Philanthropy Officer

We are looking for an exceptional and proactive Philanthropy Officer to join our growing Philanthropy Fundraising Team here at Acorns Children’s Hospice

About the Role

Caring for a child with complex medical needs can place unimaginable demands on a family, both physically and emotionally. At Acorns Children’s Hospice, we understand that when time is short every moment is precious, which is why, as well as providing specialist palliative care, we help families to make lasting memories. We need to raise more than £11 million each year to run and support our care services and we rely heavily on the goodwill and generosity of our local community. 

Acorns is currently in a time of transformation and change, from the way our care service looks to how we’re investing in our teams, including fundraising, to drive our care services and provision forward.  Reporting into the Philanthropy Manager, you’ll be working with a small but dedicated team united by the same vision. You will be responsible for supporting the stewardship of our major donors, our Celebrity Ambassadors and the development of our new Pioneering Appeal Board which is launching in 2025.   We are looking for someone with experience within this area of fundraising, who is looking to take that next step up, and is passionate about building qualitative relationships.   

The role will incorporate the planning, creation and implementation of high level networking, engaging and fundraising events.  So experience of event delivery and ability to work on your own initiative is essential.

Acorns is dedicated to continue developing, adapting and growing during times of change and we are looking for someone to join our team who can grow with us. We are currently creating our new strategy for 2025 onwards, with a keen focus on becoming known as a fundraising organisation, creating more collaborative working and buy-in across the organisation to help us achieve our fundraising goals with ‘one team’ ethic.

About You

• Experience of fundraising in the charity sector, preferable within the philanthropy fundraising arena
• Understanding of how major donor relationships are developed and providing outstanding stewardship
• Experience of planning and managing donor cultivation and stewardship events
• Use of CRM databases such as Donorfy, Donorflex, Raisers Edge
• Ability to create compelling cases for support, showcasing excellent written and verbal skills

What We Offer

• £27,000 to £34,000 per annum
• 37 hours per week
• Employee discounts from leading retailers
• Employee gym discount scheme
• Bike-to-Work scheme
• Generous contribution to group personal pension plan or continuation of current NHS pension scheme
• NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme

Interviews are scheduled to be held on 18 February 2025

You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check for children and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references.

As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation, we are committed to ensuring that the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child is embedded into both culture and practice within the organisation. As an employee you will be a Duty Bearer for Children’s Rights and support all children to be Rights Holders.

If you have any questions, please contact us at recruitment@acorns.org.uk

Find out about our culture, career development, benefits and more here: Why Work for Acorns?