At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate partnerships, manage relationships, and drive fundraising growth creatively.
- Company: Join Acorns Children’s Hospice, supporting families in need across the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, pension contributions, retail discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Hybrid role with flexible hours and regular hospice presence in Birmingham.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive, innovative team culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate fundraising or account management, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns Children’s Hospice is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.
Palliative care for children aged 0–18 is delivered at Acorns’ hospices in Birmingham, Worcester, and Walsall, as well as in family homes and other community settings. Acorns’ holistic, tailored approach is designed to meet each child’s clinical, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual needs.
Corporate fundraising at Acorns is on an exciting growth journey, with ambitions to increase income from £800K to £1M in the next two years. The team is known for its creativity and drive, and the charity has built strong partnerships with high-profile brands including Aston Villa FC, Pinsent Masons, and Tippers. This is an environment where innovation, strategy, and genuine relationship-building all come together to create meaningful, long-term partnerships.
This role offers a warm and well-developed patch, a supportive team culture, and space to be creative in how you grow and uplift corporate partnerships. You’ll be the lead relationship manager for a portfolio of established partners across Birmingham and the Black Country, focusing on stewardship, renewals, and smart uplifts.
While the focus is primarily account management (around 75%), you’ll also contribute to new business through activities like COTY pitches. You’ll work closely with the Business Development Manager and be line-managed by a detail-oriented and flexible leader who fosters autonomy, progression, and innovation. Expect variety, visibility, and the chance to make a genuine impact.
As Corporate Fundraising Manager, you will:
- Lead the stewardship and growth of existing corporate partnerships, using creative and strategic methods to increase value and longevity
- Manage a portfolio of supporters, including warm relationships
- Represent Acorns at events and lead hospice tours to deepen supporter engagement
- Collaborate with the Business Development Manager on new business opportunities
- Take an active role in planning and delivering key corporate events, such as golf days and black-tie dinners
- Contribute to cultivation plans for senior leaders within corporate partners
- Use data and insight to report on progress and inform partnership development
Ideal skills and experience:
- Strong corporate fundraising or account management background, ideally with experience managing partnerships in the £30K–£50K+ range
- Confident steward and communicator, able to build rapport and deliver excellent supporter journeys
- Strategic thinker with a flair for finding growth opportunities within existing partnerships
- Comfortable pitching and presenting to corporate audiences at all levels
- Excellent organiser who can juggle competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail
- Willingness to work out-of-hours at events and maintain regular hospice presence
- Dynamic, creative, and solutions-focused, with a collaborative mindset and passion for Acorns’ mission
Benefits include:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026)
- 7.5% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
- Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support
Corporate Fundraising Manager employer: Acorns Children's Hospice
Acorns Children’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and creative work culture that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong focus on professional growth and innovation, the Corporate Fundraising Manager role provides opportunities to lead significant partnerships while enjoying a flexible hybrid working environment in Birmingham. Employees benefit from generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and various wellness initiatives, making Acorns a rewarding place to build a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Fundraising Manager
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Acorns Children's Hospice.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Acorns Children's Hospice, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Acorns Children's Hospice. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Acorns Children's Hospice supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Acorns Children's Hospice. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Corporate Fundraising Manager role at Acorns Children's Hospice. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns Children's Hospice
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Acorns Children's Hospice. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Acorns Children's Hospice.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Acorns Children's Hospice. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
