Fundraising and Grants Officer in Belfast

Job Description & Person Specification

Fundraising and Grants Officer

Affidea Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast, BT6 0FT

Role Purpose: To raise and secure funds in support of the Ulster Rugby Foundation through proactive relationship building with supporters and corporates, events planning and delivery, and matchday fundraising. To support clubs in Ulster to identify suitable funding opportunities and to help build capacity with clubs by supporting them with the preparation and submission of funding applications. To assist with funding applications for Ulster Rugby lead capital projects and participation programmes

Operational Manager: Foundation – Head of Rugby Development

Funding – Funding and Projects Manager

Functional Manager: Head of Rugby Development & Head of Commercial

Key Relationships: Marketing & Communications Team

Commercial Team

Events Team

Ulster Rugby Foundation Ambassadors

Ulster Rugby Foundation Board

Location: Affidea Stadium

Contract Type: Permanent (subject to a 6-month probationary period), full time (35 hours per week)

Salary: In the region of £28k per annum

Key Responsibilities:

Foundation

• Plan and deliver fundraising events, such as auctions, raffles, sponsored challenges, golf days, matchday activity and “Foundation Day” efforts.
• Attend and manage all aspects of the ‘Match Night Raffle’ including co-ordination of volunteers, organising prizes, liaising with prize winners and co-ordination of activity between the various departments.
• Identify opportunities for new fundraising events and ensure they align with the Foundation’s purpose.
• Build relationships with event attendees, Ulster Rugby ambassadors, sponsors, and supporters to maximise engagement and fundraising potential.
• Manage the Foundation’s donor schemes, including regular giving programmes and individual donations.
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and steward donors, providing them with an excellent experience throughout their engagement with the Foundation.
• Create and manage donor communications, such as newsletters, updates, and invitations to exclusive events, ensuring donors are informed of the impact of their contributions.
• In partnership with other commercial staff, build and maintain relationships with corporate partners, including local businesses and sponsors, to secure long-term support for the Foundation.
• Develop and implement strategies for corporate giving programs, including CSR partnerships, payroll giving, and event sponsorship.
• Create compelling proposals and presentations for potential corporate partners, outlining the mutual benefits of a partnership with the Ulster Rugby Foundation.
• Work with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and deliver promotional campaigns for fundraising activities, ensuring maximum visibility across digital platforms, social media, and traditional media.
• Supporting senior management to determine how funds are allocated to meet the strategic focus of the Foundation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all fundraising activities and report on relevant KPI’s, including donor recruitment, retention monitoring and fundraising targets for events.
• Provide regular reports and updates on activities as and when required including board papers etc
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and fundraising regulation.
• Attend meetings of the Ulster Rugby Foundation as and when required
• Work with colleagues in Rugby Development to monitor impact of the Foundation investment in relevant programmes and report on same.

Grants & Funding

• Work with Domestic Clubs to identify grant/funding opportunities and assist with the preparation of these.
• Assist with the delivery of all IRFU grant / loan schemes.
• Identify, establish and maintain strong relationships with key funders, strategic partners and other stakeholders that can help further the objectives of the organisation.
• Maintain high visibility within Domestic Rugby via regular contact, visits and meetings with club volunteers around grants and funding.
• Where topic areas are applicable, assist in the delivery of an annual programme of club development activity in association with other members of the Ulster Rugby or IRFU development teams.
• Work with Ulster Rugby communications team to raise the profile of work carried out in terms of funding and club development using the various promotional channels available through the IRFU (Ulster Branch)/Ulster Rugby.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties to meet the needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must, at the closing date for applications, be able to display and provide evidence of the following qualifications/training, experience, specialist knowledge, sills/abilities and behaviours:

Qualifications	Hold a minimum of Grade C in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent grade/qualification)
Experience	A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a relevant field within the charity or nonprofit sector, to include fundraising, income generation or corporate sales, and grants/funding. Proven experience in fundraising, event management, or a similar role within a charity or nonprofit organisation. Experience of working with and coordinating volunteers.
Knowledge	Knowledge of the charity sector in Northern Ireland. Knowledge of grants/funding landscape.
Skills & Abilities	Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with donors, corporate partners, and stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, with strong organisational and time management skills. Excellent written skills with the ability to produce high quality and creative content to attract supporters. A passion for finding innovative ways to achieve fundraising goals. Excellent IT skills with the ability to use online software programmes and the MS Office suite.
Behaviours	Team player Adaptable A can-do attitude with a solution driven mindset Creative thinker Strong commitment to Ulster Rugby Foundation’s mission and values.
Circumstances	Must be available to work flexibly to meet the needs of the organisation as evening and weekend work (including matchdays) will be required during the season. Must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria:

Qualifications & Training	Qualifications in fundraising, for example, through the Institute of Fundraising
Experience	Experience in donor recruitment, regular giving and/or corporate giving
Knowledge	Knowledge of the sports sector and a passion for rugby would be an advantage. Knowledge of grassroots rugby in Ulster
Circumstances	An established network of business contacts in the local area.

Initial short listing will take place against the criteria outlined in Qualifications, Experience and Circumstances. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate clearly in their application how they meet the criteria as advertised for this post.

Please note that applications containing numerous errors will be disregarded.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Behaviours will be assessed during the selection process.

The IRFU Ulster Branch reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria to facilitate shortlisting. Should this be required, some or all of the desirable criteria listed may be applied.

The post is being offered on a permanent contract (subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period).

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the short online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on Wednesday 24th June 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the guidance notes at the start of the application form prior to completion. CVs or emails expressing an interest in the position without completing the online application form will be disregarded.

Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation.

If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.

For more information please refer to the IRFU Vetting Policy https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/recruitment/