Fundraising Officer

The ME Association is dedicated to supporting people affected by ME/ CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). We fund biomedical research, campaign for change and provide a wide range of support services to help those with ME/CFS.

As Fundraising Officer, you’ll play a vital role in securing funding to help people with ME/ CFS.  You can make a positive difference to thousands of peoples lives.

We are looking for someone who

• has experience of fundraising ideally in community or challenge event fundraising
• has excellent written and verbal skills – with experience of building strong relationships
• Is an open and friendly person who takes pride in being a positive change in the world
• has excellent project management and time management skills
• has experience of delivering against targets
• has a sound understanding of the principles of fundraising including ethical fundraising and GDPR compliance
• has used Raisers Edge or equivalent fundraising database
• has a high level of competence using Microsoft Office software and is able to quickly adapt to new technologies

You will be responsible for:

• Providing a high standard of stewardship for supporters, nurturing existing supporters, thanking donors, and supporting charity events, such as our supporter reception.
• Developing our charity fundraising appeals
• Developing and promoting the challenge events portfolio.
• Keeping the fundraising pages updated, helping to design and produce fundraising materials (flyers and fundraising packs). 
• You will be working closely with the Fundraising and Development Manager and will be required to support the wider Communications team where needed with additional fundraising activities.

This position is home-based with occasional travel for fundraising events.

Initially a 12 month contract, but with the possibility of becoming a permanent position for the right candidate.

A driving license isn’t essential.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for events.

The successful candidate will be IT literate, an excellent communicator, highly organised with a strong attention to detail.

A background in fundraising is required, although this could be from voluntary work.  An understanding of ME/CFS is desirable.

A bit more about the role....

Stewardship

• Monitoring the fundraising inbox, acting as a first point of contact for a wide range of supporters and enquirers.
• Developing individual giving income through enhanced communications, great stewardship and supporting on fundraising appeals.
• Nurturing our regular givers and looking for ways to grow our regular-giving donor base.
• Completing thanking processes efficiently for donations.
• Developing and managing tools and resources to support fundraising events such as sending out t-shirts, posters, flyers, donation boxes and fundraising packs when requested.
• Liaising with the communications team to create promotional materials to advertise events through the website and social media channels to increase engagement.

Administration

• Keeping accurate records of all prospect and supporter interactions on our CRM system, Raisers Edge NXT.
• Optimising fundraising and donation opportunities at key charity events, researching and recording information.
• Supporting the Fundraising and Development Manager as and when needed.
• Working with colleagues across, communications and services teams to ensure a smooth flow of information to support fundraising promotion and engagement.

What happens next

If you are interested in applying, send your CV and a covering letter via Charity Job by 12 noon Monday 25th November.

Covering letters should be a maximum of two A4 sides and give examples of:

• experience of fundraising
• building strong relationships
• project management skills
• delivering against targets
• using CRM databases

Interviews with successful applicants will be held week commencing 9th December. These will be online.

This post and final appointment are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Good luck!

Jim Morrison

Fundraising and Development Manager

The ME Association