Job Title: Community Fundraising and Engagement Manager

Job Description

Reporting to: Head of Fundraising

Line reports: 1 xChallenge Events Fundraiser

Responsible for: maximising fundraising from local organisations, schools and supporters across the UK

Location: Based in the office at No.1 Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0NP

Hours: 9 – 5.30pm

Salary: Upon application

Closing date for applications:12pm, Monday 9th January 2017

Contact for more information:

About Rays of Sunshine

Rays of Sunshine grants special wishes for children with a serious or life-limiting illness. Every day of the year we give brave and deserving young people across the UK the chance to put their illness on hold and experience a magical moment of escape and happiness. In 2017 we will grant our 6,000th wish and brighten the lives of another 1,200 children.

Wishes can be as unique as the children themselves and whether they want to be a princess or a fireman for the day, go to Disney World or Lapland, or meet a favourite celebrity or a ‘real life’ mermaid, Rays of Sunshine works hard to make that dream come true. We also bring wishes to hospital wards, and organise group trips to theme parks, pamper parties and concerts – giving the children and their families precious memories to cherish.

About the role

We’re looking for someone highly proactive and ambitious, with solid experience in Community Fundraising and good knowledge of challenge events, to join our passionate and dedicated team.

The successful candidate will have vision and will create and deliver a strategy for engaging existing and new community supporters, to unlock the significant potential of this fundraising stream.They will also manage a Challenge Events Fundraiser, to oversee best practise and excellence in supporter engagement, spot development opportunities, and again ensure fundraisingpotential is maximised.

Main Responsibilities:

To establish, develop and maintain sustainable relationships with supportersinthe local community in order to maximise income potential
To proactively engage with local individuals, businesses, groups & associations, schools and universities to gain their support through:
the delivery of local, regional and national fundraising initiatives and campaigns
inspiring and equipping them to do ad hoc volunteer-led fundraising throughout the year within their local communities (raffles, sponsored challenges, in aid of events and so on) – including providing them with packs, materials andinformation, regular communication, thanking, etc.
providing them with excellent stewardship throughout their fundraising journey
To develop community fundraising growth plan with short-term and long-term results in mind, including creating and rolling out new initiatives and stewardship journeys for small / local businesses, schools, universities, committees etc.
To introduce new systems and ways of working to maximise fundraising opportunities and deliver the best possible supporter experience
To raise income within agreed fundraising targets
To play a proactive role in raising the profile of the charity to the community and to potential donors
To effectively manage the Challenge Events Fundraiser, to ensure they are reaching targets, being compliant, and meeting all other criteria for their role
To oversee the development of challenge events – encouraging the introduction of new ideas, spotting opportunities to explore and ensuring all efforts are being made to fill places and maximise participant fundraising.

Other Responsibilities:

To work closely with the widerfundraising team to rollout new events, initiatives and campaigns
To accurately record all data relating to community fundraising
To liaise with volunteers attending community events as necessary
To work with the fundraising team to develop a calendar of annual events
Keep a record of all income and expenditure regarding community fundraising
To work within legal and charity guidelines
The position might require evening and weekends as required by the duties of the post
Time off in lieu will be given.
The post willinvolve travel across the UK

Person Specification:
Essential

At least 2 years’ experience of working within a community fundraising environment
Experience of sporting and challenge events (runs, triathlons, bike rides, UK and overseas treks etc.)
Good knowledge of fundraising best practise, and marketing and event techniques
An outgoing and highly motivated individual who is able to work well on their own initiative, as well as part of a team
An individual who will feel passionate about the work of Rays of Sunshine with the ability to convey this passion to potential fundraisers
Strong interpersonal skills – able to interact with a wide variety of individuals to achieve positive outcomes and establish sustainable relationships and partnerships
Comfortable with variety and dealing with new/unexpected challenges
Knowledge of Microsoft Office package including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Knowledge of or the ability to learn ThankQ database
Knowledge of social media with a view to marketing community and challenge events
Organisational skills and a knowledge of campaign and event planning
Exceptional communication skills – both written and verbal
Excellent time & priority management and organisational skills, including project and financial planning skills
Experience of managing and delivering budgets to target

Desirable

Experience of working with volunteers
Existing links to community groups and individuals
Line management experience