Volunteer fundraiser jobs

ABOUT TRAIN 

TRAIN is a youth work charity based in South Oxfordshire. We support young people aged 10 to 18 in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas, especially those who are under-served. 

Young people in our communities are facing complex challenges. Mental health struggles, pressures at school, family instability and the impact of poverty can leave them feeling isolated or overlooked. Too often, they don’t have access to the right support at the right time. TRAIN exists to change that. We offer trusted relationships with adults outside positions of authority, safe spaces where young people can be themselves, and opportunities to grow in confidence, make positive choices and feel part of their community. 

Our vision: every young person should have the opportunities, tools and support they need to create a positive future. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

As Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, your main focus will be trusts and foundations: researching opportunities, writing persuasive applications and producing clear reports. You’ll also play a part in growing support from corporates, community fundraising, individual donors and major gifts, helping to build a broader base of income over time. 

Alongside this, you’ll lead on communications. That means keeping our website and social channels current, producing supporter newsletters, and sharing our story more widely through PR and campaigns. You’ll help make sure the difference TRAIN makes for young people is seen and understood by funders, partners and the local community. 

It’s a hands-on role, well-suited to someone who enjoys writing, building relationships and juggling different projects. You don’t need to be an experienced fundraiser — we’re open to people with transferable skills, whether from corporate, public or third sector backgrounds. What matters most is that you can communicate clearly, organise your workload, and are motivated by making a difference for young people. 

You’ll report directly to the CEO and work closely with the rest of the team. This is a part-time role of approximately 30 hours per week, which can be worked flexibly. The role is based in Didcot with hybrid working, but for the right candidate we will consider a fully remote arrangement. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

• Salary: £28,598 - £31,022 FTE (pro-rated, depending on experience) 

• Contract: Permanent, part-time, approx. 30 hours per week. We can be flexible on the exact number and when they are worked. 

• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata) 

• Pension: 3% employer contribution 

• Flexible working: Hybrid by default, fully remote considered. We’re happy to consider other flexible arrangements such as term-time only and job shares. 

• Professional development: Tailored learning and training opportunities 

• Wellbeing: Access to an employee assistance programme with mental health and wellbeing support 

• Culture: Supportive, collaborative team with regular catch-ups and shared learning 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Fundraising (approx. 80%) 

• Pipeline and planning – work with the CEO to keep a clear fundraising plan, with trusts and foundations as the main focus alongside manageable growth in corporates, community, and individual giving. 

• Trusts and foundations – research prospects, build a live pipeline, and write strong, tailored bids. Prepare accurate budgets and gather evidence from the team to strengthen proposals. 

• Reporting and stewardship – deliver timely reports, thank funders and donors well, and manage renewals and uplift opportunities. 

• Relationship development – nurture links with local businesses, community groups and potential major donors. Prepare simple proposals and support fundraising events or activities as needed. 

• Systems and compliance – maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and outcomes. Ensure fundraising activity is compliant with GDPR and charity regulations. 

Communications (approx. 20%) 

• Supporter communications – produce engaging newsletters, updates and thank-yous that connect donors and partners with TRAIN’s impact. 

• Digital presence – update the website and social media channels with accurate, timely content that reflects TRAIN’s work and values. 

• PR and profile – share stories with local media, partners and networks. Ensure TRAIN’s messaging is clear, consistent and accessible. 

• Community engagement – promote TRAIN’s profile, youth offer, brand and presence in the community. 

General 

• Work closely with the CEO to align fundraising and comms priorities. 

• Collaborate with youth work staff to gather stories, quotes and data that demonstrate TRAIN’s impact. 

• Represent TRAIN at meetings and community events. 

• Contribute to the life of a small, collaborative team. 

ABOUT YOU 

We don’t expect you to have a long career in fundraising behind you. What matters most is that you can write clearly and persuasively, build relationships with people, and organise your workload to meet deadlines. If you’ve developed these skills in another sector and are keen to bring them into the charity world, we’d love to hear from you. Just as important, you’ll bring a genuine passion for TRAIN’s mission and a belief in the difference youth work makes. 

Essential qualities 

• Strong written communication skills: able to produce clear, persuasive bids, reports and updates. 

• Good at building relationships, whether with colleagues, partners or supporters. 

• Organised and reliable, able to manage multiple deadlines. 

• Comfortable working independently but also a collaborative team member. 

• Confident using IT tools (Microsoft Office, online research, basic social media platforms). 

• Passionate about TRAIN’s mission and motivated to make a difference for young people. 

• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check (we will arrange this before you start). 

Desirable qualities 

• Experience of fundraising, bid writing or income generation in any setting. 

• Understanding of trusts and foundations, or the ability to learn quickly. 

• Experience in marketing, PR, or communications (e.g. social media, newsletters, supporter comms). 

• Familiarity with CRM or pipeline management tools. 

• Knowledge of charity fundraising regulation and GDPR. 

• Confidence in representing an organisation at events or meetings. 

Equal opportunities 

TRAIN is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the youth work sector. We welcome diversity in age, ethnicity, faith, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and lived experience. 

Safer recruitment 

TRAIN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Recruitment to this post will include references and an enhanced DBS check. 

Recruitment timeline 

• Applications open: Thursday 20 November 

• Applications close: Wednesday 10 December (midnight) 

• Shortlisted candidates notified: Thursday 11 December 

• Interviews: Wednesday 17 December