Teaching / Tutor / ID

Fundraising Officer

Location: Derry
Reports To: Managing Director
Responsible To: Directors
Contract: Fixed-Term (12 Months), with potential to extend for a further 12 months
Salary: Based on relevant experience and qualifications
Working Hours: Full-time or part-time considered (flexible working arrangements available)

About Aspace2 is a registered charity and Community Interest Company (CIC) based in the Northwest of Ireland. We are dedicated to supporting individuals with learning, physical,
and sensory disabilities, as well as those with autism and complex needs. Through our programmes, we aim to enable people to learn, grow, and lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Aspace2 reinvests all profits into services that make a real difference to our trainees and service users. Our activities include:

• Day Opportunities - person-centered support to develop life skills and independence.
  
• The Factory Floor Catering School - training adults with additional needs in catering and hospitality skills.
  
• Aspace2 Coffee Shop @ The Alley Theatre - a social enterprise café providing real-world work experience.
  
• Multi-Sensory Studios - therapeutic spaces for individuals of all ages with sensory or developmental needs.

We are currently developing the MS2 Multi-Sensory Centre, an innovative and inclusive facility designed to transform the lives of children and young people with disabilities across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The MS2 project is a flagship initiative requiring significant fundraising to reach its full potential.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising Officer to lead on securing the financial support needed to deliver the MS2 project and sustain ongoing services provided by both Aspace2 CIC and Aspace2 Multi-Sensory Centre.

This fixed-term role will focus on identifying funding opportunities, preparing compelling applications, and building lasting relationships with funders, donors, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising

• Develop and implement a robust fundraising strategy aligned with Aspace2’s short- and
  
• long-term goals.
  
• Research and identify funding streams from statutory bodies, trusts, foundations, and
  
• corporate sponsors - including National Lottery funding and disability-focused grants.
  
• Grant Writing & Fundraising Applications
  
• Lead on the preparation and submission of high-quality, persuasive funding proposals
  
• and bids for both Aspace2 CIC and the Multi-Sensory Centre.
  
• Collaborate with directors and service leads to gather information and costings for
  
• project budgets and proposals.
  
• Maintain a pipeline of active and prospective funding opportunities, ensuring deadlines
  
• are met and reporting requirements are fulfilled.

Project-Specific Focus: MS2 Development

• Take primary responsibility for sourcing and securing capital and equipment funding for the development of the MS2 Multi-Sensory Centre.
  
• Ensure all fundraising for MS2 aligns with its mission.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders, donors, and stakeholders.
  
• Represent Aspace2 at events, funder meetings, and networking opportunities.
  
• Contribute to fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of funding applications and income.
  
• Monitor budgets and ensure transparent reporting to funders.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or income generation.
  
• Strong written communication skills.
  
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
  
• Self-motivated and organised.
  
• Passion for inclusion and disability rights.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with National Lottery or similar funders.
  
• Understanding of the needs of people with disabilities.
  
• Familiarity with CRM or grant-tracking systems.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a transformative project.
  
• Flexible working environment.
  
• A chance to shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy.
  
• Genuine impact on lives across the island of Ireland.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would like to join Aspace2, to: sharon@advancerecruitment.ie

Start date: As soon as possible, subject to notice period.

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Client Facilitator/Keyworker (with Lifestyle Support duties if/as necessary)

Job Overview: 

Based Letterkenny

Our client provides a comprehensive range of supports and services to adults with learning / intellectual disabilities through a network of community-based projects in Co.Donegal.

The Client Facilitator/Keyworker (with Lifestyle Support duties if/as required) will provide direct support and assistance to the Assistant Training & Community Services Managers - in facilitating clients in their choices and progression within our service, including, but not exclusive to:

• the identification of realistic and achievable goals (S.M.A.R.T.)
  
• the recording of these goals / monitoring and updating progress through the PCP process (in conjunction with the Client Services Coordinator/ Client Services Support Worker)
  
• the development of, timetabling of and delivering of relevant vocational and life skills learning /
  
• topics of learning (accredited and enrichment); in accordance with the training programme specification (TPS) agreed with the HSE at inception; all under the direct supervision and guidance
  
• of the AT&CSMs and in response to the identified goals
  
• the sourcing and supporting of Community opportunities in Co Donegal to match client needs and wishes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To act as the keyworker, focusing on a person centred approach to the provision of HSE - funded services, to an assigned group of referred adults living with ID.
  
