Across the UK, children and young people are facing a perfect storm: an inactivity pandemic and a mental health crisis. Young people who are less physically and mentally healthy do less well in life. We believe in the transformative power of football to help tackle these challenges – and to build more connected, resilient communities.
The benefits of regular access to the nation’s game are not open to all and impossibly expensive for many. Our financial assistance model, combined with a delivery plan that targets areas of greatest deprivation, is already making football accessible to over 7,000 children and young people every week. We bring together young people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities – forging friendships and understanding across these divides.
We’ve come a long way in a short time. In just a few years income has grown from £1m to over £5m, and we are building towards becoming a major national charity capable of creating population-level impact. We’re now at an inflection point – expanding beyond our ever-growing base in London and into areas of deprivation across the country, developing a Growth Fund that will enable us to reach over 40,000 young people every week by 2031. No other sport-for-good charity in the UK has achieved scale at this level, and we intend to be the first. To help us get there, we’re looking for someone who backs themselves to play an important role in our Trusts & Foundations team, which is an integral part of a Fundraising team aiming to become the best in the country. Our fast-paced and ambitious culture is matched by a commitment to the personal growth of each team member and a palpably fun, friendly and supportive environment in which to work.
About the role
Our new Fundraising Lead will proactively drive growth within our largest income stream in a high-performance environment. Trusts and Foundations currently contribute c.£3 million of our c.£5 million annual fundraised income, and this is where our new Lead will be focused. In the last financial year alone we secured our first two seven-figure multi-year commitments, along with two further £0.5 million multi-year commitments – testament to the significant opportunity for someone ready to help drive this work forward. You’ll operate in a dynamic environment where agility, productivity, and independent decision making are essential. You’ll build and manage funder relationships, navigate deadlines on significant funding bids, and contribute towards our team’s strategy. AI is set to revolutionise trusts and foundations fundraising. The post holder will be expected to engage enthusiastically and skilfully with the AI tools we are developing – embracing new technologies to unlock opportunities and help accelerate the charity’s success. We are working to achieve scale at a level no other sport-for-good charity in the UK ever has. This means real responsibility straightaway. You will work with the Senior Trusts and Foundations Lead and Director of Fundraising to manage competing priorities, contribute to efficiency across the team, and take ownership of improvements that enhance how we work. You will play an important part in making that ambition a reality, and you will be expected to deliver with independence, proactivity, and determination in an environment that moves fast.
About you – what we’re looking for
We’re looking for an exceptional candidate with a sharp intellect, outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and the drive to make a real impact. Ideally, you will have some professional experience in a fast-paced environment, though we strongly encourage exceptional candidates with any level of experience to apply – what matters most is your potential, hunger to deliver, and commitment to the role. This is a team where the best idea wins, and junior members who are performing well are given exciting opportunities that belie their experience level. A background in fundraising or the charity sector is not required and candidates from outside the sector are actively encouraged to apply. You’ll be organised, proactive and confident – able to manage multiple competing priorities, write clearly and persuasively, and build relationships with senior decision-makers. You thrive in high-growth environments and are keen to understand how strategy is shaped, not just execute existing plans. You’ll support projects from concept through delivery, take responsibility for certain grant proposals, lead on funder reporting and stewardship, and actively work to secure long-term partnerships – including having the opportunity to attend high-level meetings with senior decision-makers. You’ll be a fast learner with excellent attention to detail, eager to take feedback and independently develop more efficient, tech-enabled ways of working. You understand that in a scaling organisation, your role will evolve rapidly – you’ll wear multiple hats, tackle new challenges, and have influence on how we operate. We’ll support you to develop in the role and your career, and expect you to bring energy, curiosity, hard work and a high standard of professionalism in return.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver high quality writing
- Take responsibility for research, writing, and impact data on significant funding bids, working closely with senior colleagues.
- Help develop persuasive, tailored proposals for new and existing funders.
- Own written follow-ups and support on regular funder communications, helping to deepen relationships and secure repeat fundings.
Undertake research and analysis
- Conduct in-depth research to identify new trust and foundation prospects aligned with our funding priorities.
- Support analysis of funder interests, eligibility criteria, and previous giving to inform a targeted, strategic approach.
Effectively coordinate and manage a supporter portfolio
- Take responsibility for tracking deadlines, grant requirements, and reporting schedules across a large and complex personal portfolio of funders.
- Proactively ensure all trust and foundation relationships are well-documented and managed efficiently, supporting timely submissions and communications.
- Maintain excellent attention to detail while juggling competing priorities and deadlines
Build trusted relationships
- Attend and contribute to high-level meetings with senior representatives of major foundations, representing the organisation at high-level discussions alongside colleagues, and leading presentations when appropriate.
Work with senior colleagues and funders
- Collaborate directly with the Senior Trusts & Foundations Lead and the Director of Fundraising on funding decisions and major partnership negotiations.
- Benefit from regular exposure to senior leadership on significant funding opportunities.
Support team efficiency and continuous improvement
- Help to rapidly scale our trusts and foundations pipeline, pioneering new approaches to funder engagement using AI.
- Take the initiative to improve systems, processes, and ways of working, with a strong focus on organisation, clarity, and smart use of technology.
- Actively contribute to a team culture that values feedback and learning
Person Specification:
- A strong academic background or equivalent professional experience.
- Proactive and self-motivated, comfortable taking ownership and working independently.
- Confident, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the organisation professionally in external meetings.
- Outstanding written communication skills – clear, persuasive and tailored to different audiences.
- Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesise information quickly.
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and able to juggle competing deadlines.
- A fast learner who embraces feedback and continuously looks to improve.
- Eligible to work in the UK.
- 1–3 years’ experience in a fast-paced environment – fundraising, sales, communications, consulting or similar. We actively welcome applicants from outside the charity sector.
- Experience writing proposals, bids, pitches or reports in any context.
- Familiarity with CRM systems or database tools.
- Experience using AI tools professionally.
- Modern office in Camden Markets with free gym membership and local market discounts
- Regular staff socials.
- Opportunities to attend Premier League, WSL, FA Cup, and Champions League football matches
- Cycle to work scheme.
- 24 days holiday allowance, increasing by one day per year after two years’ service.
- Funding toward training and five days of fully paid study leave
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