Fundraising and Membership Officer Job Description Background The Bat Conservation Trust s vision is a world where bats and people live in harmony. Bats are a vital part of our native wildlife, accounting for almost a third of all mammal species in the UK. Our 17 species of bats are all under threat from a loss of habitat and fewer insects to feed on, and have suffered severe declines during the past century. Bats can tell us a lot about the state of the environment, as they are top predators of common nocturnal insects, and are sensitive to land use practices, development and building work, and changes in water quality. Though some species of bat have made slight recoveries in recent years, bat populations remain vulnerable. The pressures they face - such as landscape change, agricultural intensification, development, and habitat fragmentation - are also relevant to many other wildlife species, making them excellent indicators for the wider health of the UK's wildlife. BCT is working to ensure bats are around for future generations to enjoy. Some examples of our work include: Running the National Bat Helpline, which takes almost 10,000 enquiries a year from people who need information or advice about bats, such as householders who may find a bat roost in their home. The majority of people are happy to have bats roosting in their home after reassurance from our helpline team and local volunteers The National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP), which was established in 1997 and provide robust population trend data for 11 UK bat species. The NBMP provides a red alert for population declines and is a world leading programme - our methods are now being used globally. Supporting a network of 100 local bat groups across the UK Establishing bats as indicator species used by the Government to measure how UK wildlife is faring Running training courses for professionals, such as builders, planners, tree surgeons, and volunteers. Working with the building sector to encourage bat-friendly building practices,
Changing people s perceptions of bats. Bats are unique and amazing animals, inspiring strong passions, from great enthusiasm, to fear and intolerance. BCT and bat groups throughout the UK have a successful track record in overcoming the common myths and misunderstandings people have about bats and inspiring people to take part in bat conservation. Fundraising Strategy: BCT raises income for our work from government grants and contracts, donations and grants from charitable trusts, lottery and landfill trusts and donations from companies and individuals, as well as fees for training, events and services. BCT s Fundraising Strategy is underpinned by these principles: Diversifying and growing income streams to meet targets for growth, reduce exposure to risk and increase the overall ratio of unrestricted to restricted income, through a planned approach looking at return on investment of income sources and measuring success. Increasing the overall ratio of unrestricted to restricted income. Clear communication about the need for funding for BCT s work and how donors can help. Increasing fundraising capacity, skills, experience and knowledge within the staff, and trustee team and from volunteers and consultants; at all times following Institute of Fundraising codes of practice Financial Transparency operating budgets and financial management systems which allow staff and funders to track expenditure against income; following best practice in full cost recovery and continuing to operate with minimum support costs and demonstrate value for money Overall Purpose of the Job: To raise unrestricted income from individuals to support BCTs activities in bat conservation, science, education and people engagement and achieve targets. To develop and implement innovative fundraising initiatives targeted at new and existing supporter, maximising income through product development, marketing campaigns and promotions. To support and communicate to BCT supporters and members. To increase individual member/donor retention and development and achieve targets. Marketing Planning and delivering marketing activities simultaneously that deliver increases in membership, donations and supporters. This includes: Coordinating and developing direct mails, online marketing to target groups such as volunteers, bat event attendees. Developing membership promotions and fundraising campaigns.
Fundraising (individual giving) 1. To build on existing fundraising initiatives and develop new ones to maximise unrestricted income. 2. To maximise income from members and donors. 3. To recruit new donors, regular givers and supporters. This includes: Writing and coordinating appeals to members and other target groups for donations and/or membership. Managing existing fundraising initiatives, such as pin badges, donations tins, mobile phone and printer cartridge recycling, and developing new initiatives. Developing online fundraising and new giving schemes. Membership 1. To increase BCT membership and achieve targets. 2. To increase the member retention rate, and achieve targets. 3. To develop BCT members and increase income from membership. 4. To support and communicate to members This includes: Working with and supporting BCT staff to encourage membership recruitment through all facets of the organisation Working with external fulfilment agencies and suppliers Preparing communications to members Other Relevant factors Compliance with Green House Keeping and Health and Safety Working Relationships Inside the Organisation Communications and Development Manager. Occasional contact with the Chief Executive. Working closely with all of the BCT team. Outside the Organisation Contact with a wide range of individuals and groups working with BCT Salary: The salary is 18,000-23,000, depending on experience. Duration: This is a full time, fixed one year contract. All BCT posts depend on continuation of funds. There is an initial 3 month probation period, with one weeks notice, then one months notice. Holiday: 25 days, pro rata, annual leave plus bank holidays.
Benefits Package: BCT offers a stakeholder pension scheme with Friends Provident and matches contributions of up to 3% of staff salaries. BCT also offers Childcare Vouchers and the option to join our Cyclescheme. All benefits are only available to join after satisfactory completion of the 3 month probation period Usual time of work: This is a full time post, 9am 5.30pm including one hour for lunch (37.5 hours per week). There may be evening & weekend work for which the equivalent time off in lieu is given, although not necessarily on a one for one basis. Part-time/flexible working proposals will be considered from the right candidates Place of work: BCT s London office
Fundraising and Membership Officer Person Specification -This section details the experience, competencies, knowledge and personal qualities desirable for the post. How criteria will be tested: A = Application Form, T = Test, I = Interview, P = Personality test, O = Other Essential Qualifications Desirable A T I P O Qualifications A T I P O 1 Degree level or equivalent experience IoF qualification or other fundraising training Experience Experience 2 Previous experience of marketing or fundraising in an outward facing role in business, commercial or third sector 3 Practical database experience as well as Word and Excel a Working with volunteers and an understanding of volunteer management and ethos b Fundraising and membership recruitment experience Experience of fundraising from individuals 4 Project management c Organisation of events Skills/Abilities 6 Evident business acumen; ability to develop business opportunities 7 A persuasive communicator/negotiator with excellent oral and written interpersonal skills 8 Excellent administrative and organisational skills including ability to plan and meet deadlines Skills/Abilities Proven customer care skills 9 Good team worker, able to work well with and network between all levels of staff and volunteers 10 Strong ability to multi-task 11 Financial and budgeting competency, ability to meet targets 12 Networking and interpersonal skills able to work with a diverse range of people Knowledge 13 Principles of marketing including PR and promotion Knowledge d Understanding of broad environmental issues and commitment to wildlife conservation issues
14 Understanding of donor and supporter motivations e Knowledge of Third Sector and fundraising Disposition/Circumstances Disposition/Circumstances 16 Strong desire for this job f Enthusiastic, resilient with a determination to succeed 17 Entrepreneurial, innovative, creative, lateral thinker 18 Excellent, enthusiastic and inspiring communicator 19 Resourceful with a can do now approach 20 Willingness to travel
Application for Employment Guidelines for Applicants Please read these notes carefully before completing the application form. Your job pack contains job application guidelines, job description, job specification, application form and general information about the BCT. Job Description This describes the objectives and duties of the job for which you are applying. You should check that you feel able to undertake the duties of the job before applying. Please give examples of how your achievements are relevant to this job description when completing Section 4. Person Specification This describes the skills, experience, knowledge and other factors we shall be looking for when selecting applicants. Please read this carefully and address how you fulfil each point when answering Section 4 on the application form. It is very important that you fill this in accurately and concisely, giving evidence of skills and experience where possible. General Information Application forms are available electronically and BCT accepts applications by post, email or fax. Please use black ink and complete all sections either by hand or with a computer. CVs will not be considered during the recruitment process. If you are short-listed for interview we will reimburse the cost of your travel at standard class public transport rates. Unfortunately, we cannot reply to every application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.