At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and shape impactful storytelling for a community charity.
- Company: Spark2Life, a charity dedicated to reducing youth violence in London and Kent.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, counselling access, team building, and career development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to equal opportunities and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while advancing your fundraising career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in charity fundraising or bid writing with strong management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
London (office-based) | Full-time, Permanent | £45,000–£50,000
About Us: Spark2Life is a community-inspired charity on a mission to reduce violence affecting young people across London and Kent. Since 2006, we've supported thousands of young people through mentoring, casework, advocacy, counselling and training — helping them break free from cycles of offending and exploitation.
Every role at Spark2Life is critical to keeping young people safe from harm and violence — and this one sits right at the heart of making that work possible. We're looking for an experienced fundraising leader to join our Senior Management Team and take ownership of our income generation strategy at an exciting time for the charity.
The Role: Reporting directly to our CEO, you'll hold primary responsibility for all areas of income generation — reviewing and delivering our business development strategy, and securing funds from corporates, trusts and foundations, and local, regional and national funding bodies, including government departments, local authorities and individual donors.
Beyond fundraising, you'll shape how Spark2Life tells its story. You'll oversee our evaluation framework, working closely with our external evaluator to make sure our impact is captured and communicated well. You'll also manage all communications activity — website, social media and press engagement — through line management of our Communications Officer, ensuring our fundraising and communications strategies are joined up and pulling in the same direction.
This is a role for someone who wants more than a job — who wants to bring their fundraising expertise to an organisation doing genuinely life-changing work with young people affected by violence and criminal exploitation.
What you'll bring:
- 3+ years' experience as a charity fundraiser and/or bid writer
- A proven track record winning major grants and bids
- Strong people management, budgeting and reporting skills
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to produce compelling content
- Resilience and organization to manage a busy, deadline-driven workload
What you'll get:
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
- Free access to counselling and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Annual performance reviews with development plans
- Regular team building throughout the year
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply early. Spark2Life is committed to equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background.
Senior Manager of Fundraising & Bid Writing in Slough employer: Spark2Life
Spark2Life is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people affected by violence and exploitation. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, including 25 days of annual leave and access to counselling services, we foster professional growth through regular performance reviews and team-building activities. Join us in our mission to create positive change in London and Kent, where your fundraising expertise will directly contribute to life-changing outcomes for the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager of Fundraising & Bid Writing in Slough
✨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 Spark2Life.
✨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 Spark2Life, 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 Spark2Life. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager of Fundraising & Bid Writing in Slough
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 Spark2Life 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 Spark2Life. 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 Senior Manager of Fundraising & Bid Writing role at Spark2Life. 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 Spark2Life
✨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 Spark2Life. 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 Spark2Life.
✨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 Spark2Life. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
