The Plant-Based Community Cookery School
The Plant-Based Community Cookery School
Posted Thursday 7th August 2025...
Ready to turn your passion for people and planet into real impact? 🌍🌱
Join Made In Hackney to help grow our movement for food justice, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
Job Description:
● Job Title: Development Manager
● Hours: Full-time - 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Part-time working arrangements may also be considered.
● Contract: Permanent
● Location: Hybrid - partly home-based and partly at Liberty Hall, London, E5 9AA.
● Salary: £36,000 per annum (full time)
● Holiday: 25 days per year full-time plus bank holidays
● Pension: 4% Employer contribution
● Reports to: Head of Development
SUMMARY:
Made in Hackney started life in 2012 as a community cookery school working across London with the mission of tackling the climate crisis, health inequalities and bringing communities together using the power of plants. The impact of our work is varied, far-reaching and very real; changing hundreds of thousands of people’s lives for the better. We provide diverse culinary education, inspiration and support networks needed to ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a plant-centred, planet-friendly diet.
Our work has been recognised with prestigious accolades including the BBC Food and Farming Award, Caroline Walker Trust Award, and Urban Food Award. We work with leading brands and cultural icons such as Mr Organic. We have showcased our work through engaging exhibition stands at major events like Vegan Life Live, the Great Exhibition Road Festival, and Billie Eilish’s Changemaker Partnerships collaboration. The organisation has attracted support from public figures and ambassadors including chef and broadcaster Andi Oliver, Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, youth activist Jay Brave, and Dr Nitu Bajekal, a lifestyle medicine physician.
To support the development and growth of our work, we are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to become our Development Manager. You will have experience of fundraising, either in a professional or personal capacity, and be motivated by our mission. As part of the Development and Communications team, you will lead key fundraising projects and support across multiple income streams, collaborating with colleagues to ensure effective and inspiring delivery.
MORE ABOUT THE ROLE:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in our ambitious fundraising team. Working closely with the Head of Development and Marketing & Social Media Manager, you will be part of a team aiming to raise over £500,000 annually through a wide range of income sources.
You will write compelling proposals, nurture donor relationships, and organise inspiring small-scale fundraising events. You will also contribute to the development of a fundraising strategy to maintain and grow our income streams.
We are a dynamic, supportive and passionate team who value creativity, integrity and collaboration. If you’re looking for a rewarding role that combines impact, innovation and purpose, this could be the perfect next step for you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Corporate and Grant Fundraising
● Research and identify new corporate and grant funding opportunities
● Write persuasive applications, cases for support and tailored proposals
● Manage key partnerships with a range of partners and funders
● Prepare funder evaluation reports in line with deadlines and reporting requirements
Supporter Networks: Donors, Ambassadors and Partners
● Cultivate relationships with donors, ambassadors and supporting partners
● Maintain and grow our donor base, identifying and engaging potential supporters
● Ensure supporter materials and communications are up to date and engaging
● Coordinate timely donation acknowledgements and thank-you communications
Fundraising Events
● Plan and deliver three to four small donor and cultivation events each year
● Manage logistics including venue booking, suppliers, guest lists and event delivery
● Oversee creation of event materials including invitations, presentations and follow-ups
● Manage event budgets and ensure events are impactful and cost-effective
Reporting and Administration
● Maintain accurate budget and donation records with the Finance Team
● Keep donor records and communications up to date on our CRM system (e.g. Salesforce)
● Manage the fundraising email inbox and respond to supporter queries
● Keep the fundraising pages of our website accurate and inspiring
Compliance and Governance
● Ensure all fundraising activity is GDPR compliant and meets regulatory standards
● Handle all supporter data with care, confidentiality and accountability
● Provide timely updates to the Research and Engagement Committee when required
General
● Able to work occasional evenings and weekends (we operate a Time Off in Lieu policy)
● Complete other tasks as required to fulfil the role
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
● At least 1 year’s fundraising experience in a professional or personal capacity
● Experience of building donor or supporter relationships
● Familiarity with managing charitable donations and Gift Aid
● Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
● Experience using databases, CRM systems and email marketing tools
● Experience delivering small-scale events for supporters or stakeholders
● Excellent written communication and attention to detail
● Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships
● Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise work confidently
● An interest in our mission of food justice, sustainability and community wellbeing
Desirable
● Experience working in a grassroots or environmental organisation
● Understanding of the role of food in social justice and community cohesion
● Experience specifically using Salesforce, Mailchimp or Canva
● Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection in a charity setting
● Experience representing an organisation at external events
● Confidence tailoring messages for different audiences
BENEFITS:
• Hybrid working arrangement with flexibility to work partly from home
• Training provided in Salesforce and other areas essential to the role
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes counselling and physio
• Staff Wellbeing and social activities throughout the year
• Employee Pension Scheme
• Staff discount of 15% in Food For All Shop
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY:
Made In Hackney is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector. The experience of working for Made in Hackney is varied, unique and rewarding. There is scope for the successful candidate to be creative and implement new ideas. If this role inspires you but you don’t meet every single requirement, we would still love to hear from you.
HOW TO APPLY:
Application deadline: Thursday 11th September
Please email your application to: Tim Cook (Executive Director) at tim@madeinhackney.org Your application should include:
● A cover letter telling us why you’re interested in the role and why you believe you are the right candidate
● A CV outlining your relevant experience
INTERVIEW DATES:
First round interviews to take place online: w/c 15th September or w/c 22nd September Second round interviews to take place in person: w/c 22nd September or w/c 30th September
If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact us at the email address listed above.
To learn more about Made In Hackney and our impact, please visit our website: https://madeinhackney.org/
