Details of opportunity

Open Heart Foundation

Fundraising Manager

Open Heart Foundation was originally registered as a charity NGO in Romania in October 2015. We registered as a non-profit Foundation here in October 2017; currently waiting to be called forward by the Charity Commission NI. The Foundation also received Charity status in Bulgaria in October 2017.

Role Description:

The organisation is in need of a new fundraising manager who is not afraid to get his or her hands dirty and take risks. In the coming year you will be leading a team of hard-working individuals who are all interested in seeing this non-profit succeed. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to make some tangible changes to the lives of babies and young children in need. Our 2019 events will include fundraising for an emergency housing project providing short term accommodation for parents of critically ill children, a 40 foot container for storage of toys and clothing and a retreat for disadvantaged children. We will also be fundraising for fuel costs for aid runs to support abused and neglected children, orphanages and children’s hospitals in Eastern Europe.

The fundraising manager will be responsible for overseeing all the fundraising functions of the department. Responsibilities include managing the budget, helping to manage workers or volunteers, organizing events, developing donors, and grant writing. The successful manager must create effective strategies for maximising donations.

Skills required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Sales and negotiation abilities
• IT (presentation) and administrative skills
• Resourcefulness and creative thinking
• Excellent organisational skills
• People management, building long-term relationships with strong interpersonal skills
• Self-motivation and the ability to work well within teams when required
• A willingness to be flexible according to the demands of the organisation

Duties:

• Organising and helping with traditional fundraising activities such as sponsored or promotional events, raffles, store and street collections
• Approaching individuals, schools, universities, local authorities, shops and commercial organisations for sponsorship and donations
• Attend special events put on by the non-profit, which can include parties or charity events, and speak with guests about the advantages of the organisation
• Manage on-going fundraising efforts among donors using company’s established relationships with media outlets, government agencies and private businesses
• Organise new public relations programs to bring awareness to campaign needs
• Research fundraising opportunities and write grant applications to charitable trusts, government agencies and other bodies that could potentially make grants to the organisation
• Direct and implement new fundraising strategies based on digital market research and best practices
• Manage information and record the profile and fundraising activity of donors on a database
• Account handling: ensuring major donors or companies are happy with their donation scheme (such as a charity of the year partnership), are kept informed of progress and milestones and thanked for their support

• Three years fundraising experience would be beneficial
• Prior experience in areas such as sales or marketing can act as a substitute
• Previous involvement in the voluntary sector is required for this role
• An interest in children’s welfare and wellbeing is necessary
• Team management/leadership experience will be helpful

Education & Training:

• Ideally educated to HNC / Degree level or with equivalent relevant job experience.
• Due to the travel required for this role, a driving license and access to own transport would be essential.

What we offer:

• The chance to join a small, unique non-profit start up organisation
• The opportunity to develop valuable business and communications skills.
• This is a part time voluntary position at the moment. Depending on performance and outcome there is a strong possibility this position becomes paid in the future
• Reasonable expenses will be covered but will require approval before they are incurred
• Recognised training and qualifications will be supported if relevant
• Professional memberships or online subscriptions may be provided if necessary
• Travel to see overseas projects is possible if desired

• Working Base: Home based