Summary of the role
The post holder will work closely with the CEO and the staff team. There is a particular focus on grant writing and proposal development to grow income, guided by our three overarching fundraising goals to:
- Diversify Helium’s Funding Base, including growing corporate partnerships, major gifts and new statutory sources
- Leverage the Helium Community and Build Deliberate Networks
- Invest Regionally for Sustainable Growth.
This will involve the drafting and preparation of applications and proposals, and grant writing to foundations, individuals, corporations, private and public grant-making agencies. More broadly, the role will also involve the stewardship of existing supporters, through planning key communications and events, to further engage them in the mission of Helium, build relationships, and encourage ongoing support for our life changing work. Ongoing training and support will be provided.
Helium Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy statement and plan informs the development of all Helium work.
Responsibilities of the role
Reporting to the CEO – the key strands of this role are –
Working as part of the Development Team to:
- Prepare proposals and write grants to individuals, corporates, foundations, private and public grant-making agencies.
- Delivery and input towards engaging fundraising propositions for identified stakeholders, in line with the new Funding Plan to highlight the work of our programme in Creative Health Hub locations of Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dublin and Kilkenny.
- Review funding opportunities and collate grant deadlines for Helium.
- Identify potential new relationships and funding prospects, and develop compelling approaches for engaging them, with particular focus on developing communities of support in hub locations.
- Stewardship of existing donors including planning key ‘thank you’ communications/activities to further engage them in the mission of Helium and encourage higher level giving over the donor lifecycle.
- Plan and oversee engaging donor events in hub locations.
- Identify and support engagement opportunities for staff, Board and parents of children working with Helium.
- Collaborate with the Helium SMT and wider team to ensure fundraising projects are achieved together.
- Deliver on identified fundraising monthly and annual revenue team targets, devising alternative plans if KPIs are not being delivered.
- Report on donor development KPIs, campaign responses and results.
- Process donations and maintain excellent fundraising-related records and record-keeping systems.
- Engage in the development, from a fundraising perspective, of a new CRM system, HubSpot, for Helium.
- Produce high quality written reports, presentations and materials to support the engagement goals of the Funding Plan.
- Represent Helium externally, as required.
General
- Help build positive relationships with all stakeholders, including donors and prospects.
- Participate in team meetings and attend other meetings as deemed necessary.
- Participate in relevant training and information sessions.
- Work within national Helium policies, procedures and to adhere to legal frameworks. For example:
- Comply with Helium Child Safeguarding Policy
- Comply with responsibilities under the Data Protection Acts 1988-2011, Freedom of Information Acts 1999-2014 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.
- Act in the best interests of Helium, carrying the case for support and acting as an ambassador for Helium in line with our vision and mission.
- Carry out any other duties that may be assigned from time to time and work as an integrated team member.
- Ability to fulfill added responsibilities as the role develops and grows.
- Work mindfully to achieve best standards in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion throughout the role.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required. The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.
Requirements
Skills and Experience
- Strong writing skills for funding applications and proposals, donor newsletters, grant writing for diverse audiences. proposals, newsletters etc. to a diversity of audiences.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, efficient in work processes with a proven ability to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines.
- Strong verbal and presentation skills with the ability to maintain and grow key relationships.
- High level of computer literacy particularly in Google Workspace, HubSpot, or other CRM Systems and Project Management Systems, preferably in the areas of voluntary sector or fundraising databases.
- Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
- Flexibility, including a willingness to travel to hub locations (approximately one visit per month).
- Self-motivated and demonstrate an ability to work on one’s own initiative, as well as part of a team.
- Able to manage deliverables, multi-task and achieve milestones.
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle information in a confidential, sensitive manner with due care, respect and discretion.
- Professional, polite and courteous manner when dealing with all stakeholders, including donors and supporters.
- Belief in Helium’s mission.
Desirable Criteria:
- Evidence of a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- A knowledge of and interest in Helium.
- An interest in the arts.
- A recognition of the transformative impact of the arts on health and wellbeing.
Qualifications
- A third level and/or postgraduate qualification.
Experience
- At least two years’ experience in a similar or related role.
- Experience of working within the nonprofit sector.
Placeholder
Helium empowers children living with long-term health conditions through creativity and the Arts, giving them an opportunity for connection, belonging and imagination. We know from research that children with health conditions can feel isolated or different to their peers.
Through our programmes in hospitals, in community workshops and online, it has been proven that children develop their confidence and independence, to promote their wellbeing. We believe in a world where all children living with long-term health conditions in Ireland are connected to their creative powers so they can live life to the full.
What We Offer
- A supportive, collaborative team environment.
- Up to four gift days over Christmas between 24th December and 1st January inclusive
- Access to training and professional development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to Helium’s Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme.
Placeholder
How to apply
Please send a single pdf combining your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, skills fit and motivation for the role to: [email protected]
Please clearly indicate ‘Grants and Development Coordinator’ in your email subject line.
Application closing date: 12th of October 2026 at 16.00 / 4pm
First Round Interviews will be held the week starting 19th of October
Interview invitations will be sent to shortlisted candidates at the latest by 13.00 on Wednesday 21st of October.
Please Note:
- Second round interviews will take place the week starting 26th October 2026.
- The successful candidate will ideally be in place by November 2026.
- Any offer of employment will be subject to two references by phone with the Helium CEO and Garda vetting.
- Applicants should have the right to work in Ireland.
- Whilst Helium promotes the use of public transport, a full clean driving licence and access to a car would be an advantage.
- Due to high volumes of applications, individual feedback cannot be provided to all candidates.