At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful fundraising initiatives and build partnerships to support those in need.
- Company: Aspire, a multi-award-winning charity transforming lives in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, hybrid flexibility, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team dedicated to tackling homelessness and poverty.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising or a passion for social impact; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29234 - 35305 £ per year.
4‑day week, hybrid, high‑impact charity based in Oxford. If you want a fundraising role where you can see the direct impact of every partnership, pitch and campaign this could be the right move.
About the role
We’re looking for a Fundraising Officer to join Aspire’s small, agile and supportive Fundraising & Communications team. You’ll be an all‑round fundraiser, working across corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and community, events and individual giving. You’ll help grow and diversify our voluntary income so that more people across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley can move out of homelessness, poverty and long‑term unemployment into secure work and housing. This is a hands‑on role with real variety: one week you might be crafting a pitch for a new corporate partner, the next you could be pulling together a trust report, planning a community fundraising event or writing supporter communications. You’ll have room to shape the role around your strengths while learning from experienced colleagues.
About Aspire
Aspire is a multi‑award‑winning employment charity and social enterprise. We support people who have faced serious barriers – including homelessness, offending histories, substance misuse, mental ill health and long‑term unemployment – to build confidence, skills and ultimately secure housing and work. In the last year alone, we supported over 1,800 people experiencing disadvantage to move closer to employment and housing and achieve lasting change. We are guided by our values: Ambitious, Supportive, Participatory, Inspiring, Reliable and Enterprising. You will see these lived out day to day – in how we work with participants, partners and each other.
What you’ll be doing
- Helping to grow and steward corporate partnerships across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, from prospect research and pitches to volunteering and sponsorship.
- Supporting a strong pipeline of trust and foundation applications and reports, telling Aspire’s story with clarity and evidence.
- Leading on community fundraising and events, building relationships with local groups, schools, faith communities, businesses and individual fundraisers.
- Maintaining and developing individual giving through engaging, well‑timed communications.
- Using our CRM (Salesforce) to keep supporter data, pipelines and reporting accurate and up to date.
- Playing a full part in a collaborative team where ideas are welcomed and everyone pitches in at busy times.
About you
You don’t need to tick every box, but you will bring:
- Experience in at least one of: corporate fundraising, trusts and foundations, community/events or individual giving, plus enthusiasm to grow across all three.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your tone for different audiences.
- Confidence building and managing relationships with supporters, customers or partners.
- Good organisational skills and comfort working to deadlines and targets.
- A genuine commitment to tackling homelessness, poverty and disadvantage, and alignment with Aspire’s values.
- Experience with Salesforce or AI tools would be helpful, but we’re more interested in your mindset: curious, proactive, organised and keen to learn.
What we offer
- A 4‑day working week (0.8 FTE).
- Salary: £29,234 - £35,305 per annum (FTE), depending on experience (0.8 = £23,387 - £28,244).
- Hybrid / remote‑first working, with at least two in‑person team days per month in Oxford and occasional events and meetings.
- The chance to shape and grow a varied fundraising role in a small, supportive team.
- A values‑driven culture and the opportunity to see the tangible impact of your work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Officer
✨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 Community Energy England.
✨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 Community Energy England, 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 Community Energy England. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Officer
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 Community Energy England 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 Community Energy England. 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 Fundraising Officer role at Community Energy England. 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 Community Energy England
✨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 Community Energy England. 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 Community Energy England.
✨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 Community Energy England. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
