Development Manager | British Exploring Society

British Exploring Society is a world class youth development charity with a unique heritage, founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and equipping young people with the courage, integrity, skills, resilience and motivation to make the most of their future.

We prepare young people for expeditions to remote locations where they face challenges, acquire outdoor skills, and learn about themselves – as well as undertaking projects with content relevant to their lives and to the fragile environments that they explore.

The results are transformative – not just in terms of practical skills and resilience, but in a new-found confidence and self-belief which they carry forward to their future life.

More than this, through their adventure together, our young people forge friendships for life and become part of a unique supportive and continuing community of explorers with shared experiences, values and perspectives on the world.

Working closely with the Head of Development, the post holder will play a vital role in developing the prospect pipeline and grow fundraising income from major donors as well as trusts, securing and stewarding five and six-figure donations.

Additionally they will:

• Work alongside a core team of four and a highly committed Development Board of senior volunteers to develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with donors
• Work to diversify the donor base, particularly tapping into the potential within the membership
• Produce high-quality, engaging proposals and applications with a focus on multi-year funding.

We are seeking an experienced relationship fundraiser with a passion for supporting underprivileged young people. A background in major donor, trusts or corporate fundraising would be very suitable for this role, ideally including a track record in securing five or six-figure donations. You will have extensive experience in writing successful proposals and applications to high-value funders, and will have direct experience developing and managing a high-level donor file, including acquisition, retention, and development of donors.

This role will be working closely with the Head of Development, especially when engaging with their well networked and passionate Development Board, who are actively supporting with fundraising efforts.