At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and engage supporters to ensure every child can read well.
- Company: Join Schoolreaders, the UK's largest reading support charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to impact children's lives.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team transforming children's futures through literacy.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44557 - 44557 £ per year.
Direct reports: Community and Events Officer
Location: Hybrid/Bedford HO once a week
Hours: 37.5hrs (PT of 30 hours considered)
About us
Schoolreaders is the largest in-school reading support charity in the country, supporting children in every county in England. One in four primary school children in England fail to reach the expected standard of reading by the age of 11. This leaves them unable to access their secondary education fully, which will have life-long consequences. Schoolreaders exists to change this. Schoolreaders recruits, trains, places and supports volunteers to go into local primary schools and provide free, weekly, one-to-one reading support for children, prioritising those who need this extra support the most.
Job purpose
This is an exciting new role, critical to our charity’s plans for growth. As Senior Relationship Manager you will develop and deliver engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, enhance supporter journeys and grow sustainable income in support of the charity’s mission to ensure all children, regardless of background, leave primary school being able to read well. Combining strategic planning with hands-on delivery, you will lead our Individual Giving and emerging Legacy programmes, developing campaigns and stewardship activities that generate sustainable income. You will oversee a programme of fundraising and supporter engagement events ensuring they strengthen relationships, enhance the supporter experience and contribute to income growth.
Role responsibilities to include:
- Support the Head of Fundraising in developing and delivering short, medium and long-term fundraising plans and budgets, monitoring income and expenditure.
- Champion the growth of long-term sustainable income.
- Analyse donor data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for growth.
- Produce financial updates and information for the Head of Fundraising as required.
- Lead individual giving activity, including online appeals, with a strong focus on stewardship, embedding a clear strategy for acquisition, retention and lifetime value growth.
- Develop fundraising/stewardship opportunities with our 4,000 volunteer readers.
Person specification to include:
- A practical fundraiser with proven experience in raising income from individual giving.
- Experience in delivering fundraising campaigns that recruit, engage, inspire and retain donors.
- Strong relationship building skills with high emotional intelligence.
- A creative, growth oriented and commercially minded approach.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including crafting compelling impact stories.
- Proficient in using CRM (ideally Salesforce) to input, segment and analyse donor data.
- Line management experience (formal or informal).
Deadline for applications: 4th August
PSR interviews: 5th and 6th August
Client interviews: 14th August.
Senior Relationship Manager - Fundraising in Bedford employer: Schoolreaders
At Schoolreaders, we pride ourselves on being a leading charity dedicated to transforming children's reading abilities across England. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful impact, where your contributions directly support our mission to ensure every child leaves primary school with the reading skills they need for lifelong success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Relationship Manager - Fundraising in Bedford
✨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 Schoolreaders.
✨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 Schoolreaders, 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 Schoolreaders. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Relationship Manager - Fundraising in Bedford
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 Schoolreaders 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 Schoolreaders. 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 Senior Relationship Manager - Fundraising role at Schoolreaders. 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 Schoolreaders
✨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 Schoolreaders. 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 Schoolreaders.
✨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 Schoolreaders. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