• Postholder will work with assigned group from commencement of service or commencement of academic year (1st September); initially to determine wishes and aspirations from a vocational and life skill perspective and the effective communication and recording of these goals in the Company format (road maps, PCPs etc.)
  
• No later than 1st October; accredited and nonaccredited training for assigned group to be finalised - with daily / weekly timetables developed (with assistance of the Asst T&CSM) and required learning resources prepared or sourced according to ability, desired outcomes, notional learning hours etc.
  
• Contact/teaching time with assigned group (and other groups as required by the needs of the service); mapping progression and achievement for purposes of PCP journey
  
• The sourcing, establishment and support of identified Community opportunities based on person centred plans and as directed by the Assistant T&CS Manager. (Effective and efficient team working with the organisations’ Client Services Coordinator, Client Services Support Worker, the opportunity provider / Community organisations, clients, their families and the Management Team)
  
• To prepare and maintain/update job analysis, placement contracts, monitoring forms, risk assessments and all other documentation required for each placement
  
• To provide induction and intense job coaching until client feels confident within placement and as directed by the Assistant T&CS Manager; followed by scheduled 8 -weekly visits to monitor; updating and increasing tasks etc. according to client abilities wishes and availability in location
  
• To provide information and feedback to Client Services Coordinator / Client Services Support Worker, when requested, for the preparation of annual review or other progress meetings for service users
  
• Assist the client (on Lifestyle Support) in developing skills and abilities as well as managing self-care tasks that will maximise independence and confidence in controlling and / or choosing the person’s own lifestyles in their home and local community
  
• Enable and empower clients to develop and maintain independence and progress.
  
• Assist participants to access their own community, to network with others and to avail of community activities including clubs, libraries, sporting activities etc. nearby
  
• Embody, by example, attitude and 1-1 training, appropriate behaviours, effective work attitudes and social norms (in each client on LS programme); providing clients with appropriate and constructive feedback about their progress
  
• Introduce the concept of independent travel (where suitable) - using our ITT package to include initial assessment, consultation with family as appropriate and the completion / certification of the Independent Travel programme with use into the future where appropriate
  
• To ensure the health and safety of clients at all times to include responsibility for the creation and updating of all live risk assessments for each assigned client (key working group and LS participants if/when applicable) in each environment in which he/she receives support (with, for example, all medical notes, transport, behavioural challenges, all other relevant background information); and report accidents and incidents, as well as Compliments & Complaints to Line Manager
  
• To complete all required written records, reports, personal returns and all other administrative duties on time and in the required format
  
• To participate and contribute to planned evaluations of the service, ensuring continuous review and improvement; promoting a culture of excellence throughout all activities and services
  
• Any other duties which may be required within the general context of the post as directed by the Management Team.

Personal Specification:

Applications are invited from applicants who meet the following criteria:

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a relevant third level qualification and a have a minimum of one year’s paid experience in the last 5 years working with adults with intellectual disabilities
  
• Have experience of facilitating and implementing a person-centred plan (PCP)
  
• Can demonstrate ability to be adaptive and accepting of new ideas with a willingness to approach new challenges and adjust plans to meet new priorities.
  
• Have a good working knowledge of the supported employment / Community Opportunities function
  
• Have excellent time management, organisation and communication skills
  
• Can demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all of the staff Team
  
• Have a proven track record of delivering effective teaching and learning of working with accreditation bodies and resource development for accredited training programmes
  
• Have a proven ability to develop and adapt training programmes to suit the needs and interest of service user cohorts
  
• Hold a high level of proficiency in using the full Microsoft Office Suite
  
• Have a flexible approach to the job with the ability to multi task and carry out other duties on other sites as and when required
  
• Have access to a car for work purposes which is insured for business use and hold a current driving licence. (Consideration will be given to alternative travelling proposals in respect of applicants with a disability who cannot hold a licence)
  
• Have experience of engaging with, having empathy for and supporting the families of those living with intellectual disabilities
  
• Have the ability to work on own initiative whilst understanding Management structures and the requirement to take direction from Line Manager

Desirable:

• Demonstrable passion for working within the sector, supporting the client group and Company loyalty

This Job Description is not definitive and may be subject to review in order to meet the needs of the service.

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