Advancement Officer in Glasgow

Advancement Officer in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 40000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Mary's Meals International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Identify and develop major donor fundraising opportunities to support children's meals.
  • Company: Join Mary’s Meals, a global movement dedicated to feeding children in education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Remote work options available with occasional travel to Glasgow.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by creating partnerships that help feed millions of children.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in fundraising or proposal development.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.

Salary: £31,076 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role: We are delighted to be recruiting for an Advancement Officer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Advancement Lead, you will play an important role in identifying and developing new major donor fundraising opportunities that support the long-term sustainability and growth of Mary’s Meals. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong communicator and relationship-builder who is passionate about creating meaningful partnerships that enable more children to receive a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. Working closely with colleagues across our global network, you will support National Affiliates to grow philanthropic giving, develop strategic partnerships, and engage new supporters in the mission of Mary’s Meals.

In this varied and collaborative role, you will research and develop new funding opportunities, support proposal and relationship development activities, and create compelling fundraising materials that inspire support and drive impact.

Key priorities:

  • Write high-quality proposals for prospective donors, foundations, major donors and corporate partners.
  • Identify, research and cultivate new philanthropic and corporate fundraising opportunities globally.
  • Support National Affiliates with tools and resources to engage new supporters and strategic partners.
  • Coordinate advancement activities and events that maximise fundraising opportunities across the network.
  • Develop systems and processes to identify and progress funding opportunities.
  • Work with colleagues across Mary’s Meals to ensure proposals align with organisational priorities and plans.
  • Support pipeline development, due diligence activities and strategic fundraising initiatives.

About you:

With excellent organisational and communication skills, you will be comfortable managing multiple priorities and working to demanding deadlines. You will bring experience of developing funding proposals and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences. You will be motivated, solutions-focused and skilled at building strong relationships across cultures and geographies. Experience of international development, global fundraising, or working within international teams would be advantageous.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and from all faiths and none. We are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. Today, more than 3 million children receive Mary’s Meals in some of the world’s poorest communities. We are a values-driven organisation that believes in the innate goodness of people, respects the dignity of every human being and family life, and values good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, we are fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any form of unwanted behaviour at work, and we expect all members of the Mary’s Meals family to share this commitment and act in the best interests of the communities we serve. Our safer recruitment practices ensure that only those committed to our high standards join our movement. We are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance. We have an office in Glasgow for those who would like to work from here occasionally or on a regular basis. Some travel to Glasgow will be required as part of this role. We believe in the innate goodness and dignity of every person. In line with this, Mary’s Meals is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit, without discrimination of any kind.

Our Benefits:

  • 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
  • Flexible working
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Life assurance
  • Pension

To apply for this fantastic opportunity, please click APPLY and send us your CV together with a succinct covering letter outlining why this role is a good fit for your experience and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals. If you have any questions about the role or would like to discuss any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email jobs.MMI@marysmeals.org

Closing date for applications is Sunday 12th July 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Advancement Officer in Glasgow employer: Mary's Meals International

Mary's Meals is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children worldwide. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to ensure every child receives a nutritious meal in their place of education, while enjoying the unique advantage of working within a global network from our Glasgow office or remotely.

Mary's Meals International

Contact Details:

Mary's Meals International Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Advancement Officer in Glasgow

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 Mary's Meals International.

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 Mary's Meals International, 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 Mary's Meals International. It’s all about being visible and passionate!

We think you need these skills to ace Advancement Officer in Glasgow

Strong Communication Skills
Relationship-Building
Fundraising Proposal Development
Research Skills
Strategic Partnership Development
Organisational Skills
Project Coordination

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 Mary's Meals International 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 Mary's Meals International. 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 Advancement Officer role at Mary's Meals International. 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 Mary's Meals International

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 Mary's Meals International. 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 Mary's Meals International.

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 Mary's Meals International. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.