Community Fundraising Officer

It’s an exciting time to work at WCS: two thirds of the way through our current 3-year strategy, Cancer Support for All, we’re seeing tangible outputs that will shift the dial in what we can achieve to support anyone affected by cancer, and we are beginning work to develop our next 5-year strategy. 

Yes, the past few years have been tough. But we’ve emerged as charity which is financially robust and has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality emotional and wellbeing cancer support.

Establishing a greater number and variety of donors will be critical to our success and following recent changes in the team we are now recruiting an experienced Supporter Engagement Officer: Community and a brilliant communicator – someone who is always thinking ahead to develop, support and champion Community Fundraising activity.  You will be the main point of contact for individuals and community groups and will naturally be able to build rapport to quickly establish relationships and develop innovative partnerships. 

Principal Responsibilities

• To be the first point of contact for groups and individuals organising community activity to raise money for Wessex Cancer Support, motivating and encouraging them to raise as much as possible.  
• To develop a comprehensive pipeline of fundraising opportunities (such as adopted charity for regional shows and events, Mayors and Golf Captains), with a well organised schedule to ensure all opportunities are maximised.  
• To proactively research and identify potential and lapsed supporters and steward them to support us. 
• To proactively research and identify influential individuals in schools and community groups; to build and develop relationships and garner support for our campaigns like ‘Cakes for Cancer’ and ‘Jolly Jumper month’ 
• As needed, prepare applications / approaches for new fundraising opportunities, that understand and address the motivations of the fundraiser, securing their commitment and support.  
• To encourage and persuade supporters to participate in a range of third-party fundraising events (eg parachute jump, challenges or London Marathon) or to hold their own ‘In aid of’ fundraising.  
• To use initiative to develop creative ideas that will engage a wide range of people with different interests to fundraise for Wessex Cancer Support.  
• To coordinate the charity’s collection tins and bucket collections, recruiting and managing volunteers to help out, growing this income stream.  
• To appropriately support all Community Fundraising activity including prompt thanking and reporting on how money is spent; provide the highest levels of supporter relationship management and build relationships to win long term support.  
• To monitor and evaluate all fundraising activity, to develop best practice and implement mitigating measures as needed.  
• To ensure all interactions and activities are recorded on our database Salesforce and take responsibility for ensuring all use of data is compliant with GDPR.  
• Build and develop trusted relationships with the Services team (and where appropriate clients), to support fundraising, storytelling and volunteering. 
• To source, manage and liaise with external suppliers such as third-party event organisers, event companies, printers and venues. To explore all fundraising opportunities and negotiate with suppliers in order to maximise the potential net income for the organisation. 
• Attend events where charity presence is required – both in and outside of office hours. 
• To ensure all regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to, including risk assessments. 
• To be aware of income and expenditure budgets, working effectively to ensure all activity achieves an acceptable return on investment.  (2:1)

Essential Skills/Experience/Qualities

• A strong track record in a similar role, OR able to demonstrate an understanding of what’s needed, with transferable skills.
• Knowledge and experience of using a Fundraising CRM database (we use Salesforce)
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to prepare and deliver compelling presentations and engage with a wide range of audiences confidently. 
• Excellent customer service including exemplary telephone and face to face manner.
• Good written skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of audiences.
• Strong administrative skills
• Competent use of Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to prioritise work and manage multiple tasks.
• Self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook and a clear focus on supporters
• Ability to work under pressure, to deadline, and work independently, using initiative when required.
• Be curious with an enquiring mind, always spotting opportunities to develop connections.
• Able to demonstrate a whole-hearted commitment to the vision and values of Wessex Cancer Support.
• Flexibility outside of working hours and a willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as required.
• A full UK driving license and access to a car