Fundraising Officer (Maternity Cover)

CASE; Reading; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished UK university is seeking a Fundraising Officer to raise philanthropic income during its centenary year. The role involves planning various fundraising activities, including international campaigns and public events. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with experience in project management and fundraising. This is a fixed-term full-time position, requiring some on-site availability at the university campus and offering hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with diverse groups.
• Experience in managing fundraising projects effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills to handle time-sensitive tasks.
• Proficient in information technology and software used in fundraising.
• Background in fundraising preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a range of fundraising activities for the university.
• Raise charitable donations through various campaigns and events.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve fundraising goals.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Experience planning and managing projects

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Good all-round IT skills

Prior experience in a fundraising role

Job description

Full Time / Fixed term Contract

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 9th January 2026

Interview date - 21st January 2026

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

As our Fundraising Officer you’ll play a crucial role in raising philanthropic income for the university. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as 2026 marks the University’s centenary.

Your work will involve planning and delivering a range of fundraising activities aimed at raising charitable donations from alumni and other supporters. Projects will include an international giving day, telephone campaign, direct mail appeals, online crowdfunding projects and raising money at public events on our campuses.

This is a chance to make a real difference during an important year. You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive and passionate team and your work will have real impact — supporting students, research and the wider community through our centenary projects.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a wide range of people
• Experience planning and managing projects
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Good all-round IT skills
• Ideally gained some prior experience in a fundraising role

This role is a fixed-term full time position, working 35 hours per week, providing maternity cover for 1 year from February 2026. Working hours would normally be 9‑5pm Monday to Friday, but the role will require periods of out of hours working such as during the telephone campaign.

The role requires some days working at the Whiteknights Campus each week, but The Fundraising Team supports hybrid remote working arrangements too.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Name: Janice Galvin, Fundraising Manager [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Daisy Aylwayd, Fundraising Officer [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

£36,636 to £46,049 per annum