Job Description & Person Specification

Fundraising Officer

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum

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

Location: North (Remote working)

Reports to: Regional Head of Fundraising

Closing Date: rolling (until a suitable candidate is identified)

The candidate 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.    

Summary of role

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 Regional Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager, you will have responsibility for the full cycle of maximising donation income from research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

Key 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 Regional Head of Fundraising 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 the North regions 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 the North regions for all volunteering requests from internal departments, specifically the Fundraising and UK Programmes departments
• Manage and supervise volunteers and Interns across the North regions, including developing their skillsets, providing volunteer engagement initiatives, and promoting a positive working environment
• Actively grow READ Foundation’s volunteer database in the North regions, including promoting volunteering opportunities, processing new volunteer sign-up requests and conducting Volunteer Team Leader interviews
• Recruit Interns across the North 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 People and Culture department
• Occasional paid overseas travel with potential donors and deployments
• Any other duties as directed by and agreed with the Regional Head of Fundraising

Instructions to Apply

Please apply with your CV and supporting letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification for the post.

Successful applicants will be subject to relevant reference and identification checks. 

Due to the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all candidates. If your application is short-listed, we will get in touch. If you have not heard from our team within 8 weeks, please assume your application has not met the criteria on this occasion. 

No agencies please. 

Thank you for your interest in READ Foundation, we look forward to receiving your application. 

Requirements

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

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, the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description.

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

Special Working Conditions

• Work occasional flexible hours including evenings and weekends

At READ Foundation, we prioritise safety for all, especially children and vulnerable adults, with a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. This role requires background checks and strict adherence to safeguarding policies. By applying, you agree to uphold our safeguarding principles.

Benefits

Company benefits 

The position also comes with the following benefits: 

• 32 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays and company-wide holidays) 
• Awards for employee of the year 
• Paid time off for bereavement, sick days and medical appointments 

• Investment in training, professional growth and development  
• Occupational Pension Scheme 
• Hybrid working options available (some days working remotely can be discussed at time of interview) 
• Health cash plan

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

READ Foundation is an accredited National Living Wage Employer.