Seeking an opportunity to use your skills and experience in international development, helping children around the world not only to survive, but to thrive, in the context of a stable and positive family life? Looking for an inspiring role where you can grow and develop as a professional fundraiser as part of a passionate and supportive team? Then this may be the role for you!
Based in Cambridge, SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of the SOS Children’s Villages international federation, and exists to raise funds and other support for SOS projects around the world (there are none in the UK). We are looking for an experienced professional to grow our income from Trusts and Foundations as part of our dynamic Fundraising Team.
Job description:
You will grow SOS Children’s income from trusts and foundations, prioritizing unrestricted funds and projects with the greatest need (2015 target: £210,000). You will secure repeat funding from a portfolio of existing trusts and foundations through excellent relationship and grant management, as well as reactivating lapsed donors and increasing the average size and longevity of grants received.
Your responsibilities will include:
Researching individual trusts and foundations to determine: fit with SOS Children, if and how to pitch an ‘ask’, application process, relationship management approach
Segmenting the portfolio of existing trusts and foundations to enable targeted approaches
Matching funding opportunities with appropriate overseas projects in need of funds
Writing and submitting high-quality targeted funding applications in a range of styles to meet the donor’s requirements (including formal application forms, emails, meetings and letters with a compelling case for support), working with colleagues in the UK and in other parts of the SOS Children’s Villages international federation to source information.
Fostering long-term positive relationships with trusts and foundations (by phone, email, letter and/or in person)
Managing active grants, ensuring contractual requirements are met and donors are kept informed and inspired
Preparing and submitting regular project progress reports demonstrating impact to funders, working with colleagues in the UK and in other parts of the SOS Children’s Villages international federation to source information
Managing your own workload to meet priorities, deadlines and targets
Maintaining excellent records of all research and correspondence, mainly on our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database
Where appropriate, working closely with volunteers (e.g. for research, data input)
Contributing to the wider work of SOS, e.g. through team meetings, sharing ideas, supporting colleagues, collaborating on team projects (e.g. emergency appeals)
Keeping up-to-date on current trends relevant to UK fundraising and international development
Person Specification:
Essential:
Track record of writing successful funding applications to trusts and foundations or similar donors
Excellent communication skills: presenting complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively; and tailoring style and content to a range of audiences
An excellent standard of written English
A positive attitude of perseverance and adaptation
Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills: relationship building, team-working and networking
The ability to absorb, filter and re-present information for a new audience
An understanding of how trusts and foundations work and what their priorities are
Strong organisational and administrative skills
The ability to work systematically to deadlines, prioritise and work under pressure
High level of competence with Microsoft Office, email and internet
Good numeracy skills
Experience of using administrative systems and databases
Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis
Motivation to make a difference
Desirable:
A degree in a relevant field
A postgraduate or other professional qualification in a relevant field
Experience in a relevant role in the international development sector
Awareness of international development issues
Experience working collaboratively within an international organisation
Demonstrated ability to network, negotiate and influence
Experience of implementing full cost recovery in funding applications
Experience of project planning and/or project co-ordination
Understanding of the work of SOS Children
Additional details:
To apply, please click on the APPLY NOW button below for full details (scrolling down to the relevant vacancy). Then submit your CV plus covering letter to trusts@soschildren.org.
Closing date: Mon 13th April, 9am
Interviews: Mon 20th & Fri 24th April (please reserve both dates)