Development Officer

About us

PBE uses economics to improve lives. Through analytical expertise and a close connection with the social sector, we help charities, funders, firms and policymakers tackle the causes and consequences of low wellbeing. Economists, researchers and policy analysts work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including children and young people’s mental health, loneliness, private rental housing, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, philanthropy and civil society. 

We pride ourselves on our flexible work environment, culture of learning, development opportunities, a focus on employee wellbeing, an attractive benefits package and the strength of our employee relationships.

To find out more visit our website.

About the role

The Development Officer plays a key role in Pro Bono Economics’ (PBE’s) Development Team, working across all income streams (trusts and foundations, institutional funders, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and corporates) to help deliver the organisation’s ambitious fundraising strategy.

This varied role involves day-to-day tasks such as conducting in-depth prospect research, managing the fundraising database, supporting the preparation of proposals, pitches and grant applications, and ensuring excellent donor stewardship and event coordination.

Post type: Full-time, Permanent, flexible working

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Prospect research & database management

• Conduct thorough research to identify potential funders across trusts, foundations, institutions, corporates, and HNWIs.
• Manage and maintain the fundraising database (e.g. Salesforce), ensuring accurate and up-to-date records of donors, prospects, and activity.
• Analyse data to inform donor engagement strategies and identify new opportunities.

 Proposal & grant application support

• Assist in drafting high-quality funding proposals, grant applications, research applications and case-for-support documents.
• Collaborate with the Development Director and other Development Team members to tailor applications to specific funder priorities.
• Compile and organise relevant information to support compelling applications and pitches.

Donor stewardship & communications

• Support donor stewardship activities, including drafting thank-you letters, reports, and updates to ensure ongoing engagement.
• Coordinate donor communications, ensuring a personalised and professional approach.
• Help plan and deliver donor events, including logistics and follow-up.

Team & administrative support

• Provide administrative support to the Development Director and other Development Team members as needed.
• Assist in tracking and reporting on fundraising progress against targets.
• Ensure adherence to fundraising regulations and PBE policies, including the Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice and GDPR.

About you

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in fundraising, gain experience across income streams, and make a meaningful contribution to PBE’s mission of ending low personal wellbeing in the UK. Reporting directly to the Director of Development, the Development Officer will have the following experience and skills.

 Experience

• You are interested in developing your experience of fundraising.
• You have strong organisational skills and enjoy research and data management.
• You enjoy working in teams but can deliver on tasks independently and use your initiative.
• Familiarity with fundraising and good verbal and written communication skills are ideal.
• You will likely have a couple of years of (paid or voluntary) fundraising experience in a non-profit organisation working with one or more of the following income streams – trusts and foundations, institutional funders, corporates, and/or HNWIs.

Skills/Competencies

Ideal characteristics include

• Research skills: Strong ability to conduct detailed research and identify funding opportunities.
• Fundraising expertise: Proven experience in securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, and/or high-net-worth individuals.
• Relationship management:  Strong interpersonal skills to support donor engagement and management.
• Grant writing: Strong writing skills to assist in developing and submitting high-quality funding applications and grant reporting.
• Research collaboration: Ability to work with the research and policy team to identify and support funding needs for specific projects.
• Organisational skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and maintain attention to detail.

Core competencies:

• Team player: Ability to work collaboratively within a small, dynamic team.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to various stakeholders.
• Proactive: Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities.
• CRM proficiency: Experience using CRM systems to track donor engagement (Salesforce is a plus).
• Attention to detail: Commitment to quality and precision in both written work and fundraising operations.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organisation, responding to new opportunities.

 Desirable characteristics include:

• Familiarity with fundraising databases (Salesforce preferred).
• Experience in fundraising for research or social impact organisations.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations and compliance.
• A strong commitment to PBE’s internal culture of inquisitiveness, generosity, honesty and respect.

Please note that PBE does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to provide work sponsorship visas for this role.

PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community, and we give all applicants and employees fair and equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We also guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who show evidence that they can meet the role’s ideal criteria.

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