125 Charity / Voluntary jobs in Scotland

Background

Deafblind Scotland is the specialist charity working with adults living with Deafblindness (dual sensory loss). Our ambitions are high for members and we are therefore at the cutting edge of finding ways to support people to lead their most meaningful life. Deafblind people are at the centre of all that we do and staff endeavour to work side by side with those who understand what it means to live with this condition. Deafblindness can be a devastating condition that can make daily life extremely challenging and as a result, many people living with Deafblindness become isolated. Our services can make a vital difference to their lives; enabling people to regain confidence, gain vital communication skills and re-establish social connections. Some people may acquire the loss of both senses where others may be born Deaf or with Visual Impairment and lose the other sense in adulthood through conditions such as Ushers Syndrome.

Purpose of Job

As the Business Development Officer you will be responsible for the identification and development of business and sponsorship opportunities for income generation. This will include Charity of the Year, promotion of our legacy fundraising, and managing relationships with individual fundraisers. One specific area of development will be leading on the creation of our Corporate Partnership programme The role is also responsible for building a robust pipeline of new and potential funders, writing and submitting compelling funding proposals and applications that showcase the amazing work of Deafblind Scotland. Specifically to support us to grow the charity’s services and programmes with income from trusts and foundations, lottery bodies and other grant makers of all sizes.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Create and deliver on a medium term strategy and annual plan for maximising funding from new and existing funders.
• Identify and secure new trust and foundation fundraising opportunities and be responsible for managing the funding application process – from clarification of criteria, through to managing a timeframe of activity to meet deadlines. Ensuring the submitted proposal is of high-quality and reflects Deafblind Scotland’s standards of excellence.
• Create the initial first draft of all application with guidance from Chief Executive and relevant others and thereafter work with the Chief Executive to create tailored funding applications and submit to potential funders.
• Ensure reporting requirements are communicated, understood, and fulfilled
• Keel abreast of sector changes involving trust fundraising and corporate partnerships
• Manage multiple applications and proposals to ensure a continued stream of income
• Build awareness of Deafblind Scotland’s Will for Good programme facilitated by Bequeathed with supporters and potential supporters
• Develop a prospect pipeline of sponsor opportunities for income generation including Chairty of the Year, corporate and individual fundraisers and stewarding all partnerships
• Working with the Chief Executive and Head of Finance to create and implement a strategic Corporate Partnership Programme
• Co-ordinate in aid of events by inspiring, developing and managing external and internal fundraisers to achieve their goals by ensuring they have an excellent donor experience. This will include the Kiltwalk and other similar opportunities. Where possible working alongside members to ensure deafblind people feel empowered and valued
• Undertake any other duties that may be required and are appropriate to the post as requested by the Chief Executive

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience of creating tailored proposals to a variety of funders
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills and the ability to adapt style depending on the different audiences
• Excellent relationship management skills to ensure continued relationships with new and existing funders and corporate partners
• Proven success of securing funding from trust/statutory bodies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skilled in building rapport and developing relationships with a variety of different individuals, organisations, and groups both internally and externally
• Strong strategic and commercial awareness, coupled with industry and competitor knowledge to develop winning bids
• Superb attention to detail and highly organised with an ability to monitor and prioritise potential opportunities
• Creative in approach to ‘selling the cause’ of a charity

Desirable

• Experience in the Charitable Sector
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising
• Clean driving licence, access to vehicle, willingness to take business insurance
• Understanding of sensory loss

Interviews: Week commencing 16 June 2025