Fundraising Officer

PLEASE only read on if you are a people person who is full of energy with a passion for making a difference to people experincing homelessness in Bedford. If this is you and you are a fantastic fundraiser please apply!

Job Title: Fundraising Officer

Location: Bedford (Prebend Centre), with outreach to Bedford

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £29,605 per annum

Are you a passionate and experienced fundraiser looking for a rewarding challenge? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people in Bedford? If so, SMART CJS wants to hear from you!

About Us:

SMART CJS has been providing life-changing services to individuals with complex needs since 1996. Our purpose is to offer immediate support and long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness in Bedford. We strive to prevent homelessness, eliminate stigma, and empower communities through education.

Our vision is a future where homelessness in Bedford is rare, brief, and non-recurring. We aim to ensure every individual has access to safe housing, necessary support services, and opportunities to lead a fulfilling life.

Our mission is to stop the downward spiral to homelessness by offering comprehensive support services shaped by people with lived experience. We provide robust prevention programs, addressing both immediate needs and root causes of homelessness. We respect and support the diverse lifestyle choices of our service users, delivering all interventions with dignity and respect.

The Role:

As our Fundraiser, you will develop and lead our community fundraising strategy, aiming to raise £100,000. You’ll manage individual giving, lead events, engage with local businesses, and inspire community support. Your efforts will help us continue our vital work in Bedford.

What We Offer:

A supportive and passionate team and the chance to make a tangible impact.

Flexible working arrangements, including some home-based work.

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Birthdays off
• Generous Pension scheme
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service (same day appointments)

What We’re Looking For:

Proven fundraising experience or a relevant qualification. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. A proactive and driven attitude. Local knowledge and a connection to the community. Flexibility to attend events outside normal hours. A car driver with access to a car. Your main fundraising responsibilities:

Individual Giving : To manage individual giving to increase regular donors and one off donations, stewarding existing donors to uplift average gifts.

Events : Working with the volunteer officer to lead on events to ensure income and exposure for SMART.

Corporates : To establish relationships with companies locally and nationally to increase income.

Community : To work with local organisations, delivering talks and inspiring gifts and donations, monetary or goods in kind. Stewarding friends of SMART groups.

Digital : To manage all aspects of online fundraising, across our website, CRM and social media platforms.

Appeals : To manage our annual winter appeal, creating new opportunities for support.

Marketing : To work with the Business Team to create inspiring campaigns and marketing materials.

Reporting : To create meaningful reports to help further support and donations.

Essential Criteria :

• A minimum of a level 3 qualification in a relevant fundraising, marketing, media, event management or business qualification. OR A minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a fundraiser in the charitable sector.
• A proactive attitude, with the ability to carry out projects through to completion and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage people at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience of building and maintain relationships to support fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to gain sponsorship deals.
• Demonstrated experience in volunteer recruitment and management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues facing homeless/rough sleeping individuals.
• Demonstrable ability to meet financial targets.
• Strong administration skills.
• An understanding of HR processes with regard to volunteers (including recruitment).
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• Good working knowledge of a range of computer software packages. including (but not limited to) Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and CRM tools.
• Ability to manage time effectively & multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrate an empathic and adaptable approach to individuals with complex needs.
• Car driver and access to a car.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal office hours.

Join Us:

If you’re ready to use your fundraising skills to change lives and support a charity that puts people first, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of something special at SMART CJS.