At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage a new fundraising programme for trusts and foundations.
- Company: Join Arthritis UK, a charity dedicated to improving lives affected by arthritis.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, health support, generous leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against arthritis while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in fundraising or related fields.
Location (UK): Office Hybrid* - London / Sheffield / Glasgow
Hours: Full-time 35 hours per week
Salary: £33,698 per annum (London), £30,635 per annum (rest of UK)
Contract type: Permanent
Travel: Monthly travel to London for team meetings (if not London-based) and occasional travel for external events (including occasional evenings & weekends)
Closing date: 23:59 hours, Sunday, 23 August 2026
Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser to establish a robust mid-value (10k-99k) programme and pipeline of trusts, foundations, and National Lottery agencies. You will play a vital role in filling a gap in our current portfolio and will be supported by the Trusts & Statutory Fundraising Manager to build the new programme from the outset.
About the role
As part of the Trusts & Statutory team, you will sit within the Philanthropy & Partnerships department; a collaborative and creative collection of teams who are committed to diversifying the charity's income. The core function of your role will be to develop and manage a new programme of mid-value (10k-99k) trusts, foundations, and National Lottery agencies to increase income for both project and core activities. This will include researching and building a pipeline of prospects, preparing high-quality written proposals and reports, and delivering excellent stewardship. You will account-manage a small cohort of existing donors, delivering on contractual agreements and strengthening the relationships long term. You will liaise closely with colleagues across services, research, and campaigning to gather the necessary project information, data, case studies, and outcomes for use in your applications and impact reporting.
About you
If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we'd love to hear from you:
- A great communicator, who can write well, listen to others, and effectively present complex information.
- Proactive, well-organised, and able to work autonomously when required.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role or a desire to develop transferrable skills.
- Experience of writing bids, applications, or proposals.
- Experience in preparing detailed reports and using data to demonstrate impact.
- Experience of undertaking in-depth research and developing targeted proposals for presentation to prospects.
- Experience of developing and maintaining long term relationships with supporters or clients.
- Experience of securing and managing mid-level (10k-100k) gifts from trusts, foundations and National Lottery sources.
*As a hybrid worker the expectation is that you will spend around 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings. As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.
Benefits
Your excellent benefits include:
- Flexible hours, environments and working practices to promote a healthy work/life balance.
- Health and wellbeing support including the Employee Assistance Programme (free confidential 24/7 support with mental health, legal and financial queries).
- Simplyhealth cash plan.
- Supportive and inclusive culture, with a wide range of employee networks and support groups available to join.
- Learning and personal development opportunities.
- Employee supported volunteering.
- Competitive annual leave, with the option to buy/sell up to five days per year.
- Generous pension plan, with employer contribution of up to 10%.
- Life Assurance plan (4 x salary).
How to apply
You must be based in and hold the right to work in the UK to apply for this position. To apply you MUST submit: a concise, up-to-date CV along with an Application form demonstrating how you meet the key requirements set out in the job description and person specification for the Trusts Fundraising Officer role. All sections of the application form must be fully completed. Email both documents as Word or PDF attachments by 23:59 hours, Sunday, 23 August 2026.
If you have a health condition that prevents you from following the steps above, please email us regarding alternative ways to apply.
Application deadline and shortlisting
We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales.
Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Arthritis UK where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers.
Interview
Interviews will be held week commencing 31 August 2026. As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.
About us
We have made a commitment in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to increase the diversity of our charity and we welcome candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We want our employees, volunteers and trustees to represent the broad diversity of the communities of which we are a part. There are over 10 million people living with arthritis. That's one in six, with over half of those living in pain every single day. The impact is huge as the condition slowly intrudes on everyday life affecting the ability to work, care for a family, to move free from pain and to live independently. Yet arthritis is often dismissed as an inevitable part of ageing or shrugged off as just a bit of arthritis. We don't think that this is OK. Arthritis UK is here to change that.
Arthritis UK is committed to keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe from harm. During the recruitment process we will undertake safer recruitment practices and relevant checks to ensure applicants are suitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Trusts Fundraising Officer - Hybrid employer: Arthritis UK
ARTHRITIS UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by arthritis. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. Join us to contribute to vital health information while enjoying opportunities for professional development in a purpose-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts Fundraising Officer - Hybrid
✨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 Arthritis UK.
✨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 Arthritis UK, 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 Arthritis UK. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts Fundraising Officer - Hybrid
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 Arthritis UK 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 Arthritis UK. 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 Trusts Fundraising Officer - Hybrid role at Arthritis UK. 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 Arthritis UK
✨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 Arthritis UK. 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 Arthritis UK.
✨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 Arthritis UK. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
