Fundraising & Community Engagement Officer

Drive the fundraising and community engagement that turns opportunities into real, lasting impact for autistic young people.

Start Date: March 2026

Salary: £32,026.23 - £33,820.47 FTE (pro rata for part time) per annum (3-5 days)

Contract: 52 weeks - Full or Part time (3-5 days)

Closing Date: Friday 23rd January, 2026 at 12:00pm

Apply for Fundraising & Community Engagement Officer vacancy.

We have a new and exciting opportunity for a Fundraising & Community Engagement Officer to join our Communications, Marketing & Engagement team. You will lead a range of fundraising and community engagement activities – from writing high-quality grant applications to developing local partnerships, sponsorships and community-based opportunities.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication skills, proven experience in fundraising and the confidence to build strong relationships with supporters, partners and community organisations. You’ll bring a genuine passion for generating income, connecting people and building inclusive communities.

You’ll be proactive in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, engaging directly with potential partners and promoting our work to grow Homefield’s supporter base. You’ll also coordinate fundraising events, develop compelling stories that showcase our impact and contribute to strategic projects that enhance our reputation and long–term sustainability.

This varied role combines relationship-building, income generation, community engagement and creative problem-solving – ideal for someone who enjoys connecting people, spotting opportunities and making a tangible difference.

We value lived experience of autism and encourage you to mention this in your application if you feel comfortable.

Overall Purpose

To strengthen Homefield’s charitable impact by building meaningful community relationships and generating sustainable income through effective fundraising, partnership development and engagement, in line with our organisational values: Equality, Empowerment & Respect

Job Description
Person Specification

Role responsibilities:

Lead and support a range of fundraising activities to generate sustainable income:
- Source, develop and submit high-quality grant applications.
- Identify opportunities for fundraising, grants and sponsorship within the local community.
- Support community fundraising initiatives and donor engagement.

Develop and implement community engagement strategies to strengthen local relationships:
- Strengthen links with local communities, parents/carers of students, councils and voluntary, public and private sector organisations.
- Identify opportunities for partnership, collaboration and co-production that benefit both Homefield and the wider community.
- Work closely with key staff to ensure a joined-up approach to engagement activity.

Plan, deliver and support events and initiatives:
- Organise and facilitate events such as fundraisers, parent/carer workshops, community craft fairs and other fundraising and community-focused activities, ensuring they are well-promoted and inclusive.
- Represent Homefield at community settings, external meetings, forums and networking opportunities, ensuring a positive and professional presence.

Work with the Communications team to promote our impact:
- Compile compelling stories, case studies and updates that celebrate achievements and demonstrate the value of Homefield’s fundraising activity and community connections to build recognition and trust.
- Plan and coordinate engagement materials such as newsletters, flyers and digital content.

Support strategic and administrative aspects of fundraising and community engagement:
- Maintain accurate records and produce reports on fundraising and engagement activity, evaluating effectiveness and recommending improvements.
- Contribute to strategic projects that strengthen our charitable presence and reputation in the community.

General Responsibilities for all Staff:

Ensure that all beneficiaries are treated with dignity and respect.
Empower students to maintain their personal independence and confidentiality.
Contribute positively to a high-quality teaching, learning and working environment.
Comply with health & safety and safeguarding regulations.
Any other reasonable duties commensurate with role as required.

We shortlist candidates based on essential and desirable criteria. We evidence the attributes using the application form and qualification certificates, and during interviews and skill tests.

Education & Qualifications

Attribute	Criteria	Evidence
Level 2 English and Maths	Essential	Certificates / Application
Level 5 or above qualification in a relevant subject (such as fundraising, community development, marketing, communications, public relations, events, business admin)	Essential	Certificates / Application
Evidence of continued professional development relevant to fundraising, relationship management, community engagement and stakeholder relations.	Desirable	Certificates / Application / Interview

Experience, Knowledge & Abilities

Attribute	Criteria	Evidence
Demonstrable ability to work with and influence a variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels	Essential	Application / Interview / Task
Experience of working collaboratively to deliver shared objectives	Essential	Application / Interview
Experience of writing successful grant applications and fundraising appeals	Essential	Application / Interview / Task
Ability to interpret data and insights to inform fundraising and engagement activity	Essential	Application / Interview / Task
Ability to evaluate activities and report on outcomes clearly	Essential	Application / Interview / Task
Understanding of community engagement principles and the value of co-production	Essential	Application / Interview
Proficient in using digital applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and CRM databases	Essential	Application / Interview
Awareness of fundraising regulations, ethical standards and GDPR responsibilities	Essential	Application / Interview
Experience of planning, delivering and promoting fundraising and community events or activities for public audiences	Desirable	Application / Interview
Experience of working in education, charity or public sector settings	Desirable	Application / Interview
Knowledge of local community networks and stakeholders in the area	Desirable	Application / Interview

Interpersonal Skills & Qualities

Attribute	Criteria	Evidence
Excellent inter-personal skills, with an ability to build and maintain relationships, trust and inspire respect at all levels	Essential	Interview / Task
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to adapt style for different audiences and a high attention to detail	Essential	Interview / Task
Positive, proactive attitude and enthusiasm for engaging with communities and funders	Essential	Interview
Demonstrable ability to take initiative and adapt ways of working to suit a specific individual and/or circumstance	Essential	Interview
Creative approach to developing engaging fundraising ideas and community initiatives	Essential	Interview / Task
Flexible and adaptable approach, with willingness to travel and attend occasional evening or weekend events	Essential	Interview
Passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion, committed to creating welcoming spaces for all and a desire to make a difference to the beneficiaries of the College	Essential	Interview

Note: This job description and person specification is not an exhaustive description – it is a guide and will be subject to review to meet the service / business needs.