At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic trusts fundraising to secure significant income and build strong funder relationships.
- Company: Calibre Audio, a national charity providing accessible audiobooks for those unable to read print.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, matched pension contributions, medical cash plan, and life assurance.
- Other info: Great opportunity for early-career fundraisers to learn from experienced leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in literacy and wellbeing while shaping a growing fundraising programme.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing grants and excellent relationship-building skills.
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 Trusts Fundraiser 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 Senior Trusts Fundraiser role provides opportunities for coaching and mentoring from experienced leaders, alongside generous benefits such as 30 days annual leave, matched pension contributions, and a supportive culture that values relationship-building and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Trusts Fundraiser
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential funders on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you’re chatting with funders or at networking events, let your enthusiasm for Calibre Audio’s mission shine through. People love to support causes that resonate with them, so make sure they feel your commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to talk strategy! Funders want to know how their money will make an impact. Brush up on Calibre Audio’s goals and be ready to discuss how you can help achieve them. This shows you’re not just about the money, but about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the info you need to get started on your journey with us. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special – head over to our site and take that first step towards landing your dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Trusts Fundraiser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Calibre Audio's 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. We’re looking for someone who can develop compelling funding applications, so showcase your best examples that align with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, less is often more!
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 values. Understand their focus on literacy, education, and wellbeing. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
As a Senior Trusts Fundraiser, relationship-building is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with funders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to nurturing long-term partnerships and how you can bring that experience to Calibre Audio.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Since you'll be developing funding applications, practice telling compelling stories about your previous successes. Highlight specific grants you've secured and the impact they had. This will demonstrate your ability to create persuasive narratives that resonate with potential funders.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the new fundraising strategies and how you can contribute to them. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive mindset, which is exactly what Calibre Audio is looking for.
