International Students House (ISH) is a unique charity in the heart of London's West End, bringing together students from across the world through affordable accommodation, social activities, welfare support and cultural exchange.
For over a century, ISH has been creating opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds to live, learn and build lifelong international friendships. As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are investing in our fundraising capability to secure the long-term future of our charity and expand our impact.
We are now seeking an ambitious, strategic and relationship-focused Fundraising Manager to establish and lead our fundraising function.
This is a newly created senior role offering the opportunity to shape the future of fundraising at ISH.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows philanthropic income and builds sustainable funding streams.
You'll lead on developing relationships with trusts and foundations, major donors, alumni, corporate partners and international supporters while creating compelling fundraising campaigns that inspire long-term engagement.
If you're an experienced fundraiser looking for the opportunity to build something meaningful and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
As Fundraising Manager, you will:
Develop and implement a 3–5 year fundraising strategy aligned with ISH's strategic objectives.
Build a diverse fundraising portfolio across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, alumni, community fundraising and international philanthropy.
Identify, cultivate and steward major donors and strategic partners.
Lead the development of compelling funding applications and grant proposals.
Secure significant income from trusts, foundations, government bodies and corporate sponsors.
Develop donor stewardship and recognition programmes that encourage long-term support.
Work collaboratively with Marketing, Alumni Relations, Events and CRM colleagues to deliver integrated fundraising campaigns.
Establish fundraising KPIs, monitor performance and report regularly to the CEO, Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees.
Manage and develop the Fundraising Assistant while fostering a collaborative fundraising culture across the organisation.
Ensure all fundraising activity complies with charity law, the Code of Fundraising Practice and data protection legislation.
You will be a motivated fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic income and developing successful fundraising strategies.
You'll bring:
Essential
Significant experience in fundraising, philanthropy or income generation.
Demonstrable success securing funding from trusts and foundations, major donors and/or corporate partners.
Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies.
Outstanding relationship management and networking skills.
Excellent proposal and bid-writing abilities.
Strong financial awareness and project management skills.
Experience using CRM systems and analysing fundraising performance.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
A collaborative, proactive and results-driven approach.
Desirable
Experience within the charity, higher education or international education sectors.
Alumni fundraising experience.
Knowledge of UK trust and foundation fundraising.
Experience securing international philanthropic funding, particularly in North America.
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent.
Fundraising qualification or professional accreditation.
This is an exciting opportunity to build a fundraising function with significant scope for innovation and growth while helping transform the lives of students from around the world.
In return we offer:
Salary of £65,000–£70,000 (depending on experience)
Full-time or part-time working options
Hybrid working
25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service
Defined benefit contributory pension scheme
Healthcare cash plan
£3 daily meal allowance for use in our catering facilities
Sage employee benefits platform
Interest-free annual travel loan (after probation)
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
If you are an experienced fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, build meaningful donor relationships and help secure the future of an organisation that has supported generations of students from around the world, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the next chapter of International Students House.
