At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic trusts fundraising, build relationships, and secure significant grants for impactful programmes.
- Company: Calibre Audio, a charity providing accessible audiobooks for those unable to read print.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, matched pension contributions, medical cash plan, and discounts at retailers.
- Other info: Great opportunity for early-career fundraisers to learn from experienced leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in literacy and wellbeing while shaping a growing fundraising programme.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing grants and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Calibre Audio is a national charity providing accessible audiobooks to people who are unable to read print due to visual impairment, dyslexia, or other conditions. Through a digital-first service and diverse library, the charity enables children and adults to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of reading, while increasingly delivering impact across literacy, education, wellbeing and social inclusion.
Fundraising at Calibre Audio is entering an exciting new phase of development. The charity has recently appointed its first Director of Fundraising Communications, bringing fundraising, communications and brand together under a newly created leadership role. With a refreshed organisational narrative, ambitious plans for growth and a renewed focus on increasing income and profile, fundraising is becoming an increasingly important driver of Calibre Audio’s future impact. Trusts and foundations are a key part of this growth strategy.
The organisation is now seeking to build a more strategic trusts programme focused on stronger stewardship, deeper funder relationships, larger grants and long-term partnerships. There is significant untapped potential, including opportunities to re-engage previous funders, develop new relationships and secure support for a range of compelling programmes spanning literacy, education, disability, wellbeing and community impact.
The Senior Trusts Fundraiser will lead this work, partnering closely with the Director to shape and deliver the next phase of trusts fundraising at Calibre Audio. This is a role with genuine scope to influence strategy, develop new opportunities and make a visible contribution to organisational growth. It would suit an ambitious trusts fundraiser who enjoys relationship building as much as writing applications and is motivated by the opportunity to help build something.
As Senior Trusts Fundraiser, you will:
- Develop and implement a strategic trusts and foundations fundraising programme aligned with organisational priorities
- Identify, research and cultivate new funding opportunities, with a focus on larger and multi-year grants
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective trusts and foundations
- Develop compelling, high-quality funding applications, proposals and reports
- Secure significant income from a portfolio of trusts and foundations
- Build and strengthen long-term relationships with funders through excellent stewardship and engagement
- Reactivate and develop relationships with previous funders and supporters
- Work closely with colleagues across the organisation to gather impact data and develop compelling cases for support
- Act as a key ambassador for Calibre Audio with funders and external stakeholders
Essential skills and experience:
- Proven track record of securing five-figure grants from trusts and foundations
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding applications
- Strong prospect research and pipeline development skills
- Experience identifying, developing and securing new funding opportunities
- Excellent verbal communication skills and confidence engaging with external stakeholders
- A proactive and entrepreneurial approach, with the ability to spot opportunities and drive activity forward
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Desirable, but not essential:
- Experience securing six-figure and/or multi-year grants
- Knowledge of the disability, literacy, education or wellbeing sectors
- Experience using Beacon CRM
- Experience contributing to fundraising strategy
Calibre Audio are also keen to hear from ambitious early-career fundraisers. Whilst a track record of securing trusts funding is essential, we are more interested in your potential, approach and attributes than the size of grants you have secured to date. If you bring strong relationship-building skills, initiative and an entrepreneurial mindset, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with an experienced fundraising leader, benefit from coaching and mentoring, and play a key role in shaping a growing trusts programme.
Employee benefits include:
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional Calibre Christmas closure day
- Matched pension contributions up to 5% of salary
- Medical Cash Plan (Hive Insurance Bronze Package)
- Life Assurance cover of 2 x salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Reward Gateway, offering discounts and savings across hundreds of retailers
- Free on-site parking
Senior Fundraising Manager (Permanent) employer: Calibre Audio
Calibre Audio is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on literacy and social inclusion. With a strong focus on professional development, the charity provides ample opportunities for growth and mentorship, particularly for those passionate about fundraising. Located in a supportive and collaborative culture, employees enjoy generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, matched pension contributions, and a comprehensive medical cash plan, making it an attractive place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fundraising Manager (Permanent)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Calibre Audio or any other charity, make sure to express why accessible audiobooks matter to you. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their mission, recent projects, and future goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can contribute to their fundraising 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 serious about joining the team at Calibre Audio and making a difference in the world of literacy and wellbeing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fundraising Manager (Permanent)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in literacy and wellbeing for those who need it most.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision at Calibre Audio!
Be Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point, ensuring that your main achievements and ideas stand out. We want to easily grasp your potential impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Calibre Audio.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calibre Audio
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Calibre Audio's mission and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and how they align with their goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in securing grants, especially five-figure ones. Be ready to discuss your approach to relationship building and how you've engaged stakeholders effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so highlight any significant income you've generated.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their new fundraising strategy and how you can contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Be Yourself
Calibre Audio is looking for someone who fits their culture. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for literacy and community impact, and demonstrate your proactive and entrepreneurial mindset during the conversation.
