Fundraising Lead

Common Purpose

11d • Remote

About The Position

Common Purpose is seeking a proactive, resourceful Fundraising Lead to grow and diversify the organisation’s income. The role works closely with the Managing Director of Social Value and the CEO to identify funding opportunities, develop relationships with prospective funders, and prepare compelling applications to trusts, foundations and statutory funding bodies. It will also explore corporate partnerships and philanthropic giving.

This is a hands-on role, responsible for researching prospective funders, building and managing a funding pipeline, developing persuasive cases for support, and submitting high-quality applications. The postholder will work with colleagues across Common Purpose to understand its work, gather evidence of impact and communicate the value of its work to potential funders. The role requires organisation, excellent writing, independent workload management and a clear focus on securing income.

The position is home-based in either Manchester or London, with occasional travel within the UK. Common Purpose offers a fully flexible, remote-first working environment. The post is permanent and full-time, though applications from people seeking a fractional arrangement are also welcome. Salary is £40,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Requirements

• Fundraising experience, including a track record of researching, developing and submitting successful funding applications; experience with trusts, foundations or statutory funding bodies is preferred.
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to produce clear, persuasive applications and compelling cases for support.
• Ability to research prospective funders, identify opportunities and proactively build a funding pipeline.
• Confidence engaging with funders, understanding their priorities and developing productive relationships.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to assess funding opportunities, prioritise time and focus on those with the strongest potential.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple applications, deadlines and reporting requirements accurately.
• Analytical skills, experience tracking funding opportunities and income, and an understanding of budgets and restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues to develop funding propositions and communicate the impact of the organisation’s work.
• Motivation to help secure resources that enable Common Purpose to deliver its work.
• Excellent written English and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and digital tools.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including relevant requirements under the Code of Fundraising Practice and GDPR.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel within the UK occasionally, as required.
• Commitment to Common Purpose’s independent and non-aligned approach to its work.

Nice To Haves

• Experience submitting funding applications to trusts, foundations or statutory funding bodies.

Responsibilities

• Research trusts, foundations, statutory funding programmes and other potential income sources, identifying opportunities that align with Common Purpose’s work.
• Develop compelling cases for support, prepare and submit high-quality funding applications, and manage associated deadlines.
• Build and maintain a funding pipeline, tracking opportunities, applications and decisions and prioritising activity according to potential value and likelihood of success.
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, exploring repeat funding, multi-year awards and longer-term partnerships.
• Work with colleagues to gather evidence and develop persuasive funding propositions that demonstrate the value of Common Purpose’s work.
• Monitor income against targets, maintain accurate records, and ensure funder reporting requirements and deadlines are met.
• Identify potential opportunities for corporate partnerships, major donors and other forms of philanthropic support.
• Coordinate with colleagues across the organisation to identify funding opportunities and ensure fundraising activity supports wider priorities.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave per annum, plus 3 additional days over Christmas.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Fully flexible, remote-first working environment.
• Opportunity to shape and develop fundraising activity.
• Opportunity to develop new funding opportunities and build lasting partnerships.
• Opportunity to work with colleagues, participants and partners across different countries and contexts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed