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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies for impactful community projects.
- Company: A Sussex-based charity focused on community development and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work on innovative projects.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and drive meaningful change in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing funding and strong communication skills required.
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 in Lewes 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 in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the charity sector, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and learn about potential opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your successful bids and partnerships. This will give you an edge when discussing your experience with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's for an interview or a networking event, being able to confidently present your ideas and experiences is key. Get a friend to help you rehearse.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we value highly.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Manager in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your proven track record in securing grant funding and winning contracts. We want to see those big bids you've worked on, especially if they’re around £150k. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when you tailor your bid to our charity’s mission and the Lost Woods Project. Show us how your skills and experience align with our goals and the community development initiative.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. We appreciate well-structured and concise submissions that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action in rural Sussex
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the charity's mission and the specifics of the Lost Woods Project. Familiarise yourself with their current strategies and funding landscape. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Prepare to discuss your proven track record in securing grant funding and winning contracts. Have specific examples ready, especially those involving large bids like £150k. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Build Connections
Since building partnerships is key for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories of successful collaborations you've led or been part of, and be ready to discuss how you would approach partnership development in this new position.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your verbal communication skills ahead of time. You’ll need to present confidently to various audiences, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and engagingly, especially when discussing complex topics like strategy and funding.