Fundraising and Communications Officer

Fundraising and Communications Officer

FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Information Pack

The Charity

Animals in distress was formed in 1981 by Mrs Georgina Lang, Mrs Eileen Hunt and Mrs Muriel Sellick, who looked after dogs for people who were going into hospital. Their rescue work increased and a small office and shop were opened in a garage in Ellacombe, Torquay.

The ANIMALS IN DISTRESS RESCUE CENTRE cares for and re-homes unwanted domestic animals. The Centre was opened in 1994 and over one thousand animals have been re-homed each year. A major redevelopment of the site has been completed and the numbers of dogs and cats that can be accommodated has doubled. The new amenities include a 28-kennel block (including a preparation area and treatment room) with heated, spacious accommodation, a double storey cattery with comfortable pens and heated beds and also new Dog Special care unit and Rabbit enclosure.

The Charity would like to broaden its scope of activities and sees education and support playing a key part in resolving the growing problem of unwanted domestic animals.

The Head Office is based at the rescue centre at Ipplepen and the charity is managed by a small team of six supported by 250-300 volunteers.

The Charity's annual income is in the region of £1m per annum. Income is generated through payments when animals are re-homed, eleven charity shops, collection boxes, a small number of charity run events, legacies, ad hoc donations and a some corporate support.

The Role

The current Fundraising Officer is also involved in facilities management and will be moving into this on a full time basis. The Charity is taking this opportunity to appoint an experienced Fundraising and Communication Officer who will report to and work with the CEO to develop a more structured fundraising and communications strategy to support the growth and reach of Animals in Distress. They will then be responsible for delivering this strategy in a professional and inclusive manner, working closely with the staff team at Ipplepen as well as the volunteers and supporters of the charity.

This will include:

Communications

  • Developing a communications strategy and coordinating consistent messaging and communication across all sources
  • Communicating with supporters via old & new media (eg. Facebook, blogs)
  • Managing external and internal communications
  • Developing a thank you policy, creating stronger links with donors and supporters
  • Creating the foundation for the delivery of a Direct Mail and Email programme, collecting and managing existing and new data from a variety of sources
  • Working with all forms of media, and maintaining and building contacts with the media and distributing press releases
  • Producing the newsletter
  • Managing the production of supporting materials (such as posters, website and newsletters) to promote, market and advertise forthcoming events
  • Act as communication link between organisation and stakeholders including local community
  • Developing advertising opportunities

Fundraising

Building on existing fundraising activities (excluding shops) to increase income generation for the charity, this will include:-

  • Involvement in supporting existing events and developing both charity run and supporter events, including attendance at events where relevant.
  • To work across the organisation with volunteers and staff to deliver arange of community and event activities maximising engagement and support
  • Developing stronger relationships with corporate supporters and developing new ones
  • Developing relationships with high net worth individuals ensuring their supporter journey meets both their expectations and those of the charity.
  • Working with the Chief Executive to research and identify suitable and relevant trusts and grants
  • Developing and growing the membership of the charity (currently 800+) to maximise fundraising opportunities.
  • Managing the existing collection boxes and increasing numbers and locations of boxes

The Person

We are seeking applications from candidates who can offer the following:-

  • Demonstrable fundraising track record
  • Proven demonstrated experience of increasing income from a broad range of fundraising activities
  • Proven experience in implementing plans and contributing to fundraising strategy
  • Knowledge of the principles of fundraising across a range of methodologies
  • Proven network and relationship building skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Diplomatic and tactful, with a proven ability to communicate well with a broad range of people and to engage and motivate supporters and volunteers.
  • Empathy for the motivations of donors, supporters and staff associated with the charity
  • Experience of utilising a range of appropriate marketing channels to target supports and recruit new support
  • Planning and managing new activities for cultivating supporters and soliciting support
  • Proven relevant experience and knowledge in the use of social media and digital media for events and community activities to achieve results
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills including in the delivery of presentations
  • Ability to plan, prioritise work and meet deadlines
  • Excellent analytical skills to evaluate activity and able to manage processes and data effectively to allow effective targeting
  • Excellent IT skills including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and fundraising databases
  • Inclusive team player, performance driven and able to take a corporate approach
  • Able to work well in a team and on own initiative with minimal supervision
  • Proven experience in managing and motivating volunteers.
  • Experience of budget management
  • Driving licence and own transport
  • Able to work flexible hours

Recruitment Process

  • CV and letter of application to our appointed recruitment consultant, Jackie Dawkins, Director, Shine Charity Recruitment ()
  • Closing date: 26th April 2013
  • First Interview with Jackie Dawkins
  • Second Interview with Animals In Distress w/c 6th May 2013
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