At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community fundraising efforts and build strong supporter relationships across Scotland.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a compassionate organisation dedicated to saving lives through emotional support.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work collaboratively with passionate volunteers.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that empowers communities and saves lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in community fundraising and excellent relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Samaritans, our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Every day, our volunteers and staff provide life‑saving emotional support to people in distress, and behind that work is a culture built on compassion, inclusion, learning and human connection. We are looking for a Senior Community Fundraiser – Scotland to help grow income, strengthen supporter relationships and unlock the power of community fundraising across Scotland. This is an exciting senior role within our Community and Events team, working closely with colleagues and volunteers across our Scottish network. You will develop fundraising opportunities that reflect Scotland’s distinctive communities and supporter landscape; while helping volunteers, branches and supporters play their part in our life‑saving work.
Contract: Fixed Term (18 months) Hybrid working – Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. This role is linked to our Edinburgh office with a blend of home and office working and occasional travel to our central office based in Surrey. In‑person working: Minimum of 1 office day each week in the Edinburgh office, normally Wednesdays. We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences.
About the role: The role will be line managed within the Community and Events team, while working closely with the Scotland office to shape and deliver fundraising growth across the nation. This role will also require occasional travel to our central office in Surrey Ewell or our London Hub office on Leadenhall Street.
- Grow community fundraising income in Scotland: Lead the day‑to‑day delivery of community fundraising activity across Scotland. Identify, develop and manage a strong pipeline of supporters and fundraising opportunities. Manage income budgets of around £200k or more and contribute to forecasting, reporting and performance analysis.
- Build strong supporter and volunteer relationships: Build and steward relationships with volunteers, branches, individuals, community groups and corporate partners. Champion excellent supporter journeys that attract new supporters and deepen existing relationships. Support volunteers and branches to reach their fundraising potential.
- Work across Samaritans: Support the development and delivery of the Community and Events fundraising strategy and operational plans. Develop networks across Scotland to raise Samaritans’ profile and unlock new opportunities. Work across the organisation to embed a “One Samaritans” approach to fundraising and engagement. Ensure activity complies with charity law, fundraising regulation and data protection requirements.
About you: You’re an experienced community fundraiser who thrives on building relationships and making things happen. You enjoy working collaboratively, influencing stakeholders and supporting volunteers to succeed. You’ll be confident working at both strategic and operational levels, balancing planning and delivery while keeping supporters and volunteers at the heart of everything you do.
What you will bring: Significant experience in community fundraising with a strong understanding of fundraising operations. Proven ability to manage an income portfolio of £200k+ and work to financial targets. Excellent relationship‑building, stakeholder management and influencing skills. Experience of working with and supporting volunteers. Strong understanding of charity legislation and fundraising best practice. Experience of working cross‑departmentally and collaboratively. A genuine commitment to Samaritans’ mission, values and equity, diversity and inclusion principles. Experience of project management, coaching or mentoring, and managing change would be an advantage, as would knowledge of the Scottish fundraising environment.
Safeguarding: We take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role has direct contact with children and adults at risk, a PVG (Adults and Children) check will be required. At offer stage, as part of the conditional job offer, we will require the candidate to disclose in full, spent and unspent convictions by completing a declaration form.
Diversity & Inclusion: We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under‑represented at Samaritans.
Senior Community Fundraiser - Scotland in Ewell employer: Samaritans
At Samaritans, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our Edinburgh office fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow through flexible working arrangements and strong support networks. With a focus on compassion and personal development, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth while championing the vital work of preventing suicide across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Community Fundraiser - Scotland in Ewell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community fundraising scene. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential supporters or volunteers. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, let your enthusiasm for Samaritans’ mission shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight why this work matters to you. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their community initiatives, recent campaigns, and how they engage with supporters. This knowledge will not only impress interviewers but also help us align our ideas with their goals. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there. So, keep an eye on our site and get those applications in – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Community Fundraiser - Scotland in Ewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Community Fundraiser role. Highlight your community fundraising experience and how it connects to Samaritans' mission.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:Since this role is all about building strong supporter relationships, share examples of how you've successfully engaged with volunteers and community groups in the past. We want to see your passion for connecting with people!
Be Clear About Your Financial Acumen:Don’t forget to mention your experience managing income budgets, especially if you’ve worked with figures around £200k or more. We’re looking for someone who can confidently handle financial targets and reporting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Samaritans
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into Scotland's community fundraising landscape. Familiarise yourself with local charities, community groups, and potential supporters. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
✨Showcase Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in building and maintaining relationships with volunteers and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged supporters in the past and how you plan to deepen those connections at Samaritans.
✨Understand the Mission
Make sure you’re well-versed in Samaritans’ mission and values. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to discuss why you’re passionate about their work in preventing suicide and providing emotional support.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be managing a significant income portfolio, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, and how you can contribute to achieving fundraising targets.