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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with major donors to boost fundraising efforts and meet income targets.
- Company: Join the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, a leading charity focused on research and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and the opportunity for regular travel across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in wildlife conservation while developing your fundraising skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in donor cultivation, stewardship, and proposal writing is essential.
- Other info: This is a part-time role, offering up to 22.5 hours per week.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Post Title : Major Donor Fundraiser (Scotland)
Type of appointment : Permanent
Reporting to: Director of Fundraising/Director Scotland
Location : Flexible but with regular travel around Scotland.
Hours of work : Part time, up to 22.5 hours per week
Salary : FTE circa £40,000 per annum
Job purpose
We are seeking an experienced major donor fundraiser to actively engage with more donors and prospects to help build our income and pipeline. The role will work closely with the Director Scotland but report initially to the Director of Fundraising based in England. Strong experience of cultivation, stewardship, and proposal writing is highly desirable. The role will have its own income target as well as other KPIs based on engagement (meetings held etc).
Partnerships
In addition to the external dimension, this role will work mainly with GWCT staff, there may be the occasional requirement to work with specific universities on specific trust applications.
Our vision
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is a research and conservation charity. Its headquarters is based in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and there are several administrative and research outstations across England, Wales, and Scotland. Its aim is for a thriving countryside rich in game and other wildlife, with the goal of enhancing the British countryside for public benefit. The GWCT has been researching and developing game and wildlife management techniques for over 80 years. The results of its applied research are used to provide science-led training and advice to farmers, gamekeepers, land managers, policy makers, politicians and other stakeholders on how best to ensure sustainable land management alongside a countryside rich in wildlife.
Who will you be working with?
The Director Scotland, Director of Fundraising and Chairman Scotland.
Chairmen of Scottish Regions, Advisory colleagues and Head of Events & Membership.
The Prospect Researcher in getting information about donors and prospects and ensuring we keep accurate and comprehensive records on Salesforce, the CRM system.
The London Events team, for Scottish donors based in London.
Key staff (Directors and others) mainly in the Research, Advisory and Allerton teams for producing high quality compelling funding proposals.
The Finance team, based in the Hampshire HQ.
Charitable Trusts and Foundations.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
- Delivery of agreed income targets based on a defined portfolio.
- In conjunction with the Prospect Researcher, responsibility for the development of a more structured stewardship programme across all major donors.
- Also with the Prospect Researcher, creation of streamlined systems to ensure all useful data is captured on Salesforce.
- Agreed targets on number of meetings held with donors and prospects whether face to face (preferred), or online.
- Working with the Director and others, increase income from trusts and foundations both larger and smaller.
Person Specification:
- A strong background in major donor fundraising, able to evidence success. Desirable.
- A deep understanding of stewardship and the process required to move someone from suspect to prospect to donor. Desirable
- Strong interpersonal skills with gravitas but also the ability to put people at all levels at ease. Essential
- Excellent communications skills both written and verbal. Essential
- A demonstrable understanding of exploiting a proper CRM system. Desirable
- Strong financial skills including budgeting, monitoring and forecasting. Desirable
- The ability to get an early, strong understanding of GWCT’s work and offering in order to convey this in a compelling way. Essential
- A good understanding of moves management, the 7-step cycle and similar concepts. Desirable
Major Donor Fundraiser (Scotland) employer: GWCT
Contact Detail:
GWCT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Donor Fundraiser (Scotland)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's mission and recent projects. This knowledge will help you engage authentically with potential donors and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other fundraisers in Scotland to learn about best practices and successful strategies in major donor fundraising. Building relationships within the sector can provide valuable insights and connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in cultivating and stewarding major donors. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged donors and met income targets in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in philanthropy and fundraising, especially in the context of conservation and wildlife. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and resonate with potential donors.
We think you need these skills to ace Major Donor Fundraiser (Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Major Donor Fundraiser position. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the organization's mission to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in major donor fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and proposal writing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that connects your background and skills to the role. Mention your passion for conservation and how you can contribute to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organized and professional.
How to prepare for a job interview at GWCT
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and the mission of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust. Share any personal experiences or projects that align with their vision, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Fundraising Experience
Prepare specific examples of your previous major donor fundraising successes. Discuss your strategies for donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship, as well as any relevant metrics that showcase your impact in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Proposal Writing Skills
Since proposal writing is a key aspect of this role, be ready to discuss your approach to crafting compelling proposals. You might even want to bring a sample of your work to illustrate your skills and thought process.
✨Be Ready for Questions on KPIs
Understand the importance of KPIs in fundraising roles. Be prepared to discuss how you have met or exceeded targets in the past, and share your thoughts on setting and achieving income goals in this new position.
