About Hill End
Hill End Outdoor Education Centre has been providing outdoor learning experiences for children and adults since the 1920s. Located within 67 acres of woodland and meadow just three miles west of Oxford, the Centre welcomes approximately 22,000 visitors each year from schools and organised groups.
Our mission is to provide exciting and meaningful day and residential learning experiences that inspire children — and every visitor — to enjoy and value nature and the outdoors. We are passionate about the benefits of outdoor learning, particularly for those who face barriers to accessing green spaces. We are committed to protecting and developing this unique resource so that future generations can continue to benefit from it for education, wellbeing and connection with nature.
Further information is available on our website: www.hill-end.org
Managed for many years by local authorities, Hill End became an independent charitable trust in 2017. The charity has an annual turnover of approximately £0.6m, primarily generated through educational and venue hire bookings and ticket sales, alongside grant funding for specific projects and activities.
As we look ahead to the next phase of the Centre’s development, we are seeking an experienced fundraiser to help strengthen and grow our fundraising activity, enabling us to increase our impact and secure the future of Hill End for generations to come.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive fundraiser to help develop and deliver Hill End’s fundraising programme on a part-time basis.
The initial priority for this role will be trusts and foundations fundraising in support of the planned renovation and improvement of our 1930s High Dormitory. This project aims to preserve the building while making it more inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and suitable for greater use throughout the year by groups of children and young people. Engagement with a number of major trusts and foundations is already underway, and funding applications are expected to be submitted following planning approval later this year and into the next.
Alongside this capital project, the role will support the development of funding opportunities for educational and volunteering programmes, particularly those designed to increase access to outdoor learning for children and groups facing financial, cultural or other barriers.
There is also longer-term potential to grow individual giving and supporter engagement through more tailored communications and relationship-building activity.
The Fundraising Officer will work closely with the Centre Director and Trustees to implement and refine the charity’s fundraising strategy and priorities. The post holder will build on existing prospect research and funding relationships, develop compelling funding proposals, identify new opportunities, and help strengthen systems and processes to support future fundraising growth.
This role would suit someone who enjoys working independently within a small, collaborative charity and who is motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Hybrid working is available, although regular time on site at Hill End will be expected to support relationship-building and understanding of the charity’s work.
Principal Duties
Fundraising Strategy Execution
- Develop key fundraising materials in collaboration with colleagues, including cases for support and project summaries.
- Identify and collate key data and evidence to strengthen funding applications and impact reporting.
- Support the development of fundraising systems, processes and reporting tools.
- Monitor and review against targets using agreed key performance indicators (KPIs)
Trusts and Foundations Fundraising
- Build on existing prospect research to identify suitable funding opportunities.
- Develop and manage a pipeline of trusts, foundations.
- Write compelling grant applications and supporting materials tailored to funder priorities.
- Maintain positive relationships with funders and support grant reporting and stewardship requirements.
- Monitor application progress, funding outcomes and reporting deadlines.
Individual Giving and Supporter Engagement
- Help develop and implement a longer-term individual giving and supporter engagement approach appropriate to a small charity.
- Support the creation of tailored communications and stewardship activities to strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters.
- Identify opportunities to grow donations from individuals through appeals, campaigns, events, digital communications and regular giving initiatives.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Hill End has a small staff team who are committed to the charity’s aims and values. The successful applicant will share our enthusiasm for outdoor learning and be keen to contribute positively to the wider life of the centre.
Essential
- A proven track record of successful trusts and foundations fundraising.
- Experience of identifying prospects and managing a fundraising pipeline.
- Excellent written communication skills, including writing persuasive funding applications.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information from a range of sources.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Proficiency in standard office software packages, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Desirable
- Experience of fundraising for capital projects or capital appeals.
- Experience of National Lottery Heritage Fund applications.
- Experience of individual giving or supporter engagement activity.
- Experience within related sectors such as education, environment, heritage or youth work.
- Experience of organising or supporting fundraising events.
- Enthusiasm for outdoor education and nature-based learning.
Application Procedure
To support safer recruitment practices, applicants are required to provide a full employment history, including explanations for any gaps in employment or education.
Please apply by submitting:
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and relevant experience.
- A CV including full employment history and contact details for at least two referees.
Closing date for applications: Midday (12pm) on Friday 26 June 2026
Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 7 July 2026 (afternoon)
Hill End is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An offer of employment will be made subject to appropriate references.
Hill End seeks to embed its key values in the recruitment of new team members - to be passionate about all people’s learning and development of skills. To ensure that everyone is respected and valued, and can feel safe and secure. To acknowledge achievements and celebrate success.
You can read more about Hill End on our website, and access key documents such as our Safeguarding Policy and our Equalities and Diversity Policy and Commitment.
www.hill-end.org
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxford OX2 9NJ
