At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Blue Cross by providing strategic fundraising insights and governance.
- Company: Join a leading national pet charity dedicated to helping pets and their owners.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact, learn from experienced leaders, and receive ongoing support.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 days per month with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Use your expertise to create a better future for pets and the people who love them.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising strategy, income diversification, or related fields is preferred.
We are looking for an experienced fundraising leader to join the Blue Cross Board of Trustees and help strengthen our ability to support more pets and the people who love them.
You will bring strategic fundraising insight, sector knowledge and constructive challenge to Board discussions.
Your expertise will help us consider emerging opportunities and risks, strengthen and diversify our income, and build sustainable relationships with the people and organisations that support our work.
We are particularly interested in hearing from people with senior-level experience in areas such as fundraising strategy, income diversification, major gifts and philanthropy, individual giving, corporate partnerships, legacy fundraising, digital fundraising or supporter engagement.
Alongside your specialist contribution, you will share the responsibilities of all Blue Cross Trustees.
This includes helping to set our strategic direction, overseeing organisational performance, finances and risk, and supporting and holding our Chief Executive and Executive Team to account.
You do not need previous Trustee experience.
A comprehensive induction and ongoing support will be provided.
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and can bring a strategic, audience-focused perspective to the Board.
- Volunteer role
- Trustee
- Volunteer manager
- Chairman
- Where you will be based
- Home
- Why we want you
Blue Cross has been helping pets and the people who love them since 1897.
Our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring we continue to make the greatest possible difference, both now and in the future.
As a Trustee, you will join our Board in providing strategic leadership and effective governance for Blue Cross.
You will help shape our future direction, ensure our resources are used responsibly and support and challenge our Chief Executive and Executive Team.
You will bring your experience, insight and independent judgement to Board discussions while working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and colleagues.
You will share our commitment to creating a better future for pets and the people who love them and will act in the best interests of Blue Cross and those we support.
We recruit Trustees with different professional backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Any specialist knowledge required for a particular Trustee vacancy will be set out in the relevant opportunity advert and candidate information pack.
Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend quarterly Board meetings, take part in relevant committee meetings and attend occasional events or visits.
The anticipated commitment is approximately one to two days per month.
- What you will be doing
- Help shape and oversee the vision, strategy and future direction of Blue Cross.
- Ensure that Blue Cross remains focused on its charitable purpose and the needs of pets and the people who love them.
- Contribute independent judgement, experience and constructive challenge to Board discussions and decisions.
- Ensure that Blue Cross is well governed and complies with its legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities.
- Oversee the charity’s financial sustainability, use of resources and management of risk.
- Appoint, support and hold the Chief Executive to account, while delegating responsibility for the day-to-day management of Blue Cross.
- Contribute your professional knowledge and experience to relevant strategic discussions.
- Participate fully in Board meetings and serve on committees or working groups where appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador for Blue Cross, representing our values and protecting our reputation.
- Maintain confidentiality and declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest.
- Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Executive Team while making decisions collectively as a Board.
- The skills you need
- Commitment to the purpose, vision and values of Blue Cross.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to consider the long-term interests of the charity.
- The ability to understand complex information, consider different perspectives and reach balanced conclusions.
- The confidence to offer constructive challenge while remaining supportive and collaborative.
- Integrity, openness and a commitment to high standards of governance.
- An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to helping create an inclusive organisation.
- The time and commitment needed to prepare for and participate fully in Board and committee activity.
- An understanding of the responsibilities of charity Trustees, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
- What's in it for you
- The opportunity to help shape the future of a leading national pet charity.
- The chance to use your experience to make a meaningful difference for pets and the people who love them
- The opportunity to work alongside and learn from fellow Trustees and senior leaders with a wide range of expertise.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing learning and development.
- Opportunities to learn more about our services and meet the people and volunteers who make our work possible.
- Reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out your Trustee responsibilities.
- Disclaimer
Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value.
We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique.
You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.
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Strategic Fundraising Trustee (Board) employer: The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross in Royal Leamington Spa is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where volunteers can make a meaningful impact on pet welfare. With flexible shifts and comprehensive training, this role not only allows you to contribute to a noble cause but also helps you develop valuable customer service skills within a dedicated team. Join us to be part of a rewarding experience that truly makes a difference for pets in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Fundraising Trustee (Board)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Fundraising Trustee (Board)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The Blue Cross, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at The Blue Cross.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of The Blue Cross and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
