Community and Events Fundraising Officer

Established in 2001, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity has supported more than 1,000 families, helping babies and young children with cerebral palsy, rare genetic conditions and other motor learning impairments to access vital early intervention therapies and family support.

Based in Chailey, East Sussex, we provide specialist support to children under five, helping them develop movement, communication and other essential skills, giving them the best possible start in life and the opportunity to reach their potential.

Since relocating to Chailey in 2024, we have seen a significant increase in the number of families seeking our support. As demand continues to grow, we are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, experienced and proactive Community Fundraiser to continue to develop our community fundraising activities and events, generating an annual income of £125,000 from local businesses, community groups and individuals.

The Role

As Community Fundraiser, you will play a key role in raising the profile of Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity and generating vital unrestricted income across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire and South London.

This is a predominantly outward-facing role, focused on building strong relationships, identifying new fundraising opportunities and developing a network of local supporters, businesses and community partners.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering a community fundraising strategy, working closely with the Head of Fundraising and wider team to maximise income and achieve the annual target of £125,000 between community and events fundraising.

You will build relationships with local businesses, schools, churches, community and professional groups, sporting venues and individuals, encouraging them to support the Charity through fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering and other opportunities.

You will also organise and deliver local fundraising events, support third-party fundraising activities and help grow our network of volunteers and supporters. Above all, you will be a positive and enthusiastic ambassador for the Charity, helping more people understand our work and the difference their support can make.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Fundraising and Income Generation

• Develop and deliver a community fundraising strategy, in collaboration with the Head of Fundraising, to maximise income across the South East.
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities, partnerships and sources of support within the community.
• Proactively maintain and grow existing relationships to maximise repeat and increased support.
• Work towards the agreed annual community and events fundraising income targetwith monthly and quarterly milestones.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising activity, maintaining an accurate pipeline of potential income and reporting progress against targets.
• Identify opportunities for sponsorship, donations, challenge events and introductions to potential major donors or charitable trusts, sharing relevant leads with colleagues.

2. Relationship Building and Charity Awareness

• Develop strong relationships with local businesses, schools, churches, community groups, professional networks, sporting venues and individuals.
• Build awareness of the Charity within the communities where our families live, helping more people understand our services and the challenges faced by the children and families we support.
• Research and identify potential supporters and partners using local networks, community publications, online research and information shared by families and colleagues.
• Attend local and regional networking events, business meetings and community gatherings to promote the Charity and develop new connections.
• Deliver talks and presentations to community groups and organisations, inspiring people to support our work.
• Identify opportunities to raise the Charity's profile through local press, community publications, social media and other relevant channels.

3. Events and Community Fundraising Support

• Plan, organise and deliver local fundraising events and activities, ensuring they are well promoted and provide a positive return for the Charity.
• Undertake appropriate cost-benefit assessments when planning events and review their success afterwards.
• Support individuals, businesses, schools and community groups organising their own fundraising activities on behalf of the Charity.
• Provide fundraisers with guidance, resources, promotional materials and marketing support to help make their activities successful.
• Promote upcoming events through local businesses, schools, churches, sporting venues, community noticeboards and relevant online community groups.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Fundraising Team to support the Charity's larger fundraising events and initiatives.

4. Administration, Database Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of supporters, contacts, fundraising activity and income using the Charity's database.
• Ensure all fundraising income and expenditure is accurately recorded and accounted for.
• Manage the placement, recording, collection and reconciliation of charity collection boxes.
• Maximise Gift Aid opportunities and ensure relevant supporter information and declarations are recorded accurately.
• Produce regular weekly and monthly reports outlining fundraising activity, income, achievements and progress against targets.
• Undertake general administrative duties associated with the role, including correspondence, data entry, filing and responding to enquiries.

Other Responsibilities

• Develop a good understanding of the Charity's services, families and the impact of its work, ensuring you can confidently communicate our purpose and fundraising needs.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Fundraising and Service Teams, contributing to the overall success of the Charity.
• Be prepared to travel throughout the South East as required.
• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays, to attend events and networking opportunities.
• Attend and represent the Charity at its own fundraising events and third-party events.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant legislation and the Charity's policies and procedures, including data protection, safeguarding, child protection and the Fundraising Code of Practice.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role, as requested by the Head of Fundraising.