Development Coordinator


Have you got what it takes to develop our services to meet the ever growing needs of the nystagmus community? The Nystagmus Network is recruiting a full or part time Development Coordinator (fundraising, data, volunteers)

Development Coordinator (fundraising, data, volunteers)

Location: Home-based in England or Wales, with occasional travel for in person meetings and events
Salary: £25,000 to £30,000 FTE pa (negotiable depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time 35 hours a week (part time considered)
Holiday entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays
Reporting to: Executive Information and Development Manager
Closing date: 25 April 2025

About the Nystagmus Network

We are a small but impactful registered charity supporting people living with nystagmus, a complex eye condition characterised by involuntary eye movements. Celebrating our 40th year of operation in 2024, the charity has made significant strides in raising awareness of this often-misunderstood condition. We have established a strong community, including adults, families and professionals who share our vision of a world which welcomes people living with nystagmus, affords them comprehensive support and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our mission is to champion the cause of the nystagmus community we support. We want to empower people, raise awareness of the condition, its impact and the interventions needed. We seek to change attitudes, break down barriers, build relationships and drive ground-breaking research.

The majority of our staff, volunteers and trustees have direct lived experience of sight loss or support experience as a parent / carer.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Development Coordinator (fundraising, data, volunteers), an experienced, highly organised charity all-rounder to coordinate and underpin our day-to-day operations. This is a varied role that requires a hands-on approach to fundraising, data gathering, operations, volunteer supervision, communication with both beneficiaries and supporters. You will be responsible for improving operational efficiency, developing robust digital and IT processes, stewarding relationships and supporting the charity’s growth and sustainability.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced charity worker with strong IT and communication skills, capable of managing digital tools and CRM systems, an independent worker and decision-maker, skilled in stakeholder relationships and adept at juggling multiple priorities as part of a small team.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

  • Devise and implement fundraising strategies and campaigns, working across all areas of income generation, including grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, legacies, membership, mass event and supporter-led fundraising.
  • Develop and implement fundraiser and donor stewardship plans to nurture long-term relationships.
  • Research and write compelling funding applications and reports to trusts and foundations.
  • Identify and pursue new income-generating opportunities and partnerships.
  • Develop reporting processes and case studies to effectively demonstrate the charity’s impact and outcomes to funders, donors and other stakeholders.
  • Database administration and reconciliation.
  • Support the charity’s marketing and communications, including newsletters, social media and web content.

Data, Operations and Efficiency

  • Streamline charity operations, ensuring continuous and effective service delivery.
  • Manage technology solutions (such as Beacon CRM system and digital tools) to enhance efficiency and data management.
  • Monitor budgets and financial processes in collaboration with the Treasurer.
  • Develop policies, procedures and best practice to support organisational growth.
  • Record and track data against budgets and KPIs.
  • Provide administrative support as needed.

Volunteer Coordination

  • Recruit, train and manage volunteers to support the charity’s activities and develop core services.
  • Develop volunteer engagement strategies to enhance retention and motivation.
  • Ensure a positive and inclusive volunteering experience.

In addition the post holder is expected to

  • Work closely with the Executive Information and Development Manager to shape and implement the charity’s 5-year strategy (updated in 2024).
  • Represent the charity at external events, networking opportunities and stakeholder meetings.
  • Support in person and online events.
  • Respond to email and social media enquiries.
  • Deputise for the Executive Information and Development Manager as required.
  • Attend quarterly committee meetings with staff and trustees (held Saturday mornings, usually online).

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • Experience in charity operations, fundraising and donor management, data tracking and reporting and volunteer supervision.
  • Strong organisational and project management skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders, including funders, donors, volunteers, staff, trustees and beneficiaries.
  • Strong IT skills, including experience with CRM systems, data management and digital tools (eg GSuite, spreadsheets, databases).
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Proven track record in fundraising, including experience in writing successful funding applications.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
  • Ability to manage workload and competing priorities.
  • Familiarity with data protection, safeguarding and disability discrimination guidelines.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

  • Understanding of financial processes within a charity setting.
  • Understanding of digital marketing and social media for fundraising and engagement.
  • Experience in organising events and community initiatives.

Why Join Us?

  • A chance to make a real impact in a small, but growing charity.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible and supportive working environment.
  • The opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team.

How to Apply

Closing date for applications is Friday 25 April 2025. Please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 pages of A4) outlining precisely, with examples, how you match the role description and person specification to applications@nystagmusnet.org

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Interviews will be held week commencing 28 April.          

Outstanding applicants will be interviewed earlier.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation or gender identity, mental or physical disability, or age. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments and adaptations to ensure a fair process.

Applications from people living with nystagmus or other form of vision impairment are positively encouraged.

This job description outlines the key duties and responsibilities for the role. It is not exhaustive and may evolve in response to the needs of the charity.