At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive fundraising and communications to support families' learning experiences.
- Company: Join a passionate education-tech charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible hours, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth in a dynamic, impactful environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to enhance parental engagement in education.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and a collaborative spirit are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
About Us
Learning with Parents supports all families to have positive learning interactions together. We drive inclusive parental engagement by partnering with schools and leading the sector through learning what works. By partnering with primary schools, we support thousands of families across the UK to enjoy learning together at home. Our child-led videos and hands-on family activities replace traditional homework. Through behavioural insight research, innovative technology and teacher training we ensure that as many families as possible are supported effectively. We are working to improve parental engagement across the sector, by producing evidence of parents’ impact and generating insights into how schools can best support them. Learnings are disseminated through the Parental Engagement Forum and amplified through the Fair Education Alliance.
About the Role
The Fundraising and Communications Officer will play a central role in growing Learning with Parents’ income and shaping how we tell our story to funders, schools, families and the wider sector. The role is split roughly equally between fundraising and communications, reflecting how closely strong storytelling and visibility are tied to building a sustainable funding pipeline.
On the communications side, you will play a key role in social media presence, blogs, Annual Impact Report and brand guidelines, ensuring Learning with Parents is credible, compelling and visible to the audiences that matter most - including prospective funders and partners. A core thread running through this role is making the organisation 'fundable and findable': ensuring communications and fundraising work hand-in-hand to build trust, credibility and visibility with the people who fund and champion our work.
On the fundraising side, you will support income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partners and High Net Worth Individuals. This includes writing funding applications and proposals, reporting to and stewarding existing funders, researching new prospects to build a strong, well-evidenced pipeline, contributing to prospect research ‘huddles’ and helping to deliver fundraising events, working closely with the wider Fundraising team.
Core Areas of Responsibility
- Fundraising support
- Research prospects who are a good fit for our work including corporate funders, trusts and foundations, High Net Worth Individuals and Sector Awards.
- Working with the Fundraising team, build our funder pipeline in order to support accurate forecasting for the organisation.
- Working with our Fundraising team to craft well-written project proposals and briefings to inspire and engage funders including corporate funders, individuals and Trusts and Foundations.
- Cultivate and steward existing and new donors, helping to secure ongoing support and identify potential uplifts.
- Build relationships across the Learning with Parents team to source and manage information about our work, keeping up to date with progress and impact.
- Report to donors on the impact of their contributions to Learning with Parents.
- General support across different areas of fundraising, including but not limited to: working with the wider team to draft cases for support for new projects; keeping existing fundraising resources up to date and developing new ones as required; keeping our databases up to date; and supporting with event planning.
- External communications
- Collaborate with our Marketing Lead to create values-led and compelling content for our website and social platforms that will raise our external profile and visibility.
- Make updates to the charity WordPress site.
- Write regular blogs on a range of topics connected to our work.
- Format and publish the blogs on the WordPress site.
- Manage our annual impact report including planning the content, coordinating with other members of the team and liaising with the graphic designer.
- Drafting and logging case studies and quotes, in line with data protection requirements.
- Manage brand guidelines, keeping them up to date with any changes to our sales & marketing strategy.
About you
This is an exciting opportunity to gain experience across fundraising, communications and project management at a fast-paced education-tech charity. A successful Fundraising and Communications Officer will be eager to work in a small team, enjoy creative writing, have a can-do attitude, and be keen to get stuck in to support the charity’s growth and impact.
Our ideal candidate would also be able to provide examples of when they have used the following skills and experience:
- Strong writing and editing skills and an ability to produce clear and compelling narrative from your research and understanding of an organisation.
- Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively – you’ll be in a busy role, working on several projects.
- Good attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and an ability to work well as a team and with a range of different stakeholders – you’ll need to adapt to a range of audiences as engagement will be key to this role.
- A desire to champion and uphold our organisation’s vision, mission and values.
Our ideal candidate might also be able to provide examples of when they have used some of the following skills and experience, although these are not essential:
- An understanding of education inequality in the UK.
- Lived experience of some of the barriers that families from disadvantaged communities face in engaging with children’s learning.
- Experience with WordPress, Canva, and mainstream social media channels.
Our Values
Our Learning with Parents values are key to how we work and inform our strategy, programme, and how we collaborate.
- Ambition - We strive do more for the families, schools and organisations we work with.
- Collaboration - We value the voices of others and achieve more by working together.
- Exploration - We are curious and seek evidence to inform our work.
- Innovation - We test, learn, adapt and embrace failure in our pursuit of progress.
- Integrity - We act responsibly and honestly, and default to transparency.
- Supportive environment - We work to create an environment which supports growth, belonging and wellbeing for everyone.
Benefits
We have a passionate team and supportive culture. We have supportive policies and offer a number of benefits including:
- Generous annual leave allowance (35 days, including bank holidays).
- Your birthday off and additional holiday reward for every year employed with us (up to five days pro rata).
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and family-related leave policy from day one.
- Income protection in case of sickness.
- Flexible working times.
- Social events.
- Environmental (Net Zero) Pension.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Benefit Hub, including virtual GP and discount scheme.
To apply
Submit a CV and answer the following questions through our site by Sunday, 29th November:
- Why do you want to work for Learning with Parents? (no more than 300 words)
- Why do you want the role of Fundraising and Comms Officer? (no more than 300 words)
- What skills or experience do you have that would make you a good fundraising and communications officer at Learning with Parents? (no more than 500 words)
Your questions will initially be assessed without reference to your personal details or CV so please include all relevant information in your responses. These will be scored by multiple reviewers using a scoring matrix. Please refer to our AI in recruitment policy for guidance.
We would be grateful if you could also complete and submit our Equality and Diversity form. This helps us to monitor how we are doing against our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and identify areas we need to improve. Submitting this form is voluntary and will not affect how your application is assessed.
Provisional dates for the first-round interviews will be online in the week beginning 7th December. Second round interviews will be in person, at our Bristol offices, the week commencing 14th December.
We think it is important that our charity reflects the lived experience of our beneficiaries, and we want to be an organisation where employees and supporters from any background can thrive.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans including non-binary (LGBTQ+) candidates, and candidates from low-income families. These groups are currently underrepresented at Learning with Parents, and we are committed to increasing representation and diversity at the charity.
Due to the nature of our work with young people, on acceptance of offers all Learning with Parents employees are subject to a DBS check in accordance with Safeguarding Policies and offers will also be subject to reference checks.
Fundraising and Communications Officer in Bristol employer: Learning with Parents
Learning with Parents is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and wellbeing. With generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and a commitment to innovation in education, our team is empowered to make a meaningful impact on families across the UK. Join us in our mission to enhance parental engagement and create positive learning experiences for children, all while enjoying a vibrant and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising and Communications Officer in Bristol
✨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 Learning with Parents.
✨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 Learning with Parents, 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 Learning with Parents. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising and Communications Officer in Bristol
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 Learning with Parents 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 Learning with Parents. 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 and Communications Officer role at Learning with Parents. 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 Learning with Parents
✨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 Learning with Parents. 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 Learning with Parents.
✨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 Learning with Parents. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
