Small charities, big opportunities

​It's often said that the best things come in small packages, though apparently never within earshot of anyone from Amazon, which is why your watch battery will arrive in a box the size of Bristol.

But size certainly isn't everything when it comes to choosing the kind of charity you want to work for.

Small charities make up a mighty 97% of the sector, so whatever the scale of your ambition there's sure to be somewhere you'll fit. It might be the mega-charities who hit the headlines, but there's a big world beyond the big names, and it's one that can have plenty of advantages for your career.

As this year's Small Charity Week draws to a close you may have seen some of the fantastic things even the smallest of organisations can achieve, and if it's inspired you to get involved, we're sharing some good reasons and great opportunities to go for it.

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Why work for a small charity?

The lovely people over at Charity Job came up with 6 reasons why working for a small charity is amazing and if you already do, you'll probably know of plenty more.

Both large and small organisations have their advantages of course, but one of the key differences is in the breadth of experience you're likely to gain in the role.

Major charities may have teams for everything from data management to digital fundraising, challenge events, corporate partnerships or internal communications, which can often operate as fairly separate functions.

So you could become a first-class community fundraiser, or master the dark arts of DM, but the opportunities to get involved (and gain experience) in any other capacity may be relatively limited - those things will be someone else's job, after all.

If you're widely-experienced already that may not matter too much, but early in your career there's a danger of pigeon-holing yourself before you've had chance to try anything else.

Smaller charity = bigger remit

This is somewhere smaller charities can really shine. In a small organisation you'll generally have more responsibilities since there are fewer people to share them, and they can often be things that wouldn't normally come anywhere near your remit.

The fewer people on board, the more likely you'll need all hands on deck, particularly around things like events and major projects, when you could easily find yourself pitching in as a publicist, events manager or volunteer co-ordinator for example, and almost certainly as a fundraiser.

Even within your 'official' role, you're likely to have a wider remit than you might do elsewhere, giving you broader experience of many more things, which can only be good news for your career prospects.

So with no further ado, here are six of the best opportunities we currently have with fantastic small charities - just click any of the titles or links for details of each role and how to apply.

(NB: this article published June 2018, links and vacancies have since expired)

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Corporate Fundraising Executive

London £25,000 - £30,000

We're delighted to be supporting The Big House, an award-winning London-based charity who are undergoing an exciting phase of development. The charity supports care-leavers through a three-month programme that includes employability workshops, pastoral support and culminates in a three-week theatre production.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with a good understanding of corporate fundraising who is looking to take on more responsibility for this income stream in a small but ambitious charity. Read more

Marketing & Social Media Co-ordinator

London £23,552

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join an award winning, thriving community association in the heart of North London. Working in a small but high profile vibrant local charity, your role will be broad and varied.

The primary purpose of this exciting role is to market our activities and services, grow our social media presence, updating websites, creating regular newsletters, developing and implementing the marketing and communications strategy for the association and its new and emerging social enterprises. Read more

Communications Officer

Oxford £25,000 - £30,000 full or part time

Are you passionate about helping support people out of homelessness and enhancing the skills of homeless people to get them back on their feet?

This is a newly created role, where you'll develop and deliver a comprehensive, innovative and effective communication and campaigns programme on behalf of the charity. The aim is to create a movement around social value through the planning, designing and implementing of impactful campaigns. Read more

Fundraising Development Manager

Farnborough £27,000 - £30,000

Harris Hill are very pleased to be working with a UK Health charity based in Farnborough to recruit a Fundraising Development Manager. This development role will cover the whole spectrum of fundraising including corporate, community, challenge events and charity led events.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative, ambitious fundraiser to develop skills in all areas of fundraising and really make your mark! Read more

Fundraising & Marketing Officer

Sutton £25,000

This is a role with a faith-based charity, covering many aspects of both fundraising and marketing. Working on a full-time permanent basis, you will be responsible for providing key support to the Head of Fundraising & Marketing and the Direct Marketing Manager.

You'll also work closely with the fundraising and marketing team, finance team and other heads of department in support of objectives set out the organisation's overall strategic plan. Read more

Project Coordinator

London £24,500

This rewarding role supports the delivery of a popular project for older people, with particular emphasis on the volunteering elements which ensure that older people using the project feel an increased sense of community, become more active, experience improved physical/mental health because of their engagement, and feel less lonely or isolated. Read more