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Form of work
SalaryRainforest Trust is a leading global organisation sponsoring the creation and expansion of protected and conserved areas, playing a central role in combating biodiversity loss and fighting climate change. We have already placed over 50 million acres under permanent protection across 72 countries, and recent surveys show that 99% of the rainforest we have protected since 1988 remains intact.
Rainforest Trust UK (RTUK) is set up as a separate charity to tax-efficiently raise funds from donors here in the UK for Rainforest Trust’s conservation projects. We are currently a team of 8 (part-time) people, but we are affiliated to, and supported by, the Rainforest Trust team in the U.S., which has a team of about 45 staff. When asked what they love most about working at Rainforest Trust UK our staff say it is feeling they are making a difference and taking direct action on some of the biggest issues of our time - climate change, biodiversity loss and Indigenous Peoples' rights. They also like being part of a small, friendly, and supportive team, where they feel they can have a direct input into decisions and our direction.
In 2023 the global charity raised $46 million for conservation projects in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The UK charity contributed £2.2m of this, and we are confident there is significant potential to increase our income from donors here. So, we are looking for an experienced, passionate, and highly personable fundraising professional to join our UK team, to help us identify, approach and cultivate relationships with new private individuals with the potential to make major contributions to our work.
This is a maternity cover contract so the successful candidate will need to get up to speed quickly, taking over responsibility for delivering the new Major Donor fundraising plan. The successful candidate will have previous experience of managing high level relationships and a track record of securing high value (5 and 6 figure) donations or new business. You will have outstanding interpersonal skills and be a confident communicator and able to build trusted relationships swiftly. As this is still a new role, in a relatively young charity, your ideas will help shape this work and you will play a crucial part in driving the growth and sustainability of our fundraising in the UK.
You might have existing experience working with high-value donors, however we also welcome applications from candidates who have transferable experience from other areas - for example a sales or account management background.
Key Responsibilities (see attached job description for full list)
Proactively research, identify, and cultivate a list of new potential donors (high-net-worth individuals), building a pipeline of people to approach for support.
Build and strengthen relationships with both existing and new supporters - developing and personally managing and inspiring a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, soliciting 5 and 6-figure gifts.
Lead a programme of relevant cultivation and networking events, including receptions and lunches, creating engaging opportunities for donors to increase their giving to a higher level.
Develop inspiring and compelling ‘case for support’ literature
Regular stewardship including personalised updates, donor touches, invites to webinars/events etc
Person Specification - see attached job description document
Working Arrangements and Travel Requirements
Rainforest Trust UK staff work remotely and you will be expected to work primarily from home with an excellent internet connection. You may be based anywhere in the UK but you will be expected to work from a shared team space in London once a month, and your donor meetings/events are most likely to take place there.
The postholder will be required to host networking events and attend some online meetings with our partners in the U.S so some (early) evening working is required. We are also flexible as to how many hours this postholder works, and will consider a 3-5 day per week arrangement, depending on experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Rainforest Trust UK is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse and inclusive working environment. We recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our work will bring benefits for our people, our organisation and our charitable purpose. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief or any other protected characteristic.
