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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies for impactful community projects.
- Company: Join a Sussex charity focused on community development and positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by securing funding for vital community initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in grant funding and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy. This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team. A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
- Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
- Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
- Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
- Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
- Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
- Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
- Management experience in a similar organisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of CRM systems
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
Desirable
- Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
- Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
- Formal fundraising or project management qualification
- Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions
Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.
Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations
Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)
Salary: £45,000 (pro rata)
Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Lewes, Sussex hybrid working. AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Fundraising Manager employer: Action in rural Sussex
Contact Detail:
Action in rural Sussex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your success stories! When you get the chance to chat with someone about your experience, highlight specific examples of successful bids or partnerships you've led. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects, especially the Lost Woods Project. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their new strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at AirS.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in securing grant funding and managing partnerships. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific needs of the Lost Woods Project.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since you'll be writing high-quality bids, it's crucial to demonstrate your writing prowess. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of successful bids you've written in the past. This is your chance to shine!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any management experience or knowledge of the funding landscape. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it easy for us to see how you fit the bill.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Action in rural Sussex
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Lost Woods Project and the charity's new strategy. Research similar projects and funding opportunities to show you understand the landscape and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Prepare to discuss your proven track record of securing large grants and contracts. Bring examples of successful bids you've written, especially those over £150k, and be ready to explain your approach and the impact they had.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build partnerships by discussing past collaborations. Highlight how you’ve worked with various sectors and how you plan to leverage these skills for the charity’s benefit.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is key, consider doing mock interviews or presenting your ideas to friends to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as a strong candidate.