Managing director jobs in whitehaven, cumbria

This role focusses on raising funds for Bowel Research UKs medical research projects and work that focuses on patient and public involvement. Funds raised will be a mix of restricted project funding and unrestricted funds that can support the organisations core operations.

You will need to work closely with colleagues in Research and Patient & Public Involvement to ensure you have a strong understanding of current funding needs and research successes. You will take the lead on seeking out new prospects and nurturing existing relationships to significantly grow income. You will achieve this by researching sources of funding, devising individually tailored applications, maintaining excellent communications with existing and potential donor trusts and foundations, delivering an agreed income target as well as growing funding from these sources.

The role will include researching relevant opportunities, identifying the most appropriate projects, writing and submitting applications and ensuring excellent donor management, development and reporting. Trusts and Foundations income is a cornerstone of Bowel Research UKs charitable income each year and is responsible for around a third of fundraised income. The organisation has assessed the trusts' function recently, the outcome of which shows that there is scope to significantly grow this area of activity. Full support will be given to the Trust Fundraising Manager to enable this growth to happen.

You will be a motivated self-starter able to write, budget and communicate effectively. You will develop relationships with ease and feel able to positively influence colleagues at all levels of an organisation. The position requires someone with a positive attitude who is determined and resilient. 

If you are someone who is or has operated at a senior trust fundraiser level, or someone who can demonstrate experience of developing a trust and grants pipeline, creating compelling applications and directly delivering income success, then this role might be for you.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 30th April 

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 8th May (virtually) 

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a can-do attitude to join our Fundraising & Engagement Team and help raise vital funds for children with cancer. You don’t need previous fundraising experience—just strong organisational skills, creativity, a talent for building relationships, and a genuine passion for making a difference and raising money for charitable causes. 

In this varied role, you’ll support the planning and delivery of fundraising events, care for our amazing supporters, and assist with individual, community, and corporate fundraising activities. You’ll gain hands-on experience across multiple fundraising areas, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth delivery of the team’s work through excellent administrative and project support. 

This is a hugely rewarding opportunity for someone looking to take their first step into the charity or fundraising sector, or to build on existing experience. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and be part of something meaningful—we’d love to hear from you! 

Who are we looking for? 

To succeed in this role, you will need to be passionate about fundraising and demonstrate key qualities that will help you thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A keen interest in fundraising with a willingness to learn and develop as a professional fundraiser (and if the opportunity arose, a willingness to study for a Level 3 Fundraising Apprenticeship over 13 months)

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to provide excellent supporter care and build relationships. 

• A positive, enthusiastic and results-driven attitude with the ability to work on your own initiative or as part of a team. 

• IT literacy with knowledge of Microsoft packages.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for more information about the charity.

Location: Home-based, ideally located in London or within a short commutable distance. Regular travel to the London office is a key requirement of the role, with occasional national travel also expected. 

Interviews: 20 May 2025 (London Office)

Safeguarding: As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.  

Promoting equality and diversity: We actively encourage applications from those with lived experience of neuroblastoma and/or other childhood cancers. As an equal opportunity employer, we also welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.