Trustee with fundraising experience

Bring your understanding of fundraising strategy to our Board and help us provide our innovative services to blind, visually impaired and those with profound disabilities across the West Midlands. 

What will you be doing?

• Fundraising Strategy: Provide your expertise, advice and guidance in the development and implementation of our fundraising strategy. 
• Donor Engagement: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership team to advise on the implementation of a donor engagement plan that identifies and cultivates relationships with potential donors, sponsors, and partners who share our mission. 
• Grant Writing and Management: Provide advice and guidance regarding grant applications, working with the executive team to align grant proposals with organisational goals. 
• Fundraising Events: Contribute to the planning and support the execution of a community fundraising events program. This will include, helping us to mobilise volunteers and resources to ensure the success of these initiatives.
• Major Gift Solicitation: Collaborate with the board and senior leadership to support our efforts in securing major gifts from high-net worth individuals and corporate partners, leveraging your network if possible and your experience in donor cultivation. 
• Online Fundraising: Provide oversight and guidance of our online fundraising campaigns which include crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising and digital marketing initiatives. Oversee the campaign performance and adapt strategies as needed. 
• Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the finance committee to develop and oversee the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial goals. 
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that Focus’s fundraising activities comply with legal requirements. 
• Advocacy and Public Relations: Act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham advocating for the rights and needs of adults with disabilities. Assist in developing public relations strategies to raise awareness and support for the cause.

What are we looking for?

• Strategic experience: Experience in fundraising at a senior level, with an understanding of various fundraising methods, including grants, major gifts, events, and online campaigns. 
• Passion for the Cause: A strong commitment to improving the lives of people with care and support needs and a deep empathy for the challenges they face. 
• Networks in Birmingham: A networker with networks in Birmingham and wider West Midlands area. 
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to strategically assist with grant writing, donor communications, and public speaking engagements. 
• Financial Acumen: Familiarity with budgeting and financial management related to fundraising activities. 
• Legal and Ethical Awareness: Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical considerations in the non-profit sector. 
• Team Player: Willingness to work collaboratively with other trustees and staff to achieve common goals.
• Time Commitment: Availability to prepare for and attend board meetings (4 per year), committee meetings (4 per year), and fundraising events and other meetings as required.

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.