www.one-community.org.uk
About One Community Foundation
One Community Foundation Kirklees (OCF Kirklees), established in 2010, is a respected and growing charitable foundation committed to strengthening local communities and improving lives across Kirklees.
Since 2015, the Foundation has distributed over £8 million in funding to local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, and currently manages an endowment valued at £3.6 million.
As part of the UK Community Foundation network, we provide a trusted and effective route for individuals, families, businesses and partners to invest in their communities through strategic and impactful giving. Working closely with donors and local organisations, we address key challenges including poverty, health and wellbeing, inequality, and opportunities for young people.
This is a pivotal moment for the Foundation. As we continue to expand our reach, build new partnerships and grow our philanthropic impact, we are seeking a Philanthropy Manager to join us at an exciting stage of development. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the next phase of our journey, supporting income growth and strengthening donor engagement.
Reporting to the CEO, the Philanthropy Manager will be part of a small, highperforming team responsible for raising awareness, generating income and delivering an exceptional standard of relationship management.
Our Values
At One Community Foundation Kirklees, our values are not abstract statements, they are the principles that shape how we work every day, how we make decisions, and how we build relationships across Kirklees. They guide our culture, our partnerships, and ultimately the impact we are able to achieve in local communities.
The success stories in Kirklees are a testament to our shared commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and supportive community. - Hayley Austin CEO
Philanthropy Manager
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Philanthropy Manager to play a pivotal role in growing our reach and impact across Kirklees. This is a newly created role within the Foundation, offering an exciting opportunity to shape and develop our approach to philanthropy at a time of organisational growth.
The position is offered as a fixed-term contract for an initial period of 18 months, with the potential for extension subject to performance and organisational need.
Working closely with the CEO, you will lead the development of our philanthropic income, with a primary focus on securing significant endowment gifts, legacy commitments and strategic long-term giving.
At this stage in our development, we are particularly focused on growing our endowment base and strengthening long-term financial resilience for both the Foundation and the communities we serve. We have an ambition to grow our endowment to between £7 million and £8.5 million over the next five years, subject to securing the necessary philanthropic support and developing strong, sustained partnerships, creating a lasting legacy of support for communities across Kirklees.
The successful candidate will play a central role in delivering this vision, identifying, cultivating and securing transformational philanthropic commitments from individuals, families, businesses and professional advisers.
You will build and manage a high-quality pipeline of prospective supporters, with a strong emphasis on major gift fundraising, high-value relationship development and legacy conversations, ensuring donors are supported to give in ways that deliver lasting impact.
You will be a confident and credible relationship builder, skilled in engaging and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. With a proactive and outcomes-focused approach, you will be comfortable working to clear income objectives within a relationship-led fundraising model.
Above all, you will bring professionalism, integrity and authenticity to the role, ensuring every interaction reflects the Foundation’s values while contributing to sustainable income growth and lasting community impact.
Hours & Contract
Reports to CEO
Salary
Contract
Working Hours
Location
Requirement
37k Per Annum FTE
Part-time, fixed-term contract (18 months)
22.5 hours per week (equivalent to three working days).
Kirklees (field-based role with flexible hybrid working arrangements available)
Candidates must have a full UK driving licence and access to a car to use for business use. Mileage will be paid.
This role is offered on a part-time, fixed-term basis for an initial period of 18 months (22.5 hours per week). The contract will be subject to review, with the potential for extension based on performance and organisational need.
Duties & Responsibilites
The Philanthropy Manager will:
Work closely with the CEO to support the coordination, development and onboarding of new donors, ensuring a welcoming, high-quality and personalised experience from initial engagement through to long-term stewardship.
Develop and nurture relationships with professional advisors (e.g. solicitors, accountants, wealth managers) to encourage philanthropic giving, legacy opportunities and the establishment of funds.
Identify, engage and steward new donors, including individuals, families and corporate partners, supporting the growth of the Foundation’s income and impact.
Support donors to explore, shape and realise their philanthropic ambitions in alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
Maintain and develop a healthy pipeline of prospects and donors, ensuring consistent engagement, thoughtful follow-up and strong relationship management.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure a smooth and supportive donor journey at every stage.
Work with the CEO to design and deliver engaging events and donor experiences that inspire, connect and grow support for the Foundation.
Contribute to the development of compelling communications and storytelling to help strengthen the Foundation’s profile and reach.
Ensure accurate and effective use of CRM systems to record, monitor and support donor engagement.
Represent the Foundation positively, upholding and reflecting its values, reputation and impact at all times.
Work with staff, volunteers and trustees to maximise their contribution to the development of the foundation
Support wider organisational priorities that might occur.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
We are looking for someone who brings:
Proven experience in income generation, fundraising, or philanthropy, ideally working with high-value donors or corporate partners.
Strong relationship management and networking skills, with the ability to influence at a senior level.
Experience of donor stewardship and engagement, delivering excellent supporter experiences.
A good understanding of philanthropy and the charitable sector.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
Confidence in representing an organisation externally, including at events and with stakeholders.
Strong organisational and project management capabilities
Experience of working with senior stakeholders, trustees, or high-net-worth individuals.
