Job Title: Community Engagement & Fundraising Officer
Location: Locations across Guildford Borough, the office and home working
Hours: Part-time (15 hours per week)
Contract: 12-month fixed-term Contract
Salary: £11,351 p.a. (£28,000 FTE pro rata)
Line Manager: Business & Administration Manager
Are you passionate about building community relationships and helping local families thrive? Home-Start Guildford is seeking a Community Engagement & Fundraising Officer to develop community fundraising, local partnerships and supporter engagement across Guildford Borough. This newly created role offers the opportunity to help strengthen the charity's sustainability and impact while working as part of a small, supportive team dedicated to making a difference for families with young children.
About Home-Start Guildford
Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity supporting local families with at least one child under five who are struggling to cope with the challenges of family life. We believe every child deserves the best possible start, and every parent should have the support they need to thrive. Working alongside trained volunteers and skilled staff, we provide compassionate, practical and emotional support to families when they need it most.
Job Purpose
This role is focused on growing income and raising awareness through community fundraising, local partnerships and supporter engagement. The postholder will develop relationships with businesses, schools, community groups and supporters, secure local grants, coordinate events and increase the charity's profile across the community and social media.
The role will support Home-Start Guildford's long-term sustainability by strengthening community partnerships and increasing opportunities for unrestricted income generation.
Role Overview
This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to help shape how Home-Start Guildford engages with supporters, businesses, schools and community groups across Guildford Borough. Working as part of a small, supportive team, you will play a key role in developing community fundraising, local partnerships and supporter engagement, helping to build the charity's long-term sustainability and impact.
The role is for 15 hours per week, ideally worked across 2–3 days, with a preference for one of the days to be on a Thursday. We are happy to discuss and agree working days with the successful candidate.
This is a hybrid role involving community-based work across Guildford Borough, attendance at the Home-Start Guildford office and some home working.
The position is initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis as part of our commitment to strengthening community engagement and developing sustainable income streams. We hope to build on the success of the role and explore opportunities for it to continue beyond the initial contract period, subject to funding availability and organisational need.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Fundraising & Partnerships
- Identify and develop local partnership, sponsorship and Charity of the Year opportunities
- Develop relationships with local businesses, schools, community groups, organisations and supporters
- Organise and deliver community fundraising activities and awareness raising campaigns
- Research and submit applications to local trusts, foundations and community funds
- Promote Home-Start Guildford's income generation initiatives, including Easyfundraising, Guildford Lottery, Angels and the 100 Club
- Increase awareness and visibility of Home-Start Guildford across Guildford Borough
- Represent Home-Start Guildford at community, networking and fundraising events as required
Supporter Engagement
- Steward donors, fundraisers, corporate partners and community supporters
- Build positive relationships that encourage ongoing support and engagement
- Help capture and share stories that demonstrate the impact of Home-Start Guildford's work
Communications & Digital Engagement
- Contribute engaging content for social media, including photographs, videos, reels and live event coverage where appropriate
- Contribute content for newsletters, supporter communications and promotional materials as appropriate
- Maintain and update relevant fundraising and community engagement content on the charity website
- Help raise the profile of Home-Start Guildford through digital and community engagement activities as required
Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of fundraising activity, supporter engagement, partnerships and income generation
- Monitor and report on activity, outcomes and opportunities
- Collect and maintain data relating to fundraising, supporter engagement, partnership development and community awareness activity to support reporting, evaluation and future funding applications
- Ensure donation records are accurately recorded and relevant Gift Aid information is captured and passed on in line with organisational procedures
General Responsibilities
- Work in accordance with Home-Start Guildford's policies and procedures, including safeguarding requirements, and promote the welfare of children, families and vulnerable adults
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR requirements
- Attend team meetings, supervision, training and relevant organisational events
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, trustees and external partners
- Undertake occasional evening and weekend work as required
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role and level of responsibility
What we offer
Home-Start Guildford is a family-friendly employer, providing a supportive, engaging and flexible working environment. Alongside ongoing development and training opportunities, we offer:
- 24 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- An additional three days leave between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working arrangements
- 5% contributory pension scheme (after 3 months)
- Company sick pay scheme following probation
- Family-friendly policies, including paternity, adoption and compassionate leave
- Free on-site parking
- Ongoing support, supervision and development opportunities
- Individual Learning and Development Budget (after 3 months)
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to local families
Person Specification
Essential
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Proven fundraising experience, ideally in a small charity
- Experience securing community fundraising income and local grants
- Strong relationship building and stewardship skills
- Experience organising events
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong digital communication and social media skills
- Enthusiastic, proactive and self-motivated
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Knowledge of the local community
- Experience securing Charity of the Year partnerships
- Experience using CRM and digital marketing tools
To Apply:
Please visit our website to download the Application Pack. To apply, please return a completed Application Form and Equalities Monitoring Form to the office email address. CV's will not be reviewed as part of the shortlisting process.
We welcome applications from candidates with experience in fundraising, community engagement, partnerships, supporter engagement, business development, events, marketing or communications. If you are passionate about building relationships and helping a local charity thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
Home-Start Guildford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Home-Start Guildford welcomes applications from all sections of the community. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your needs.
Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment and equality of opportunity and diversity. This role is subject to DBS checks.
Pay: £11,351.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Guildford GU4 7HL
