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- Tasks: Plan and deliver exciting fundraising events while engaging with donors and supporters.
- Company: Join Switch the Play Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting sportspeople's transitions.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days leave, pension, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of sportspeople while shaping a growing charity.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in event planning and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and passionate environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Hours: Part-time (28 hours / 4 days) with the option to increase to full-time (35 hours) after probation
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based with regular UK travel
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising
About Switch the Play Foundation
Switch the Play Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting sportspeople as they transition to life beyond sport. We empower individuals across all levels and disciplines to thrive during and after their sporting careers through tailored development, wellbeing, and transition support. With our new five-year strategy well underway, this is an exciting time to join a growing, ambitious, values‑driven team committed to scaling our impact across the UK.
The Role:
We’re looking for an energetic, creative and highly organised Events & Community Fundraising Manager to help shape and deliver an inspiring programme of fundraising events and supporter engagement initiatives. Working closely with our Director of Fundraising, you’ll manage a diverse events portfolio—including large-scale public fundraisers, third‑party challenge events like the London Marathon, and stewardship or networking receptions—to generate income, raise awareness, and strengthen supporter relationships. You’ll also lead our community fundraising activity, engaging donors, partners, and supporters to help grow a thriving and connected fundraising community around Switch the Play.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with proven events experience who is looking to bring fresh ideas, develop new initiatives, and really make the role their own in a supportive and collaborative environment.
What You’ll Do
- Plan and deliver Switch the Play’s established calendar of fundraising events, including challenge/sporting events, dinners and receptions.
- Create and manage a pipeline of new fundraising events aligned to our strategy and income goals.
- Develop engaging event marketing collateral and promotional plans, working with our Marketing Manager.
- Lead all event participant recruitment and stewardship, ensuring accurate tracking in Salesforce.
- Build strong, long-lasting relationships with participants, donors and supporters.
- Maintain a rolling inventory of auction prizes for use at events.
- Work with staff and trustees to maximise uptake and support for third-party fundraising events.
- Lead on community fundraising activities such as donor‑led campaigns, online raffles, and partner‑supported events.
- Maximise opportunities through national fundraising moments, such as Giving Tuesday and The Big Give.
- Develop new initiatives to engage individuals—such as former beneficiaries—in fundraising for Switch the Play.
- Produce supporter communications (event brochures, newsletters, Mailchimp campaigns) with support from Marketing.
- Contribute to the development of general and regular giving campaigns to grow our donor base.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong project management capability with excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Confident communicator with the ability to build rapport quickly and influence at all levels.
- Outstanding attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple projects.
- Creative thinker and problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Resilient, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player.
- Comfortable engaging with donors, supporters and high-profile individuals.
- Calm and adaptable during live events.
Experience
- Minimum three years’ experience planning and delivering fundraising events end‑to‑end.
- Experience driving participation through effective marketing and sales processes.
- Experience organising community fundraising initiatives and digital fundraising campaigns.
- Strong stewardship experience with donors and/or VIPs.
- Experience using a fundraising CRM (ideally Salesforce).
- Relevant fundraising or higher education qualification.
Personal Qualities
- A passion for sport and supporting sportspeople through life’s transitions.
- Commitment to Switch the Play’s values and Team Code.
What We Offer
- Be part of a supportive, passionate, values‑led team.
- The opportunity to shape the future of a growing national charity.
- Flexible working culture built on trust and wellbeing.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + 3 days at Christmas.
- Employer pension, CPD budget, tech allowance and travel expenses.
- A high‑impact role where your voice and ideas genuinely matter.
Other Requirements
- Right to work in the UK and current UK residency.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends.
Events & Community Fundraising Manager employer: Switch The Play Foundation
Contact Detail:
Switch The Play Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Events & Community Fundraising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising and events space. Attend industry meet-ups, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for sports and community shine through. Share your ideas for engaging events and how you can contribute to their mission. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits their vibe!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an event or initiative that aligns with your skills, don’t wait for them to come to you. Pitch your ideas directly to the organisation. This shows initiative and gives them a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications that come directly from our site. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on all our latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Events & Community Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sport: Make sure to highlight your love for sports and how it drives you to support athletes in their transitions. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and the mission of Switch the Play Foundation.
Tailor Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific events you've managed and how they align with our goals. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas, so don’t be shy about showcasing your creativity!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and achievements. Remember, we love attention to detail, so proofread before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Switch The Play Foundation
✨Know Your Events Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of events Switch the Play Foundation runs. Research their past events and think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. Be ready to discuss specific examples of events you've managed and how they align with the charity's mission.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in community fundraising and how you've successfully engaged donors and supporters in the past. Think of creative strategies you've implemented and be ready to share how you built strong relationships with participants and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Highlight your project management skills by discussing how you’ve juggled multiple events or initiatives simultaneously. Use specific examples to illustrate your planning and organisational abilities, and be prepared to explain how you ensure attention to detail under pressure.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Switch the Play’s values and Team Code. During the interview, express your passion for sport and supporting athletes through transitions. Show them that you not only understand their mission but are also genuinely committed to making a difference in this area.
