At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and engage with the Catholic community to build support.
- Company: Join JRS UK, a mission-driven organisation restoring dignity and hope.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and meaningful connections.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those seeking sanctuary every day.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and understanding of the Catholic community required.
JRS UK is recruiting a full-time Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer, responsible for helping to build our support base, especially among the Catholic community. This is a senior role, reporting to the Head of Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy and working closely with the Fundraising and Communications Manager. It will involve developing and delivering our strategy for recruiting supporters in parishes and other settings, as well as delivering a range of fundraising initiatives including our challenge events programme. We are seeking someone with a proven track record in fundraising and community outreach, as well as a good understanding of the Catholic community in the UK.
You’ll be part of a mission that restores dignity, hope, and agency to people rebuilding their lives after displacement. Whether you're introducing our mission to parishes, representing us at national events, or recruiting participants for our challenge events, your work will have real impact. If you're passionate about justice, have a strong knowledge of fundraising and want a role that improves the lives of people seeking sanctuary, this is your chance to make a difference every single day.
Job description
- Developing and leading JRS UK’s parish engagement plan:
- Strategic development of JRS UK’s long-term approach towards engaging parishes in our mission
- Arranging and delivering fundraising appeals, talks, and engagement with parish groups
- Ensuring that parishes supporting our mission are kept up to date with our work and opportunities to get involved
- Building sustainable relationships with at least 20 parishes annually by year two
- Expanding JRS UK’s outreach in the Catholic and wider Christian community:
- Identifying and delivering opportunities to share our mission with others and involve them in our work including:
- Representing JRS UK at national events
- Leading our engagement with other Jesuit organisations and Catholic organisations such as the National Justice and Peace Network
- Producing resources tailored to different audiences such as Catholic youth groups, Justice and Peace groups, and non-churchgoing Catholics
- Leading recruitment of regular donors:
- Utilising the opportunities outlined here to engage new regular/committed supporters
- Recruiting at least 120 new regular supporters annually by year 2
- Working with the Fundraising and Communications Manager on our process for welcoming and stewarding regular supporters
- Leading our challenge events programme:
- Recruiting and stewarding our teams for the TCS London Marathon, London Landmarks Half Marathon, and Vitaly 10k ensuring all participants are supported, equipped, and celebrated
- Keeping past participants up to date with our work and the impact of their support
- Promoting opportunities for supporters to undertake their own fundraising events
- Raising a net income of £20,000 annually through challenge events by year 2
- Other responsibilities:
- Working with the Fundraising and Communications Manager on our schools and universities engagement plan
- Ensuring good quality supporter records are kept in compliance with data processing requirements
- Periodic management of interns or volunteers
- Other duties as required by the Head of Communications, Fundraising and Advocacy
Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer employer: Jesuit Refugee Service UK
At JRS UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to social justice and community engagement. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the charity sector. Located in a vibrant community, our team is united by a shared mission to restore dignity and hope to those seeking sanctuary, making every day at JRS UK a chance to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events related to fundraising and the Catholic community. Chat with people, share your passion for the mission, and make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past fundraising successes and community outreach initiatives. This will help you stand out when meeting potential supporters or employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Get involved in local parishes! Volunteer your time or offer to speak about JRS UK's mission. This not only builds relationships but also demonstrates your commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support those in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fundraising and Communications Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand the Catholic community and their values. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with JRS UK's mission and how you can engage parishes effectively.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your proven track record in fundraising and community outreach. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and recruit supporters, especially within faith-based communities.
Be Passionate and Personal:Let your passion for justice and helping those seeking sanctuary shine through in your application. Share personal stories or motivations that connect you to the cause, making it clear why you want to be part of JRS UK.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jesuit Refugee Service UK
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into JRS UK's mission and values. Understand how they restore dignity and hope to those in need. Being able to articulate this passion will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising successes. Highlight your strategies for engaging communities, especially within the Catholic context. This will demonstrate your proven track record and ability to meet their expectations.
✨Engagement Strategies Matter
Think about how you would develop and lead a parish engagement plan. Be ready to discuss innovative ideas for building relationships with parishes and other organisations. This shows you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, like recruiting new supporters or leading a challenge event. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your problem-solving skills and adaptability in real-world situations.
