Philanthropy & Fundraising Assistant

The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

The Role

· Reports to: Head of Philanthropy

· Contract: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 Hours Per Week)

· Salary: £26,000 - £31,000

· Location: Home-based - Required to live and work in Mainland UK (maximum three-hour commute to Central London)

· Travel Requirement: You will, on occasion, be required to attend in-person meetings and events with donors, supporters and other stakeholders. Many of these events will be in London, so being able to reliably travel there within a reasonable amount of time (i.e. not requiring an overnight stay for a mid-morning meeting) is important.

Role summary

The need for healthy rivers is an increasingly hot topic, politically, socially and as our changing climate dictates. Increased focus on the work of The Rivers Trust and our Movement of 60+ Member Trusts reflects this, and we have grown rapidly as a result. We have recently created our first dedicated philanthropy and fundraising function, which has brought a sharp increase in funding opportunities, a larger and more diversified supporter base, and higher income from voluntary sources (individuals, grantmakers, and corporate supporters).

This new role will help look after (steward) these important supporters and help develop further opportunities for organisations, and new supporters. As Philanthropy & Fundraising Assistant, your work will directly and clearly lead to more funding for river health in the UK and Ireland, contributing to better outcomes for rivers, nature, communities and planet.

As a remote-first organisation, The Rivers Trust enables colleagues to work primarily from home while staying connected through virtual collaboration and occasional in-person meetings. You will need access to a suitable workspace and a secure, reliable internet connection to carry out the role effectively. The Rivers Trust is open to flexible working patterns, so please speak to us if you would like to enquire in advance about a working pattern that would enable you to undertake this role.

The main duties and responsibilities are:

Direct Donor Support: Stewarding The Rivers Trust donors and funders

• Managing Relationships: you will build excellent relationships with varied individuals and organisations who fund the work of The Rivers Trust, helping them to understand the impact of their support while making sure the contractual requirements and reasonable expectations associated with their funding are met.
• Stewardship Planning: you will create and manage an overall stewardship plan for donors, which will include both 1:1 and collective engagement through communications, arranging payment, and the delivery of information, events and connections which fulfil donor expectations. The outcome of your work will produce inspired, engaged supporters, many of whom will commit long-term to support the fight for healthier rivers.

Daily Responsibilities include:

• Keeping accurate donor records, including processing and recording gifts, maintaining accurate donor contact information and additional information on areas of funder interest. Tools used include Access CRM which enables us to produce accurate reports for internal and external use, and meaningful data and insights into income and donor profiles and patterns.
• Communicating with donors and funders: you will be the first point of contact for key donor groups ensuring donor queries, concerns and positive feedback are heard and actioned promptly. You will also create and send regular e-newsletters to key supporter groups, ensure our supporters are acknowledged whenever appropriate, and deliver bespoke communications for supporter groups (such as corporate funders).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Supporting the development and delivery of philanthropy events: you will oversee the smooth running of donor-specific events, online and in person. This includes Fellows meetings, events for corporate supporters such as webinars and site visits, and new cult…