Fundraising Officer (Trusts & Partnerships)

Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter is one of the North East’s best-loved animal welfare charities, providing a safe place for lost, abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs and cats before finding them loving forever homes. Every year, we help hundreds of animals through expert veterinary care, rehabilitation and rehoming, while also supporting responsible pet ownership across our communities. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, funders and partners.

As we continue to grow our impact, we’re looking for a passionate and proactive fundraiser to help secure the income that enables us to deliver our ambitious plans for the future.

The Role

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised Fundraising Officer (Trusts & Partnerships) to join our fundraising team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, developing innovative projects and writing compelling funding applications. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll help secure income from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and other funding opportunities, ensuring Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter can continue delivering life-changing work for animals and the communities who care about them.

No two days are the same. One day you could be preparing a major grant application, the next meeting with a local business to explore a new partnership, or working with colleagues to develop an exciting new community project ready for funding.

You will be responsible for delivering agreed annual income targets from trusts, foundations and partnerships, helping to secure the sustainable funding needed to achieve the Shelter’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop and submit high-quality funding applications to trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies, securing income to support the Shelter’s strategic priorities.
• Research prospective trusts, statutory funders, foundations and corporate partners to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of future funding opportunities.
• Deliver agreed annual income targets from trusts, foundations and partnerships.
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with existing funders, ensuring they receive high-quality stewardship and timely communication.
• Complete grant monitoring reports and evaluations, demonstrating the impact of funded projects and maintaining compliance with funder requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across animal welfare, operations, finance and marketing to develop compelling funding proposals and accurately evidence project outcomes.
• Work with budget holders to ensure funded projects remain within budget and grant conditions are met.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks that demonstrate project outcomes, impact and value for money.
• Identify, develop and grow corporate partnerships, securing support through sponsorship, employee fundraising, volunteering opportunities and gifts in kind.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with businesses, funders, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues to identify funding needs and develop innovative projects that improve animal welfare, strengthen community engagement and support the long-term strategic ambitions of Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter.
• Support the development of new community projects and initiatives that strengthen our relationships across the North East.
• Represent Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter at networking events, partnership meetings and funding forums.
• Support the wider fundraising team with campaigns, appeals and fundraising events where required.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, funder communications, reporting deadlines and partnership activity using the charity’s CRM system.
• Produce regular reports on funding performance, partnership activity and project outcomes for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute ideas and opportunities that help grow sustainable income across the charity.

About You

• Proven experience writing successful funding applications to trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies, including multi-year funding bids.
• Experience developing and managing relationships with funders, businesses or external partners.
• Strong relationship management skills with the confidence to represent Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter externally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write persuasive funding applications and high-quality reports.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments to develop projects and funding opportunities.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to monitor project outcomes and funding requirements.
• A proactive approach with the confidence to identify new opportunities and take ownership of projects.
• Experience using CRM systems to maintain accurate records would be advantageous.
• Comfortable working towards ambitious income targets and being accountable for agreed fundraising objectives.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and the work of the voluntary sector.
• Experience within a charity or fundraising environment is desirable but not essential.

What We Offer

30 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements to be agreed. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support fundraising events and partnership activities. 33 days annual leave, including...