Community & Events Fundraiser

VSA is a well-respected local social care charity, helping support the people of Aberdeen for over 155 years.

Our mission is to provide the best of care to enable the best of lives; supporting individuals and communities to fulfil their potential.

VSA provides vital support and services to people of all ages. At VSA we support a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing through a range of residential and outreach support services.

Job Title: Community & Events Fundraiser

Reports to: Head of Fundraising

Works closely with: Communications and Fundraising Teams

Key External Relationships : Community Fundraising Network Schools and Community Groups

Location: 38 Castle Street, Aberdeen

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £28,569.47

Purpose of Job:

The Community & Events Fundraiser will play a key role in growing income and raising awareness for VSA through community fundraising, supporter engagement and events. The postholder will develop and manage relationships with individuals, community groups, schools, clubs and local businesses, inspiring them to support VSA through fundraising activities and participation in events.

The role will also support the planning and delivery of VSA's annual programme of fundraising events, ensuring participants receive an outstanding experience that encourages long-term support of the charity.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement a community fundraising programme to generate sustainable income for VSA.
- Manage and deliver against fundraising income and targets, providing regular reports on performance, pipeline activity and future opportunities.
- To identify and implement innovative fundraising ideas and regular campaigns, all of which should capture the imagination of local communities and differentiate VSA from other charities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community supporters, schools, faith groups, clubs, associations and local organisations.
- Deliver excellent supporter stewardship, ensuring donors, fundraisers and volunteers receive recognition, communications and opportunities for ongoing engagement.
- Support the planning, promotion and delivery of VSA’s fundraising events portfolio.
- Work collaboratively with suppliers, venues and partners to ensure successful event delivery.
- Support the development of new fundraising events to diversify income streams.
- Recruit and steward participants taking part in challenge events, community events and fundraising activities.
- Ensure the accurate and timely recording of supporter information on Salesforce, maintaining detailed records of interactions and fundraising activity.
- Support the development and delivery of VSA’s digital fundraising, including maintaining fundraising content on the charity’s website and online platforms.
- Play an active role within the Fundraising Team through collaborative working, attendance at team meetings, planning activities and budget monitoring.
- Represent VSA at fundraising and community events as required, including delivering presentations and collecting donations on behalf of the charity.
- Support wider fundraising and communications activities across the organisation as required.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by the Head of Fundraising.

Qualifications/Training/Education:

Essential

- High Standard of Education (Higher Level or equivalent)

Desirable

- Educated to degree standard or equivalent
- Relevant training in Fundraising
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising

Experience:

Essential

- Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in fundraising, events, sales, marketing or customer facing roles.
- Experience of organising events or projects planning through to delivery.
- Experience of building and managing relationships with supporters, customers, clients or stakeholders.

Desirable

- Experience working within the charity sector.
- Experience of community fundraising
- Experience of working towards and achieving income, sales or performance targets.
- Experience using CRM systems, preferably Salesforce.
- Experience of using digital fundraising platforms such as Just Giving or Enthuse.

Key Skills/Aptitudes:

Essential

- Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to create compelling fundraising and supporter communications.
- Strong networking and relationship building skills.
- Strong organisational skills and time management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
- Experience using Microsoft applications.

Desirable

- Ability to analyse fundraising data and reports to identify trends and opportunities.
- Understanding of fundraising regulations and best practice.
- Understanding of social media platforms and how they can be used to support fundraising events and campaigns.

Personal Qualities:

Essential

- Passion for VSA’s mission and values.
- Comfortable approaching and engaging new supporters and community groups.
- Resilient and able to remain motivated when faced with challenges and setbacks
- Have a positive, responsive and helpful manner.
- Have the self-confidence and self-reliance to undertake the role
- Be flexible and capable of using initiative, tact and discretion
- Be able to work as part of a team

Desirable

- Be confident in projecting themselves in situations and meetings where they may not know anyone

Other Job Requirements:

- Hold a full clean driving licence – access to own transport is desirable
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and activities.