We Are Recruiting for a Fundraising Manager

A great opportunity to join our Sussex focussed charity as we embark upon a new 4 year strategy.

This is a senior, high-impact post. You will lead on business development and income generation — writing bids, building partnerships and developing strategy — working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.

A key part of the role is dedicated to securing funding for our Lost Woods Project, a multi-agency community development initiative running until November 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and driving an organisational Business Development Strategy
• Writing and submitting high-quality grant applications and competitive tender bids (including £150k+ bids)
• Maintaining a strong pipeline of funding and contract opportunities
• Building and sustaining strategic partnerships across the public, voluntary and private sectors
• Leading on AirS communications, marketing and profile-raising
• Supporting smooth handover of awarded contracts into delivery

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven track record of securing grant funding and winning contracts, including large bids of £150,000+
• Experience of collaborative bidding and partnership development
• Management experience in a similar organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of CRM systems
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Knowledge of the national and local funding landscape and public sector commissioning
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the voluntary and community sector in Sussex
• Experience of Social Value and Theory of Change impact evaluation
• Formal fundraising or project management qualification
• Knowledge of community asset development, rural housing or nature-based solutions

Personal attributes: You are self-motivated, highly organised, calm under pressure, and a genuine completer-finisher. You can write compelling bids, build trusted relationships, and present confidently to a range of audiences.

Accountable to: Head of Finance and Operations Staff responsibilities: None initially (line management potential)

Salary: £45,000 (pro rata) Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered at 28 hours) Contract: Permanent Location: Lewes, Sussex — hybrid working.

AirS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Download the Application Pack including the Job description and Person specification HERE

Download the Application Form HERE

Please send your application to: recruitment@ruralsussex.org.uk

Closing Date: 17:00, 19 May 2026

Action in rural Sussex is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. To help us honour this commitment we would ask you to complete the following two surveys:

Equal Opportunities Survey (just over 1 minute to complete)

Recruitment Survey (Less than 1 minute to complete)

Registered name: Sussex Rural Community Council, Charity No: 1035401