Job Description
Fundraising Assistant West Dean, West Sussex | 21 hours per week | Permanent
Are you an organised and proactive administrator looking for a rewarding role where your work helps support arts, heritage, education, and creativity?
West Dean is seeking a Fundraising Assistant to join our friendly and collaborative fundraising team at our stunning Sussex campus in the South Downs National Park. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting donor engagement, fundraising activities, and student funding within one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural and educational organisations.
West Dean, operated by The Edward James Foundation Ltd, is internationally recognised for its work in arts, craft, design, and conservation. From our historic Sussex estate to our London-based KLC School of Design, we provide inspiring environments where creativity and heritage thrive.
About the Role
As Fundraising Assistant, you will provide essential administrative and operational support across a wide range of fundraising activities. You’ll help maintain accurate donor records, process donations, coordinate communications, support donor visits and events, and assist with reporting and prospect research.
Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, finance, marketing, and academic teams, you’ll help ensure excellent donor care while contributing to fundraising initiatives that directly support students, projects, and the future development of West Dean.
This is a varied and engaging role that would suit someone who enjoys organisation, relationship-building, and working with data and systems in a meaningful environment.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
* Confident managing multiple priorities and deadlines
* Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, and administrative systems
* Professional, approachable, and an excellent communicator
* Able to build positive relationships with colleagues and supporters
* Interested in developing a career within fundraising or the charity sector
* Previous administrative experience is essential, while experience working with CRM systems, events, or customer-facing environments would be advantageous.
What We Offer
Salary: £15,000 per annum (£25,000 FTE)
21 hours per week worked across a minimum of 3 days
* Generous contributory pension scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Free entry to West Dean Gardens
* Free use of swimming pool, tennis courts, and library
* Staff discounts and subsidised short courses
* Subsidised bed and breakfast rates on campus
* A unique and inspiring place to work surrounded by creativity, heritage, and beautiful landscapes
If you’re looking to join an organisation where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now via the West Dean Careers website.