Fundraising Officer at READ Foundation in London, England, GB

Job Description & Person Specification

Fundraising Officer

Salary: £29,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location: 3 locations available, North, Midlands, London & South (Remote working from home)

Reports to: National Fundraising Manager UK

Closing Date: Rolling

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

About READ Foundation

READ Foundation is a UK based registered charity working to provide access to quality education to vulnerable children in our regions of work. We create opportunities for orphan and needy children to go to school, to gain an education and build a better life for themselves. We currently focus on constructing new schools, providing sponsorship for orphans and are now expanding our educational portfolio to reflect the large humanitarian and development needs ongoing throughout the world.    

Purpose of job

As the Fundraising Officer you will be working within a team to create, develop and nurture community relationships with volunteers, donors, partners and your local communities in order to maximise income. Directly reporting to the National Fundraising Manager UK, you will have responsibility for the full cycle of maximising donation income from research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

Main Responsibilities

• Be an ambassador at events, supporting the delivery of READ Foundations vision and ensuring that the charity’s profile and reputation are upheld
• Maintain and develop relationships with HNW /potential / existing donors to maximise donations
• Champion philanthropic engagement and activities to ensure that organisationally we are maximising opportunities to achieve the greatest return
• Hold regular fundraising events and dinners and manage and develop volunteers
• Hold regular meetings with the National Fundraising Manager UK to evaluate the progress and success of targets & objectives set
• Work at all times within the guidelines of the Institute of Fundraising best practice and comply with relevant legislation and regulation
• Work within an innovative, positive and creative ethos, identifying new opportunities for fundraising
• Adhere to stated policies and procedures as per the company handbook including health and safety requirements
• Build the capacity of the READ Foundation team in the area of Major donor and community fundraising
• Identify and secure additional prospects through exploring networks and sectors
• Create, nurture and develop volunteer teams across the region to support the team
• Develop and manage effective relationships ensuring excellent and consistent supporter stewardship
• Work across wider fundraising networks and communities to identify opportunities for engagement
• Arrange and manage fundraising events
• Manage and support volunteers
• Act as a central point of contact and support in your region for all volunteer queries and support requests, including providing prompt and thorough responses and resolving any complaints
• Act as a central point of contact and support in your region for all volunteering requests from internal departments, specifically the Fundraising and UK Programmes departments
• Manage and supervise volunteers and Interns across your region, including developing their skillsets, providing volunteer engagement initiatives, and promoting a positive working environment
• Actively grow READ Foundation’s volunteer database in your region, including promoting volunteering opportunities, processing new volunteer sign-up requests and conducting Volunteer Team Leader interviews
• Recruit Interns across your region for various departments to achieve additional manpower support, by preparing Role Profiles, posting job adverts and conducting interviews
• Prepare volunteers resources, such as collection buckets, t-shirts, merchandise and donation forms, for all volunteering activities
• Design and deliver local volunteering projects and outreach programmes to achieve increased public interaction with READ Foundation and improve local relations
• Explore new and innovative ideas to maximise the potential of READ Foundation’s volunteering programme
• Undertaking a range of administrative tasks in support of the wider Volunteers Management team and HR department
• Occasional paid overseas travel with potential donors and deployments
• Any other duties as directed by and agreed with the National Fundraising Manager UK

This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, so the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description.

Special Working Conditions

Work occasional flexible hours including evenings and weekends

Instructions to Apply

Please send your full CV and supporting letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post

Two satisfactory references will be required upon conditional offer

Commitment to Safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

All staff members, regardless of their role or level within READ Foundation are required to uphold READ Foundation’s safeguarding standards and commit to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

Key Responsibilities:

• Adhere to READ's Safeguarding and PSEA Policies and Code of Conduct at all times.

• Report any safeguarding concerns or SEA incidents they become aware of, following READ's reporting mechanisms.

• Participate in mandatory safeguarding training and refresher sessions.

• Cooperate in good faith with any safeguarding investigations, audits, or reviews conducted by READ.

• Promote a culture of safeguarding within their respective roles and ensure that safeguarding risks are identified and mitigated.

• Failure to comply with these safeguarding responsibilities may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment, in line with organisational policies.

Safeguarding Commitment: At READ Foundation, we are unwavering in our dedication to creating a safe and secure environment for all, especially children and vulnerable adults. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation and abuse. To uphold this commitment, this role necessitates background checks and strict adherence to our safeguarding policies and procedures. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and pledge to uphold our safeguarding principles.

Person Specification

• Experience of effectively managing a portfolio of diverse donors and prospects is desirable
• Excellent communication skills in order to build long lasting relations
• Event and project management experience
• Previous experience in juggling a demanding workload
• Forward thinking, strategic and innovative
• Excellent written and presentation skills
• Excellent research skills
• Basic experience using Excel Spreadsheets
• Organised, punctual and the ability to multitask
• Proven track record in achieving targets

Indicative KPI and targets over a 12-month period

Financial targets shall be discussed at interview stage.

Number of non-financial targets including consistently attending networking and 3rd party events and identifying regular leads.

Company benefits

The position also comes with the following benefits:

• Role specific training, development and growth opportunities

• Health insurance cash plan (including 24/7 access to GP services, discounted gym membership & counselling service) (after probationary period)

• Eye care contribution

• Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview)

• Occupational Pension Scheme

• Cycle to work scheme (after probationary period)

• Car salary sacrifice scheme (after probationary period)

• 32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays)

• Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments

• Awards for employee of the year

• Annual years of service rewards

• Access to Bright Exchange discounts

• Annual away days/retreats involving training, teambuilding, outdoor and social activities.

• Free parking in a central location

• Access to prayer facilities

• Free tea, coffee & snacks

READ Foundation is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work, along with encouraging a healthy work life balance.