At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive fundraising efforts by crafting compelling applications and building strong relationships with trusts.
- Company: Join a national charity transforming lives through innovative hearing dog services.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of deaf people while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Trusts and Foundations fundraising with excellent writing and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on achieving ambitious income targets.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Based at Head Office, in Saunderton near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with flexible hybrid working 35 hours per week – Full-time/part-time could be considered.
About Us
National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people and provides hearing loss services – because nobody with hearing loss should feel alone.
About The Role
Overview: Working as part of the Trusts and Foundations department, you will help to deliver the objectives and income targets through your work with Trusts and Foundations. Reporting to the Head of Trusts and Foundations, you will work as part of a high-achieving, small but busy department. You will be able to develop relationships with colleagues in the wider teams, senior staff, Hearing Dogs trustees, external trusts and foundation managers and administrators. To be able to make bids and write applications to maximise financial support from charitable trusts and foundations, philanthropists and major donors. A good knowledge of Trusts and Foundation fundraising and experience of delivering excellent stewardship with external stakeholders. The Trusts and Foundations team has a target of £1.3m in 2026-27, growing to £2.1m by 2029-30.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head of Trusts and Foundations to achieve annual targets, including meeting a personal income target each year.
- Create and deliver high-quality applications for grant funding for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Hearing Link Services, creating a synergy of combined applications to maximise income for both areas of our work.
- Investigate new projects that may be funded by applying for new restricted grants.
- Develop relationships with colleagues in fundraising, dog operation team, senior staff, Hearing Dogs Trustees, external Trusts and Foundation managers and administrators.
- Research the market and develop market knowledge.
- Establish new partnerships with Trusts, using all relevant and appropriate research techniques to understand their grant-giving criteria.
- Write and produce compelling trust applications and update reports; to ensure all trusts funding applications are relevant, timely and produced to the highest standard.
- Record all information on CRM, maintain records and keep records up to date, ensuring future actions are also recorded.
- Excellent knowledge of database processes and ability to support the team with statistical information.
- Create reports for income and ensure all templates are up to date.
- Provide comprehensive funding information to Head of Trusts and Foundations and Director of Income Generation, and regular reporting and recommendations on future funding opportunities.
- Account manage Trust and Foundation relationships, ensuring the trust receives updates and reports on time.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy departments to identify opportunities to secure new donors, for example where a major donor may have their own family foundation or where Trusts can attend major donor events.
- Work closely with the Prospect Research Manager to build a personal pipeline of new Trusts and Foundations.
- Work closely with the Case for Support and Impact Manager to develop tailored cases and proposals and high-quality reporting with a focus on outcomes and impact.
About You
The following attributes are considered essential for the job:
- Minimum 3 years' experience in Trusts and foundations fundraising.
- Experience of working in the charity sector.
- Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details.
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of large-scale bid writing for specific projects over multiple years.
The following attributes are considered desirable for the job:
- Formal training or a qualification in fundraising.
Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).
Please apply by providing your CV and Cover Letter by 3rd April 2026.
Trusts and Foundations Manager in High Wycombe employer: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Contact Detail:
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts and Foundations Manager in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just apply for jobs; research the organisations you’re interested in. Understand their mission and values, and tailor your approach accordingly. This shows genuine interest and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to Trusts and Foundations. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role. Confidence and clarity can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts and Foundations Manager in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in Trusts and Foundations fundraising and how it aligns with our mission at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send the same CV everywhere! Tailor it to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our goals, so make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for us.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent writing is key for this role, consider including a sample of your previous grant applications or any persuasive writing pieces. This will give us a taste of your style and ability to create compelling narratives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
✨Know Your Trusts and Foundations
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of trusts and foundations. Familiarise yourself with the key players in the sector, their funding criteria, and recent trends. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can meet their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since excellent writing skills are crucial for this role, prepare to discuss your previous bid writing experiences. Bring examples of successful applications you've crafted, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them. This will demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality applications that align with the charity's goals.
✨Build Relationships in the Room
Interpersonal skills are key for this position. During the interview, engage with everyone you meet, from the interviewer to any support staff. Show your enthusiasm for collaboration and relationship-building, as these are essential for managing trust and foundation relationships effectively.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.