Fundraising and Communications Officer

About African Revival

African Revival is a growing, ambitious charity with around 20 staff based at offices in London, Uganda and Zambia.We believe education is the key to overcoming poverty, and our vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education. Known for our holistic, responsive and innovative approach, we work with primary and nursery schools in Uganda and Zambia, two of the poorest countries in the world, to allow every child to fulfil their potential. We don't just build classrooms, we empower whole communities – pupils, teachers and parents – to transform government and parent-run schools into thriving learning environments that build brighter, better futures. Established in 2004 we are now looking for a step-change in growth in income to deliver our strategic vision.

Job Purpose

As the Fundraising & Communications Officer, you will support the fundraising team in maximising revenue for AR from all income streams (e.g. events, community, regular giving, major donors, corporate and legacies) to achieve the fundraising targets through providing effective administration and research. You will also support the Fundraising & Communications Director to deliver the overall marketing and communications strategy for the organisation. We are looking for someone who is passionate, motivated and enthusiastic; has some experience in a fundraising environment and has an understanding of marketing and customer service. You will relish this varied role, be highly organised and be committed to the work of AR.

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Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

Administration & Fundraising

• Work with the Fundraising and Communications Director to write funding proposals and maintain relationships to grant making bodies and charitable trusts of all sizes
• Develop existing and pitch for new corporate relationships to maximise staff fundraising, CSR, gifts in kind and other forms of corporate giving
• Research and identify potential donors to feed into the prospect pipeline
• Work with a wide range of supporters, from regular givers to major donors, to deliver excellent supporter stewardship and engagement
• Coordinate and ensure the smooth running of the small individual donor programme, including managing communications and following up on small donations
• Manage a number of large-scale fundraising events, including an annual ball and overseas sports challenges. Liaise with event partners and sponsors to maximise fundraising opportunities
• Support with developing our community fundraising and volunteer base in the southwest London and Surrey area through activities such as collections and community events
• Provide fundraising admin support within efficient fundraising systems
• Maintaining and developing the fundraising database of supporter contacts and donors

Communications & Marketing

• To support the Head of Fundraising & Communications with the delivery of the overall marketing and communications strategy for the organisation. This will include content gathering and delivering communications across different marketing platforms including print materials, online or events
• Support the Fundraising team with the delivery of an integrated plan for donor and supporter communications materials (e.g. newsletter, social media, etc.)
  • Administration of Facebook, Twitter and the website

Personal Specification

The successful candidate will be an excellent administrator, researcher, organiser and communicator who will thrive in this varied role in a fast-paced fundraising environment, whilst being able to deal with competing priorities and working collaboratively with the other members and volunteers of the fundraising & communications team.

Experience

• This is an entry-level role suitable for an individual with some experience in fundraising or communications, or an understanding of marketing or customer service
• Some experience using digital and social media platforms in a business context
• Admin and CRM database experience
• Demonstrable experience in research, analysis of information and the effective presentation of it

Keys Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarise and present complex information to a wide range of audiences
• A hand-on approach and a can do attitude
• Accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage a large and complex workload, prioritising competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organised with good planning and time management skills
• Self-motivated with the capacity to work on own initiative and/or as part of a team
• Ability to engage with a variety of people and build excellent relationships both internally and externally
• Interest in/aware of new fundraising techniques and practices
• Computer literate and confident using all MS Office software and fundraising customer relationship database (Salesforce)
• Understanding of, and a commitment to the aims and objectives of African Revival
• Interest in education, rural livelihoods and international development

Desirable

• Experience with editing websites
• Experience of organising and co-ordinating events
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Indesign and Photoshop)
• Experience of developing and managing social media networks

Please note that the successful candidate will be offered the job subject to a DBS (CRB) check and suitable references.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage. No agencies please.

How to apply

Please submit an up to date CV and covering letter by 10^thSeptember outlining your relevant skills and experience, relating to the listed responsibilities and person specification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.