Fundraising & Communications Officer

The OutHouse; Colchester; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Colchester is seeking a Fundraising and Communications Officer to enhance their impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The role involves planning fundraising events, managing communications, and building relationships with donors and volunteers. Ideal candidates will have substantial fundraising experience and excellent communication skills. The position offers a salary of £28,000 and requires in-person work with a commitment to community support.

Benefits

On-site parking

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, event management, and relationship management.
• Ability to achieve fundraising targets and work independently.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fundraising events and record supporter data accurately.
• Contribute to external communications including social media and newsletters.
• Support the planning and delivery of community sessions and activities.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Event management

Relationship management

Good communication skills

Education

Marketing qualification (CIM)

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Please apply with a CV and cover letter.

Working pattern

37.5 hours per week

5 days a week, including some weekends

Salary £28,000, 12 month fixed term contract

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic and creative Fundraising and Communications Officer who can help the OutHouse in achieving its aim of providing and advocating for safe and inclusive spaces for everyone from the LGBTQ+ community.

As our Fundraising and Communications Officer, you will be helping The OutHouse to support the LGBTQ+ community in Essex when it matters most. During challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community, we will act fast to raise funds for those impacted to help with their wellbeing, sense of community and practical needs.

Working in to the Head of Operations Change & Income Generation, and supporting our marketing and fundraising volunteers, you will help to implement our fundraising strategy, which encompasses relationships with corporate and major donors, Trusts and Foundations, as well as public fundraising initiatives.

The role will involve assisting with event planning, developing content and communications for The OutHouse (including gathering stories, social content, website articles, press releases and news reports), corporate partnership support and small funding grant application. The work will link documenting on-the-ground delivery with the community at sessions and events with advise people and organisation about how they can help.

You will support our public-facing fundraising appeals to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ community. Outside of appeals, you will help to build strong relationships with supporters and volunteers, and deliver engaging campaigns and events across a range of channels.

You will be an excellent communicator with strong research, project management and relationship-building skills.

Core fundraising and communication responsibilities

• Assisting supporters of the charity to raise as much as they can through communications with them
• Recording supporter data in an accurate way on The OutHouse’s CRM system
• Assisting with fundraising and other events including sending invites, recording data, communicating with attendees
• Learning and implementing different fundraising channels, such as managing our events fundraising. Includes managing systems, logistics and supporters
• Working with the team to gather stories from our community members, parents of community members, funders and other partners to show the impact of our work
• Contribute to the external communications of the charity including social media, and e-newsletters
• Supporting the wider organisational teams where necessary
• Working with and supporting the team to collect quantitative and qualitative data for all areas of work
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation across all areas of work
• Helping to plan and support on communications for community sessions, activities and events
• Support the planning, delivery and administration of all the OutHouse’s key areas of work
• Contribute to developing suitable resources and strategic documents that contribute to the growth of our areas of work and help to influence partners and stakeholders
• Feed into charity and team meetings, internal reviews and planning discussions
• Assist in managing existing relationships with key partners including corporates, funders, councils, schools and youth service providers
• Be an advocate for the charity and across the sector

Income Generation

• This post will have a fundraising target which will be developed with the Head of Operations Change & Income Generation
• Our fundraising target for the year will be £50,000 of charitable donations from individual and corporate donors
• Communications will also support the promotion of our paid for services, such as counselling and LGBTQ+ awareness training

Person Specification

Essential skills/experience

• Experience working in fundraising (3 years+), event management and relationship management
• Experience in acknowledging funders and commissions with the public
• Experience in writing case studies to document social impact on individuals
• Analysing data to contribute to reports
• Ability to achieve a fundraising target
• Ability to work independently
• Pro-active in taking ownership of tasks and shows initiative and creativity to get things done
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Good communication skills, both written and oral, to communicate effectively with all sections of the community
• Good computer software skills to create documents, presentations, spreadsheets etc

Desirable skills and experience

• Current understanding of the political, cultural and social environments affecting the LGBTQ+ community
• Understanding of youth and community work
• Marketing experience and a marketing qualification (CIM Foundation Certificate or above)
• Experience in volunteering at a charity, community group or sports club

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiasm, energy and willingness to meet challenging demands, develop personal skills and work to deadlines
• Self-motivated, able to use your initiative and a highly flexible approach to work
• A personal commitment to the OutHouse’s vision and values
• A strong team player with good inter-personal skills

Community Support:

• All staff are expected to support and contribute to fundraising and community activities for the OutHouse (with time off in lieu usually being available when they occur outside of working hours), including, for example:
• OutHouse organised and hosted events
• Local and regional Pride events (running OutHouse stands and marching)
• Assisting with running OutHouse stands at local and regional events

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/09/2025