At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire individuals to support woodland conservation through legacy giving and manage donor relationships.
- Company: Join the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, making a real impact on nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a company car.
- Other info: Homebased role with travel across the UK and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in tackling climate issues while building meaningful connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer to be one of the faces of legacy fundraising, and lead key areas of legacy activity, with a focus on inspiring individuals to remember the Woodland Trust in their will. This role is advertised as part-time, 22.5 hours per week.
A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that our Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.
The Role:
- Manage and grow a pipeline of legacy supporters across all stages of the donor journey, increasing pledger numbers, loyalty, and legacy income.
- Act as a visible ambassador for gifts in wills by leading stewardship and prospecting events, delivering talks and briefings, and engaging confidently with supporters and colleagues through one-to-one and group communications.
- Provide personalised and sensitive responses to gifts in wills enquiries, ensuring an excellent supporter experience and strong relationship-building.
- Build and nurture supporter relationships, creating opportunities for deeper engagement, connection, and recognition.
- Develop a portfolio of compelling legacy case studies and stories for use in communications to encourage gifts in wills.
- Identify and support new prospecting and stewardship opportunities to expand legacy giving activity.
- Collaborate with colleagues across regions, countries, and philanthropy teams to share learning and maximise advocacy for gifts in wills.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, communications consent, and GDPR compliance.
This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the UK, sometimes to remote locations. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required. This is a fixed term contract for 12 months.
The Candidate:
- Experience working in fundraising, third sector or a targeted communications environment.
- Excellent relationship development and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Exceptional planning and organisational skills gained in a busy, target-driven environment.
- Negotiation and collaboration skills, with proven ability to secure commitment from individuals.
- IT literate, specifically experienced in Microsoft office and database management.
- Personable, diplomatic and empathetic with strong listening skills.
- Outstanding communication skills - must be confident and comfortable communicating through formal and informal methods to engage and inspire.
- Experience planning and developing appropriate engagement material is desirable.
Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
- Enhanced Employer Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
- Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Apply Now:
If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 6th & 7th July.
Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer employer: WOODLAND TRUST
The Woodland Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With benefits such as enhanced pension schemes, generous annual leave, and opportunities for training, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in woodland conservation while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. As a home-based role, the Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer will have the unique advantage of working remotely while engaging with diverse communities across the UK, fostering relationships that contribute to vital environmental initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fundraising sector, especially those who have experience with gifts in wills. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share why you care about woodland conservation and how you can contribute to their mission. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to fundraising and relationship building. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and how they align with the role of a Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Woodland Trust team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Woodland Trust and its mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about legacy fundraising and the impact it has on our environment.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising or communications. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in relationship building and stakeholder engagement, so don’t hold back!
Be Personable:Remember, we value strong communication skills! Use a friendly tone in your application and show us how you can connect with supporters. This role is all about building relationships, so let your personality come through.
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. It’s super important to follow the application guidelines closely, so we can easily find your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at WOODLAND TRUST
✨Know Your Legacy Fundraising
Familiarise yourself with the principles of legacy fundraising and the specific goals of the Woodland Trust. Understand their mission and how gifts in wills contribute to their conservation efforts. This knowledge will help you articulate your passion and align your values with theirs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build and nurture relationships with supporters. Think about past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders or donors, and be ready to discuss how you can apply those skills to inspire individuals to remember the Woodland Trust in their wills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and communication skills. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a sensitive enquiry about gifts in wills. Practise your responses to ensure you convey empathy and professionalism while showcasing your strategic thinking.
✨Prepare Compelling Stories
Since storytelling is key in fundraising, think of compelling legacy case studies or personal stories that resonate with the Woodland Trust's mission. Be prepared to share these during the interview to illustrate your understanding of the impact of legacy giving and how it can inspire potential supporters.
