At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community fundraising and build relationships with donors to support Waldorf education.
- Company: Waldorf UK, a passionate advocate for Steiner Waldorf schools.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid work and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help nurture creativity and wellbeing in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity fundraising and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Waldorf UK is the national body representing and supporting Steiner Waldorf schools across the UK. We work to strengthen and promote Waldorf education, support schools, the development of teacher training and advocate for an education that nurtures creativity, wellbeing and independent thinking. We are seeking a proactive and relationship-focused Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to help grow our income and deepen engagement with supporters. The role will focus on Community fundraising with a secondary role to support and help develop grant funding from trusts and foundations and high-net-worth individual giving. The postholder will work closely with the Executive Director and trustees to develop a sustainable and diverse income stream to support Waldorf UK’s advocacy, research and support work for schools.
Key Responsibilities
- Community Fundraising
- Develop and grow a culture of giving across the Waldorf community including parents, alumni, teachers and supporters.
- Developing and delivering an annual community fundraising plan.
- Building and maintaining a donor community among parents, alumni and the wider anthroposophical network.
- Managing regular giving, appeals and community-based fundraising initiatives.
- Creating engaging communications and campaigns that inspire supporters to contribute.
- Supporting events and campaigns that encourage collective giving.
- Trusts and Foundations
- Work with the Executive Director to secure income from charitable trusts and foundations to support Waldorf UK’s programmes and advocacy work.
- Identifying and researching suitable grant-making trusts and foundations.
- Preparing compelling grant applications and funding proposals.
- Working with colleagues to articulate clear project outcomes and impact.
- Managing reporting requirements and maintaining strong relationships with funders.
- Building a pipeline of prospective funders and maintaining accurate records of applications and deadlines.
- High Net Worth Individual Giving
- Work with the Executive Director to develop relationships with major donors who share an interest in education, creativity and child development.
- Identifying and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
- Working with the Executive Director and trustees to build a major donor strategy.
- Preparing tailored funding proposals and cases for support.
- Organising small gatherings and events to deepen donor engagement.
- Stewarding major donors and ensuring excellent communication and recognition.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of Waldorf UK’s overall fundraising strategy.
- Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising data.
- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and member schools.
- Report regularly to the Executive Director and trustees on fundraising progress.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in charity fundraising or income generation.
- Experience of trust and foundation fundraising.
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
- Ability to develop compelling funding proposals and cases for support.
- Organised and able to manage multiple funding opportunities simultaneously.
- Commitment to the values and mission of Waldorf education.
Desirable
- Experience of major donor fundraising.
- Experience working in education or the charity sector.
- Knowledge of the Steiner Waldorf movement.
- Experience of community-based fundraising.
Personal Qualities
- Relationship-centred and collaborative.
- Self-motivated and proactive.
- Strategic thinker who is also comfortable with practical delivery.
- Able to communicate Waldorf education in a compelling and accessible way.
Reporting
The Fundraising Manager will report to the Executive Director of Waldorf UK and work closely with trustees and colleagues across the organisation.
Location
Flexible / hybrid working with occasional travel to schools and events across the UK.
Salary
£40 - £45K FTE – paid pro rata 2 days per week.
Fundraising & Partnerships Manager employer: Waldorf UK
Waldorf UK is an exceptional employer that champions creativity, wellbeing, and independent thinking through its commitment to Steiner Waldorf education. With a flexible and hybrid working environment, employees benefit from a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth, alongside opportunities to engage with a passionate community of educators and supporters. The role of Fundraising & Partnerships Manager not only offers a chance to make a meaningful impact but also provides avenues for professional development within a mission-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising & Partnerships Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education and charity sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that Fundraising & Partnerships Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for Waldorf education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to express why you believe in the mission of Waldorf UK. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates who might not share the same level of commitment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current fundraising strategies and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Bring fresh ideas to the table during your interview – it shows initiative and that you’re already thinking about how to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Waldorf community. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising & Partnerships Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Waldorf education shine through. We want to see how much you care about creativity, wellbeing, and independent thinking in education. Make it personal!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in charity fundraising and relationship-building. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our community, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waldorf UK
✨Know Your Waldorf Education
Before the interview, make sure you understand the principles of Waldorf education and how they relate to fundraising. Familiarise yourself with Waldorf UK’s mission and values so you can speak passionately about them during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in charity fundraising, especially community-based initiatives. Be ready to discuss successful campaigns you've led and how you built relationships with donors.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role is all about building connections, think of ways to illustrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories about how you've engaged supporters or collaborated with colleagues to achieve fundraising goals.
✨Prepare for Questions on Strategy
Anticipate questions about your approach to developing a sustainable income stream. Think about how you would create a community fundraising plan and what strategies you would employ to engage high-net-worth individuals.
