Fundraising Development Officer

RHASS has an exciting new opportunity in the Fundraising & Partnerships team for a passionate and motivated major gifts fundraiser. This is a stimulating and challenging role with built in job flexibility which combines uniquely with the chance to make the most of a strong skillset and background in major gifts fundraising.

Fundraising & Partnerships is a small team which is tasked with raising funds for a new building at the Royal Highland Showground, in addition to the Society’s regular sponsorship and charitable activities. This is an opportunity to get involved in a capital campaign through prospect research, planning and coordinating the cultivation of high-level donors and the Society’s membership. The jobholder will work closely with the Fundraising & Partnerships Manager and members of the RHASS Board.

We are delighted to be able to offer attractive flexible working arrangements, subject of course to the requirements of the role.

Knowledge & Experience

We are looking for minimum 2 years’ experience in major gifts, trust and foundations and/or corporate fundraising. Previous experience of working on a capital fundraising campaign or of fundraising in a membership organisation would be useful. Ideally educated to degree level.

If the chance to combine a challenging role with job flexibility appeals to you, you will find full details in the Job Description below.

Application process

To apply, please send your CV, along with a covering letter explaining how your skills, abilities and experience meet those in the job specification, and in particular, demonstrate your background in securing major gifts.

Closing date: 31st October 2018, but we encourage early applications and reserve the right to close the vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications.

Job description - Fundraising Development Officer

Reports to Fundraising & Partnerships Manager

Engages with F&P Team, Convenor of the Partnerships Committee, RHASS Directors and Members, Current and Future Sponsors and Donors. Chief Executive, PA to Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and all RHASS staff.

Working patternPart-time permanent role, around 3 days per week or equivalent hours per week, flexible working patterns to be actively considered

Salarycirca £30,000 pa FTE (to be pro-rated)

Further hours required in the lead up to, and during, the Royal Highland Show.

The Society:

Since 1784, The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), has been the respected standard-bearer for farming and rural industry in Scotland. With around 16,000 members, its key remit is to promote Scotland's land-based and allied businesses. A registered charity, the Society plays a pivotal role in the creation of a better understanding of the management of Scotland's land and rural resources.

The Role
Working closely with the Fundraising and Partnership Manager, you will support the major donor fundraising activity and capital campaign through prospect research, planning and coordinating the cultivation and stewardship of high-level donors and the Society’s 16,000 strong membership body, and supporting the Board in its fundraising activities.

Knowledge & Experience

You will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience gained in major gifts fundraising, or a similar field (e.g. corporate fundraising or trusts) with a proven track record in supporting major gifts of £5k and above against budget, timescale and deadlines. Ideally educated to degree level.

You will have experience of donor prospect research and establishing a cultivation process for funding prospects, and possess a good understanding of donor motivations and capacity for philanthropic giving. Experience of working on a capital fundraising campaign in a support role, or with a development board is desirable. Experience of working in a membership organisation would be useful.

We are looking for a self-motivated, passionate and committed team player who can build effective professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Strong research, organisational and communications skills are essential, as is experience in the use of a CRM.  A creative and innovative approach is desirable and, while not essential, some knowledge or experience of Scotland’s agricultural sector and rural business will be useful.

Main Duties:

• Prospect research and network mapping

• Planning & organising cultivation meetings and events

• Devising and supporting a stewardship and recognition programme

• Devising and supporting membership fundraising for the campaign

• Reports for the Partnership Committee and capital fundraising Board

• Maintaining the donor contacts database

• Building a future donor pipeline

• Other duties as from time to time required, including support for sponsorship of the Royal Highland Show

Key Skills:

• Prospect research & planning skills

• Communications for fundraising, both written and verbal

• Ability to work independently and exercise initiative and judgement

• Ability to build relationships with potential HNW donors and Board members

• Ability to spot opportunities

• Effective time and resource management

• Team working skills with ability to negotiate and influence

• Strong IT skills, including WORD, EXCEL Power Point & Microsoft Dynamics or similar

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements subject to the requirements of the role

• Annual holiday entitlement starting at 20 days per annum (pro-rata), in addition to 10 public holidays (pro-rata) and up to 4 discretionary Directors’ days to be taken between Christmas and New Year

• Contributory pension scheme under which the Society contributes 10% of basic salary on the provision that you contribute 6%.