Fundraiser

Quest for Learning; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Quest for Learning as a Fundraiser to lead income generation efforts across diverse streams. In this hands-on role, you'll build relationships with funders, engage supporters, and contribute to making a significant impact on children's lives in Oxfordshire. Enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement with unlimited annual leave and the chance to grow within a values-led charity.

Benefits

Unlimited annual leave

Flexible hybrid working

Supportive culture and professional growth

Qualifications

• Proven track record in securing funds across multiple streams.
• Strong bid writing and reporting skills.
• Highly organized with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify funders, write and submit applications.
• Develop community partnerships and manage fundraising events.
• Maintain accurate records and report income performance.

Skills

Fundraising

Communication

Networking

Relationship Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

Experience in a Small Charity or Education Setting

Knowledge of Oxfordshire Funding Landscape

Tools

Beacon CRM

Canva

Mailchimp

Job description

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Reports to: Chief Executive

Term of appointment: Permanent

Hours of work: 0.8 FTE (30hrs per week) (flexible for the right candidate)

Holidays: Uncapped annual leave, plus two week-long shutdowns

Main work address: Hybrid - a mix of remote working and time at our Abingdon office. The role involves regular travel across Oxfordshire to meet funders, partners, and community supporters, and occasional evening or weekend work for events and networking.

Interviews: w/c 28 July or w/c 4 August

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity on a mission to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind - often due to complex and compounding disadvantage. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, with limited access to books, low parental literacy, and challenging home environments. Some face health inequalities, live in areas affected by crime, or have recently arrived in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers.

We work closely with schools to provide targeted, high-impact literacy and numeracy programmes that give these children the chance to catch up, thrive, and believe in their potential. On average, our small-group tutoring helps pupils make 13 months of progress in just 10 hours - building not only essential skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The impact extends well beyond the classroom. By supporting children early, we help prevent the need for more complex and costly interventions later in life, from mental health support to exclusion and social care. Our work contributes to stronger, fairer communities by giving every child the foundation they need to participate fully in society. In doing so, we are advancing social sustainability and helping to meet global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.

Role Purpose

This is a hands-on and outward-facing role for a confident, capable fundraiser ready to lead Quest for Learning’s income generation efforts. As our sole dedicated fundraiser, you’ll take ownership of securing income across a broad mix of streams - including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.

You’ll be out and about representing the charity, building relationships with local businesses, community groups, and supporters, and bringing our mission to life with energy and clarity. You'll need to be a proactive self-starter who enjoys meeting people, thrives in a varied role, and is motivated by delivering results that improve life chances for disadvantaged children.

This is a busy and varied role which often involves working on multiple fundraising activities at once. A typical day could include working on an application to a new funder, designing a supporter newsletter, gathering information for an end of grant report, and researching new prospects.

This role would suit someone with experience of securing funding, managing funder relationships, and developing new opportunities - all with a focus on practical delivery. You’ll work closely with the CEO, leadership and programme teams, and our board of trustees to help grow a diverse and sustainable income base.

Key Responsibilities

Trusts and foundations

• Research and identify prospective funders, building a robust pipeline
• Write and submit compelling, tailored funding applications
• Deliver timely, high-quality reports with evidence of impact
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders through clear, proactive stewardship
• Monitor success rates and financial information and adapt strategy to improve performance
• Initiate and grow partnerships with local community groups (e.g. WIs, Rotary clubs, schools, churches)
• Support or coordinate local fundraising events and campaigns (e.g. fun runs, quizzes, coffee mornings)
• Attend community events to represent the charity and engage new supporters
• Equip and support individuals and groups to fundraise on our behalf

Corporate partnerships and other earned income

• Build relationships with local and regional businesses to secure sponsorship, gifts-in-kind or Charity of the Year support
• Develop creative, mutually beneficial opportunities to engage corporate partners
• Work with the CEO and board to identify and cultivate prospects
• Explore other potential income streams including education consultancy or training offers

Individual Giving and supporter engagement

• Support the development of campaigns to encourage donations from individuals
• Help create a compelling case for support across our communications
• Identify opportunities to increase visibility and supporter base (e.g. speaking engagements, community fairs)
• Ensure Quest for Learning is regularly engaging with our supporters
• Champion the use of storytelling and pupil outcomes to inspire giving

Marketing and communications (fundraising-focused)

• Develop fundraising messaging and materials with the CEO and team
• Lead on all communications relating to fundraising and supporter engagement
• Ensure consistent branding and tone across all fundraising-related comms
• Share our impact with passion and clarity to motivate supporters

Planning and systems

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in our Beacon CRM
• Track income performance and contribute to budgeting and forecasting
• Create and deliver realistic workplans to manage multiple deadlines
• Liaise with programme staff to gather data and stories for funders
• Report on income and fundraising activities to CEO and trustees

Person Specification

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of securing income across multiple streams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain our mission clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• Excellent bid writing and reporting skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
• Proactive, self-motivated, and happy to work independently
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Values-led, personable and enthusiastic - able to represent the charity with warmth and professionalism
• Experience working in a small charity or education setting
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape or local networks
• Experience with community fundraising, challenge events, or individual giving
• Skills in Canva, Mailchimp or similar content creation tools
• Familiarity with Beacon or similar fundraising CRMs
• Understanding of primary education and the barriers disadvantaged children face
• Experience producing fundraising workplans or reports for trustees

Why work with us?

Quest for Learning is a friendly, values-led education charity with a big mission and a supportive culture. We’re committed to flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth, and we believe in helping our team thrive while doing meaningful work.

We offer:

• Unlimited annual leave(minimum 28 days pro rata, plus bank holidays), with full charity shutdowns in August and at Christmas
• Flexible hybrid workingwith autonomy over your schedule
• A culture oftrust, kindness, and high standards
• Opportunities to test ideas, develop skills and shape a growing organisation

How to apply

***Please do not apply via the Apply Now button on LinkedIn***

To apply, please complete the application form and submit [e-mail]

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, Chief Executive [e-mail]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Primary and Secondary Education

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