Fundraising Assistant

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive person to join our small yet ambitious fundraising and communications team at Cherry Trees as Fundraising Assistant. Whilst support and administration are at the heart of this role, you will play a key role in supporting the team across all fundraising areas and could be a great opportunity for someone looking to take their first steps into fundraising and/or administration. We are also committed to offering training/qualifications to support the individual in this role.

We’re looking for someone with great people skills, as well as drive, initiative and determination. You’ll be diligent with details and accuracy, and have a dynamic approach to your work. You will be a natural problem solver, always looking to improve upon current processes to improve on efficiency.

About Cherry Trees

Cherry Trees provides home from home care for children with complex disabilities and a meaningful break for their families across Surrey and the surrounding areas.

Key responsibilities

1.    Fundraising

• To be the first point of contact for all fundraising enquiries that come in by telephone, email, post, and in person.
• Support the team by recording and sending fundraising materials to those raising money for us through events and challenge event.
• Ensure communications such as letters, certificates and emails are processed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Provide support to the events, community, partnerships, and individual giving teams and their programmes of activity.
• To develop a good understanding of fundraising activity and to maintain the processes behind registration and online giving platforms such as JustGiving, Benevity, CAF, MuchLoved etc.
• Monitoring and replenishment of office supplies.
• Help to actively promote participation in our fundraising events and activities.
• When necessary, support the communications team with marketing, social media, mailing activity.
• Other general fundraising and administration duties, as and when required to ensure the smooth running of the department including assisting in other team projects when they arise.
• To represent Cherry Trees on occasion at community events or other activity, and being flexible and willing to travel and attend events outside normal office hours (time off in lieu given).
• Support volunteer recruitment and management.

2.    Finance

• To ensure all donations/payments are processed and recorded on the fundraising database accurately and within the appropriate time frame, and supporters are thanked in a timely manner.
• To take donations over the phone or guide donors to make their donation online.
• To process the weekly fundraising income and financial reconciliation (training will be provided).

3.    Stewardship

• Provide excellent support and stewardship to our supporters, challenge event participants, individual givers, community supporters and volunteers.
• Build, manage and maintain rewarding relationships with existing and new supporters and colleagues and teams across Cherry Trees with a ‘friendly-face’ approach.

4.    Information Management and other

• Using the fundraising database (Donorfy) ensure all activity and correspondence is recorded accurately, as well as supporting our team’s financial processes and data export needs (training will be provided).
• Be responsible for ensuring all records are added/maintained/updated on the fundraising database, and ensuring all contact preferences such as unsubscribes are updated accurately and in a timely manner.
• To develop an in-depth knowledge of the database to be the go-to person, and identify opportunities to support your own activity and that of the team.
• Continuously aim to improve the efficiency of administration processes necessary for the smooth running of the fundraising department.
• Create/update how-to guides within your area of responsibility.
• GDPR compliance - ensure supporter data is handled in line with GDPR, maintaining accurate records, respecting communication preferences, and supporting data protection procedures.
• To undertake other reasonable activities as required by your line manager or the Head of Fundraising & Communications.

About You

• Understanding the value of our supporters: You will need to help build our relationships and processes to ensure we can make everyone feel as special as they are, whilst growing the number of people supporting us.
• Passionate about the charity sector: You are enthusiastic about the mission of Cherry Trees and committed to supporting families and children with complex disabilities.
• Strong organisational skills: You have a keen eye for detail and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy fundraising environment.
• Excellent communication skills: You are confident in both written and verbal communication, able to engage effectively with supporters, colleagues, and the wider community.
• Tech-aware: You are comfortable using databases, Microsoft programmes, and online giving platforms, with a willingness to learn new tools and software. Full training will be provided.
• Team player with initiative: You thrive in a collaborative setting but are also proactive and capable of working independently to drive our fundraising vision forward.

For the complete Job Description and Person Specification, please download a copy.

How to apply

Please submit a supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 and copy of your CV, candidates who do not supply a supporting statement cannot be considered.

Early applications are recommended as closing date could be brought forward, due to screening applications on an ongoing basis.

Closing date and selection process

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 31 August 2025

Applicant’s CVs will be reviewed, following which those selected to proceed to the next stage will complete a short application form and receive further information.