At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct prospect research to boost fundraising efforts and identify new opportunities.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping to secure vital funds for children in need.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in research or customer insight.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
Contribute to the Income Generation directorate’s purpose of maximising income from supporters by carrying out prospect research and prospect identification activities that contribute to fundraising activity. Deliver the Prospect Development Team’s strategy for supporting the growth of high‑value income from individuals and organisations. Work proactively with other departments in fundraising, especially Philanthropy and Partnerships, to ensure prospect research activities serve their insight requirements. Deliver prospect research profiles, identify new fundraising opportunities and conduct activities which offer actionable insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Devise, agree and deliver particular aspects of the Prospect Development Team’s annual business plan and budget alongside the Prospect Development Manager.
- Deliver business systems and processes within income generation in line with agreed key performance indicators, ensuring service level agreements are met when applicable.
- Manage relationships and deliver high‑quality support, information and data to fundraisers for whom you are assigned as lead contact, communicating creatively and engagingly.
- Carry out research through a range of sources, including internet, publications and external contacts, to obtain relevant information for proposals, events, donor strategies and fundraising communications.
- Analyse and present research findings in written or verbal format, including briefing notes, reports, summarising papers and publications.
- Develop full and accurate research profiles on prospects and donors to make recommendations that contribute to departmental strategic goals.
- Improve business support and information systems that affect fundraising activities and staff by evaluating their effectiveness and implementing recommended improvements.
- Work with the Prospect Development Manager to maximise opportunities for the NSPCC’s mission beyond fundraising objectives.
- Maximise income by sharing knowledge, specialist expertise and experience of a specialist business support area with others to add value to cross‑market fundraising activities.
- Act as a key contact for agencies and suppliers who support fundraising, ensuring appropriate agreements and delivery of goods/services.
- Keep up to date on best practice and developments within the charity sector and on changes to fundraising regulations and codes of practice.
- Undertake specific projects and activities as necessary to support the department’s fundraising as a whole.
- Commit to safeguarding, data protection and health & safety as required by NSPCC policies and procedures.
- Proactively identify ways to improve personal and team performance.
Key Relationships
- Reports to Prospect Development Manager.
- Member of the Prospect Development Team and the Philanthropy & Partnerships department.
- Works closely with colleagues in Engagement & Fundraising to develop information, reporting and fundraising initiatives.
- Engages with staff in other NSPCC functions to ensure they fully understand potential and existing donors.
- Works with agencies and suppliers that support fundraising research activities.
Qualifications & Experience
- Highly developed verbal communication skills to deal effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Highly developed written communication skills to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
- Ability to collect data from various sources, analyse findings, identify opportunities and present information clearly.
- Proven ability to build, manage and develop relationships with individuals and teams and to achieve objectives through these relationships.
- Ability to plan, monitor and implement projects/initiatives to agreed deadlines, often with conflicting priorities.
- Well‑developed numeracy skills for entering, recording and interpreting financial data.
- Experience of success in information provision, prospect research or customer insight in a customer‑focused environment.
- Experience using supporter or customer databases and standard Windows software packages for word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet.
- Experience in a research role, preferably prospect research in a major charity.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Always recruit the best candidate based on merit, including skills, experience, motivation and competencies.
- Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and interview all applicants who self‑declare a disability.
- Create reasonable adjustments to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start work or volunteering.
- Treat all documentation relating to candidates confidentially in accordance with GDPR legislation.
- Recruit under 18s only following a safe and appropriate risk assessment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Prospect Development Officer in London
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like NSPCC.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of NSPCC, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at NSPCC. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Prospect Development Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that NSPCC supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of NSPCC. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Prospect Development Officer role at NSPCC. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSPCC
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of NSPCC. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at NSPCC.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for NSPCC. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
