At a Glance
- Tasks: Support fundraising strategies and engage with communities to drive donations.
- Company: Join a heritage steam railway with a passionate team and dedicated volunteers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, leisure travel discounts, and 31 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a fun, community-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and event management, plus strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Alresford (On site working required with some occasional home working as appropriate)
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum plus benefits
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time. 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7. Some weekend, evening and holiday working will be required.
The Watercress Line is now looking to recruit an experienced Community Fundraising Executive. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the fundraising strategy with executive action and targeted communications. As our Community Fundraising Executive, you will be organised, patient, collaborative and have a passion for making a difference in an exciting and varied role.
You will be working as part of a small paid team and a large, dedicated volunteer base. You will have an eye for detail and a flair for getting the best out of people. The Watercress Line works with different communities, each with their distinct motivations for giving. Locomotive, Railway, Local and Regional communities will be the focus of this role.
Responsibilities of the Community Fundraising Executive:
- On site and online fundraising asks - creating and maintaining the solicitation of the public
- Manage website donation asks and appropriate web pages
- Promotion at Watercress Line and local events, coordinating the attendance at local and onsite events and the provision of suitable and relevant materials
- Recruit, train and support volunteers to attend events
- Coordinating the Membership team, including continuous training and recruitment and retention of the Membership Administration Team and volunteer administrators
- Coordinating fundraising communications - reviewing and monitoring all communications to ensure that the charity status of the organisation is constantly referenced
- Generate content and create posts for social media including LinkedIn feed
- Promote community fundraising events across all channels
- Managing the donor database
- Events management
- Reporting and budget management
Required Competencies/Experience:
- Solid experience in a fundraising role
- Some experience of being a volunteer
- Experience of managing small events
- Ability to communicate effectively to a broad range of people with an understanding of the different communications channels appropriate to different generations and types of people
- Creative writing skills
- An aptitude to motivate and manage teams of volunteers
- The ability to manage information, keeping detailed records and making connections across information sources
- Excellent prioritisation skills with the ability to meet deadlines
Benefits:
- Network Rail Staff Leisure Travel discount card after 1 years' service.
- Discounts for railway events, catering and retail
- Employee Assistance Programme for free personal, legal, emotional and financial advice and support.
- Holidays: 31 days including bank holiday allowance (or pro rata).
We are a heritage steam railway operated by award-winning volunteers and supported by paid staff, bringing smiles to faces through the beautiful Hampshire countryside for 50 years. We are traditional but innovative; respectful but challenging; slow-moving but fast-paced; friendly, intergenerational, real world and hands-on. We deliver social value to our volunteers and visitors; economic value to our region; and cultural value to the nation in the preservation of memories and skills of the heritage steam and diesel.
Community Fundraising Executive in Alresford employer: Watercress Line Careers
The Watercress Line is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community-focused environment in Alresford. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, you will be part of a dedicated team that values creativity and social impact, while enjoying benefits such as a leisure travel discount card and a generous holiday allowance. Join us in making a difference through engaging fundraising initiatives that connect with diverse communities and preserve our heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Fundraising Executive in Alresford
✨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 Watercress Line Careers.
✨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 Watercress Line Careers, 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 Watercress Line Careers. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Fundraising Executive in Alresford
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 Watercress Line Careers 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 Watercress Line Careers. 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 Community Fundraising Executive role at Watercress Line Careers. 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 Watercress Line Careers
✨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 Watercress Line Careers. 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 Watercress Line Careers.
✨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 Watercress Line Careers. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
