Trust Fundraiser in Leeds

Help Share the Love of Jesus Through Practical Care and Life-Changing Ministry! Do you have a passion for excellent writing, relationship-building and Christian ministry in action? Could you help secure vital funding that enables vulnerable people to experience compassionate care, hope and the love of Jesus every day? At Caring For Life, everything we do is rooted in our Christian mission. Through practical support, loving care and faithful witness, we seek to share the love of Jesus Christ with people who may never previously have known His love for themselves. Our prayer is that many will come to personal faith in Christ and become part of His Church.

This role is far more than fundraising. It is an opportunity to play a meaningful part in a Christ-centred ministry that seeks to bring glory to God through the way we serve beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers and one another. The role will involve writing about the charity’s firm Christian foundation and may include taking an active role in providing compassionate and consistent care to beneficiaries. You will take part in prayer times and may have opportunities to share personal testimony of experiencing Jesus’ love with beneficiaries and members of the local community. There may also be occasions to support presentations representing Caring For Life, particularly within churches and Christian organisations.

About the Role

The PR team is responsible for generating, sustaining and growing the charity’s income year after year by communicating the work, ministry and financial needs of Caring For Life to a wide range of audiences. The Trust Fundraiser will focus primarily on securing funding from Trusts, Foundations and grant-making bodies, whilst also helping to nurture relationships with major donors and exploring opportunities for corporate support. As part of the PR team, the successful candidate will also support wider PR activities during busy periods, including Open Days, Supporters’ Days, formal visits and practical tasks at peak times.

Main Duties

• Undertake induction and training relevant to the role.
• Maintain and develop the existing Trusts database.
• Ensure reports and funding applications are submitted accurately and on time.
• Keep clear records of applications, correspondence, grants received and acknowledgements sent.
• Research new Trusts and funding opportunities using online systems, publications and resources such as Invisible Grantmakers.
• Work with project leaders and senior managers to identify fundable projects and budget requirements.
• Attend budget meetings and assist staff in understanding funding allocations.
• Prepare compelling funding proposals, reports and covering letters.
• Liaise with the Design and Media team regarding photography and supporting materials.
• Maintain records and communication with major donors as requested by the Executive Committee.
• Support and grow corporate donor relationships.
• Conduct all duties in a professional and Christ-like manner that honours the Lord Jesus Christ and protects the reputation of Caring For Life.
• Undertake relevant in-house and external training as required.

Please note that while this role has a primary focus within fundraising and PR, all appointments at Caring For Life are to the wider ministry of the Trust. Staff may occasionally be required to support other areas of work according to the needs of the ministry and the welfare of beneficiaries.

Skills and Experience Required

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent English grammar.
• Creative and persuasive writing ability.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Good IT skills, including database systems.
• Understanding of budgets and financial planning.
• Sensitivity and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

Job Information

• Location: Crag House Farm, Otley Old Road, Cookridge, Leeds LS16 7NH
• Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
• Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 per annum (full-time gross salary)
• Annual Leave: 22 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays. Annual leave increases by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 27 days.
• DBS Checks: As Caring For Life works with children and vulnerable adults, the successful applicant may require an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and satisfactory references. This role may involve work with under-18s and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Relevant information should be disclosed as part of the application process.