Ability to use CRM systems to manage data and inform strategic decision-making.
A proactive, self-motivated approach with a high level of professionalism and integrity.
Personal Qualities & Attributes
All Essential:
We are looking for someone who not only has the right experience but who also reflects the spirit and ambition of One Community Foundation Kirklees. This is a role for a relationship-builder, a connector, and someone who is motivated by purpose as much as performance.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Strong relationship-building ability – naturally able to build trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders, from donors and professional advisers to community partners and colleagues.
A genuine commitment to purpose-led work – motivated by creating positive social impact.
Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, influencing conversations, and representing the Foundation externally with professionalism and authenticity.
Able to understand different perspectives, listen deeply, and build meaningful, long-term relationships based on trust and respect.
Proactive in identifying opportunities, developing networks, and driving forward activity with energy and focus.
Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift, and able to respond positively to change and new opportunities.
Works effectively as part of a team, sharing knowledge and contributing to a culture of openness and shared success.
Acts with professionalism at all times, handling sensitive information appropriately and upholding the reputation of the Foundation.
Excellent user of MS Office, willingness to learn Power BI dashboards, and has experience of using a CRM system such as Salesforce.
A willingness to undertake work outside of office hours.
What We Can Offer
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the next phase of growth for a respected and ambitious community foundation. You will play a pivotal role in developing philanthropy, unlocking new sources of funding, and building trusted, meaningful relationships that enable long-term impact across Kirklees and its communities.
We are committed to supporting a healthy work–life balance. Following an initial period of office-based induction and familiarisation, some hybrid working will be available, although the role will remain primarily office-based and externally focused.
The opportunity to grow your professional profile within established charitable and philanthropic networks.
Access to a UK-wide network of peers across the Community Foundation sector, including learning groups, collaboration and shared intelligence.
The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of people in Kirklees, gaining deep insight into local needs including mental health, cost of living pressures, support for young people, environmental challenges and other key priority areas.
Further details regarding pension contributions, employee benefits and policies will be provided at offer stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical week look like in this role?
This is a varied and outward-facing role. Much of your time will be spent meeting and building relationships with donors, professional advisors and partners, alongside time in the office for planning, follow-up, and developing engagement activity. No two weeks look the same.
Is this a fundraising role?
Yes — but it is more than that. This role is about relationship-led philanthropy. You will be helping people understand how their giving can make a real difference, and supporting them to give in meaningful and impactful ways.
Who will I be working with?
You will work closely with the Chief Executive and colleagues across the Foundation. A key part of the role will also involve building relationships externally with individuals, families, professional advisors (such as solicitors, accountants and wealth managers), and corporate partners.
Continued
What kind of experience are you looking for?
We are looking for someone with strong relationship-building skills, confidence working with a range of stakeholders, and experience in fundraising, philanthropy, business development or a similar field. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is motivated by impact and community benefit.
Is there scope for hybrid working?
Yes. Following an initial induction period in the office, some hybrid working will be available. However, this is primarily an externally focused role, and you will be expected to spend significant time meeting people and working in person.
What makes this role different from other fundraising roles?
This role sits within a community foundation, meaning you are directly connected to local need and local impact. You are not fundraising for a single cause, you are helping to grow philanthropy that benefits a wide range of communities and issues across Kirklees.
Is there opportunity for progression?
Yes. This is a growth-focused role within an organisation that is itself developing and expanding. There will be opportunities to shape the role, influence strategy, and grow your profile within regional and national philanthropic networks.
Do I need to bring a network with me?
It is helpful but not essential. We are looking for someone who is confident in building relationships and developing networks over time, as well as someone who can work with existing contacts and opportunities.
Interview Process and Timeframe
We aim to make our recruitment process straightforward, transparent and welcoming.
The interview process will take place in two stages:
An initial 1:1 interview with the Chief Executive. This conversation will focus on your experience, approach to relationship-building, and motivation for the role, as well as giving you the opportunity to find out more about the Foundation and the position.
A second-stage panel interview with members of the Foundation. This will explore your skills and experience in more depth, with a focus on how you would approach the role in practice.
We anticipate that interviews will take place during the week commencing 15th June, with exact timings confirmed with shortlisted candidates as soon as possible after the closing date 8 June. th
Full details of each stage will be shared in advance with those invited to interview.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the process and encourage candidates to let us know if there is anything we can do to support them to perform at their best.
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please send us:
Your CV
A supporting statement or covering letter (no more than 2 A4 pages) answering the following:
1.Demonstrate ways in which you meet the person specification drawing on experience in previous roles.
2.How does philanthropy help the charity sector meet the needs of local people?
3.What motivates major donors to work with community foundations?
We are especially interested in how your skills, values and experience align with the work we do and the communities we serve. How to apply
Please send your application to: rhiannon.mehta@prospect-us.co.uk or apply via this link https://www.prospect-us.co.uk/job/194921 by midnight 8 June th
If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, please contact rhiannon.mehta@prospect-us.co.uk
We’re happy to talk through the opportunity and answer any questions.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Good luck and we look forward to receiving your application.
Hayley Austin
