Fundraising Officer
£21 - 24K p.a dependent on experience
This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience and skills working for one of the leading independent schools in the region, developing income streams from corporate donors, trusts, foundations and a growing alumni database.
You will be experienced in developing successful fundraising relationships, have excellent networking and organisational skills and be a strong team worker. An appreciation of international fundraising issues will also be advantageous due to the school’s growing links with potential donors outside the UK.
Experience of Raiser’s Edge would be a distinct advantage, though training will be offered to the right candidate.
Job Description
Wolverhampton Grammar School founded in 1875, places scholarship at the heart of a challenging education. A co-educational school for students aged between 10–18, the school promotes achievement through active involvement and seeks to develop self-awareness and a sense of responsibility in all of its students. The school is located close to the centre of Wolverhampton; its mixture of traditional buildings and modern purpose built facilities situated in 23 acres of attractive lawns, wooded areas and sports fields.
As Fundraising Officer, you will work closely with the Development Director in order to help the school meet and exceed its ambitious fundraising plans. You’ll do so by identifying, researching and cultivating donors (both old and new), initiating a legacy programme and developing various funding opportunities. A source of expert advice to colleagues, you’ll also co-ordinate approaches to trusts and monitor sources of other funding. On a wider note you’ll make a vital contribution to the development of a fundraising strategy for WGS as a whole.
The role requires specific experience in corporates, trusts and foundations and a general understanding of fundraising practice and the UK fundraising environment, WGS is also in the process of developing strong links with former students now resident in the USA. It is vital that the post-holder is able to manage this important element of the fundraising stream effectively, ensuring that the donation process is made as smooth as possible within all current regulations. An appreciation of international fundraising issues is therefore highly desirable.
Proactive and driven, with a proven track record of fundraising and proposal development, you’re ready to make the impact we need. You have the communication skills needed to develop long-term donor relationships, network and negotiate at a high level. You’re as comfortable researching and initiating new donors as you are contributing to strategic planning and, importantly, you’re also an effective and positive team player.
Reports To: Development Director
Partial Listing of Duties and Responsibilities
Promote and develop the Wulfrunian Magazine Appeal
Research and make applications to trusts
Cultivate attendees at year group reunions
Cultivate Raisers Edge (database) and identify top prospects
Cultivate American Old Wulfrunians
Research and identify prospects in the West Midlands
Using the WGS website fundraising page as a means to gain donations
Identify and secure promotional needs
Administer and assist in the development of a legacy programme, including a legacy society
Develop localised sponsorship opportunities
Identify National Lottery potential
Develop gratitude scheme – ‘wall of thanks’
Research and develop fundraising events – auctions, concerts (>£5k)
Assistance in balancing internal and external fundraising – friends, students
Develop a subtle staff giving scheme
Research and develop a new ‘giving scheme’
Develop a working/giving relationship with the Old Wulfrunians Association
Research fundraising work by other schools
Develop an elite fundraising club
Provision of a monthly progress report
The purpose of our fundraising is, above all, for bursaries – in other words, to help bright children whose parents cannot otherwise afford the fees.
Skills/Knowledge Required
Fundraising: it is essential you have worked in a fundraising environment before and been successful.
Computer literacy: familiarity with the features of contact (CRM) databases, spreadsheets and word processors.
Communication: the ability to write concisely, accurately and cogently for a variety of purposes and people. The ability to persuade, cajole and enthuse about fundraising.
Formal Qualifications
Educated to A-level standard or beyond.
Salary and Contract
Salary: The comprehensive remuneration package will be related to the successful candidate's experiences.
Hours of Work
Normal office hours are 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, with a half-hour lunch break.
Applications
The closing date for applications is 4.30pm 14th March 2008. It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 31.3.08 .
For an application pack or to find out more about the post, please contact the Development Director, Mark Hand: mark@wgs-sch.net / 01902 421326.