experience working with or supporting programmes for girls and young women.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth (with Chief Executive)

• Develop and deliver a fundraising strategy aligned with The Outrunners’ strategic goals and values.

• Grow and diversify income streams, with a focus on increasing unrestricted and sustainable income.

• Create and manage an annual fundraising workplan to deliver agreed income targets.

• Work closely with the Chief Executive on pipeline management, forecasting and income planning.

• Regularly review progress, learn from outcomes and adapt approaches as needed.

2. Trusts & Foundations (Primary Income Lead)

• Lead and manage a pipeline of trust and foundation applications, from prospect research to reporting.

• Research, cultivate and secure grants aligned to The Outrunners’ youth‑led movement work.

• Write high‑quality, compelling funding applications and reports.

• Work closely with youth programme staff to gather outcomes, case studies and impact data.

• Build strong, professional relationships with funders through excellent stewardship.

• Develop approaches that encourage funder renewal, uplift and long‑term support.

3. Corporate Partnerships (Growth area)

• Support the development of relationships with values‑aligned corporate partners and brands.

• Identify opportunities for corporate grants, sponsorship, employee fundraising, volunteering and matched funding.

• Shape clear and inspiring partnership pitches with cases for support that connect partner goals with youth wellbeing, movement and equity.

• Work with colleagues to ensure corporate partnerships are meaningful, well‑supported and mutually beneficial.

4. Community & Individual Giving (Growth area)

• Support the growth of The Outrunners’ individual giving base, including regular and mid‑level donors, working with CEO and Admin Lead.

• Develop donor stewardship approaches that support repeat and long‑term giving.

• Explore opportunities with local communities, supporter networks and high‑net‑worth individuals.

5. Impact, Systems & Compliance

• Work with our Admin Lead to maintain accurate records across fundraising and income tracking systems (CRM).

• Contribute fundraising content across our website, donor platforms and communications channels, working closely with Marketing & Comms.

• Support the creation of impact reports and case studies that reflect young people’s lived experience ethically and sensitively.

• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice.

• Stay informed about sector trends and test new tools or approaches appropriate for a small charity.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

• Supportive and inclusive working environment.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• 30 holiday days + all bank holidays (pro-rata)

• Self-development days 

• Work-related travel reimbursement 

• Learning and development opportunities to fit your aspirations, including with some of our partner businesses

• Working alongside aspirational brands 

We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this role. The successful applicant will need to be subject to a background enhanced disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) before any appointment can be confirmed.

If you would like to apply for this role please share a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like the role and how you meet the requirements listed in the job description. The covering letter should be no longer than two A4 pages.

If we feel you meet our requirements, we will contact you for an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, if you are not contacted within a month of submitting your application, on this occasion you have been unsuccessful. We will keep your details on file for any other suitable vacancies.

Please submit your CV and covering letter by Sunday 28th June 11.59pm.