Fundraising & Engagement Manager

Location: Chichester Harbour, West Sussex

Salary range: £30,000 - £34,000 per annum depending on experience

Hours: Full-time preferred (part-time considered)
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Centre Director
Line management: Staff and volunteers in fundraising, communications, and supporter engagement

About CYE Sailing Centre

CYE is a Christian youth charity based in Chichester Harbour. We run adventurous, residential experiences for children, young people and their leaders, helping them build confidence, grow in faith, and find purpose in a world that often leaves them disconnected or unsure of their value.

We believe deeply in building Invested Communities: groups of people who share in the vision of CYE, give generously of their time, prayer, finances or networks, and help young people encounter the love of Jesus through community and challenge.

This role will lead the way in building those invested communities, through fundraising, storytelling, communication, and relationships that go deeper than transactions.

The Role

This is a strategic, relational and hands-on leadership role. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering CYE’s fundraising and engagement strategy, covering all non-fee income streams and supporter communications. You'll oversee a small team of staff and volunteers, report to the Centre Director and trustees, and work across departments to keep our message clear and compelling.

As part of your outward-facing role, you’ll also deliver engaging presentations to schools, churches, and other groups, helping new and returning communities connect with what CYE offers and why it matters. Due to the integral nature of this role, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the post-holder is a committed Christian.

This is a role for someone who enjoys the big picture, but also knows how to roll up their sleeves.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising and engagement strategy that supports CYE’s vision and financial sustainability
• Shape and champion the idea of Invested Communities, helping supporters feel deeply connected to the heart of the mission
• Set and track income targets, KPIs and supporter growth metrics
• Report to the Centre Director and Board of Trustees on progress, impact and areas for development
• Ensure best practice in fundraising, donor stewardship, and ethical standards

Fundraising Management

• Oversee all fundraising activities including individual giving, regular giving, legacy, trusts and foundations, campaigns, and events
• Support and coordinate work from our Development Director, grant writers and volunteers
• Lead or contribute to compelling funding applications, reports, and donor updates
• Work with the Finance Manager to monitor income, donor trends, and return on investment

Supporter Engagement & Communications

• Lead communications with supporters, guests, alumni, churches, and friends of CYE, ensuring consistent voice, tone, and clarity of message
• Work with the wider team to gather impact stories and testimonials that bring the work to life
• Oversee newsletters, digital campaigns, social media, and printed materials, produced by our Communications Administrator
• Help strengthen and grow the CYE community across churches, schools, and individuals

Presentations & Representation

• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate presentations to:
  • Schools visiting the centre (parents, teachers, pupils)
  • Churches and supporters hosting CYE speakers or events
  • Community groups and partners with an interest in CYE’s work
• Represent CYE externally with warmth, clarity, and confidence

Team Leadership

• Line manage a small team including employed staff and key volunteers
• Build a collaborative, encouraging, and faith-filled team culture
• Identify and nurture volunteer ambassadors and champions across supporter groups

Personal Priorities

• To have regular personal ‘quiet times’ of Bible reading & prayer.
• To join in fellowship with a local church and attend services regularly.
• To maintain a healthy spiritual relationship with other members of CYE staff.
• To understand, value and seek to develop the different gifts of everyone in the CYE staff team including employees and volunteers.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is both a strategic leader and a natural connector. You’re just as comfortable presenting to a room of parents or church members as you are crafting a compelling funding campaign. You enjoy encouraging others, spotting potential in a supporter base, and helping people feel seen and part of something significant.

You’ll likely have:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in fundraising, development, or supporter engagement
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills - written and spoken
• Confidence in delivering presentations to diverse audiences
• Experience managing a range of fundraising streams, ideally including individual giving
• An ability to lead others with empathy and purpose
• A strong alignment with the vision of CYE and the desire to see young people encounter Jesus

 We Offer

• A central role in a joyful, missional team with a big vision
• Flexible and supportive working arrangements (including hybrid and part-time options)
• A generous employer pension contribution
• Starting 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time), with incremental increase linked to length of service
• Team discipleship, training and activity days
• Meals when on duty and working on site
• The chance to shape and grow something that matters: bringing people together to invest in lives changed through Jesus

How to Apply

Please send your completed self-declaration and application forms to jobs@cye.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. Deadline 28th August. Interviews week commencing 1st September 2025