Fundraising & Public Interface Officer

About WA-UK

The Welfare Association (WA-UK) is a UK registered charity supporting transformative development projects and humanitarian relief interventions to empower and benefit Palestinian communities in the West Bank, Gaza and the refugee camps in Lebanon.  WA-UK partners with Taawon and its network of local Palestinian organisations and international actors operating in the region.  WA-UK projects in the sectors of health, education and development are the outcome of a locally led needs assessment exercise and are designed in consultation with its partners and implemented by local actors.  

 

WA-UK is governed by a Board of Trustees.   

 

Job purpose: We are seeking a motivated, experienced Fundraising & Public Interface Officer who will work with the Board to deliver WA-UK’s objectives by growing its income from a diverse funding pool including but not limited to trusts & foundations, legacy and individual giving and community giving.  You will develop WA-UK’s fundraising strategy (online and offline) and lead on its implementation. The post holder will be responsible for increasing the charity’s public profile and oversee the daily operation of the charity.  Leading a small innovative and dynamic team, you will also be exposed to other areas of work events and communications.    

 

Duties & Key Responsibilities

Development and implementation of fundraising strategies

Guided by WA-UK’s objectives and strategic priorities the postholder will:

·           develop a fundraising strategy, set targets and take proactive steps to implement the strategy;

·           consolidate, strengthen and build on donor and stakeholder engagement and maximize income generation through strategies developed in coordination with partners; 

·           develop a portfolio of donors and ensure that their objectives and needs are met;

·           lead on the growth and quality of institutional funding sources; consolidate and strengthen existing institutional donor relations; revitalise any dormant institutional donor relations;

·           support the programme officer to prepare, submit and present proposals and concept notes to donors;

·           with the programme officer, maintain and manage a donor reporting calendar to ensure production of timely and appropriate reports that demonstrate the impact of their grants;

·           significantly expand the charity’s funding and support base; aim to increase regular monthly/ annual donations;

·           with the communications officer develop and implement strategies to grow and retain support of individual and community donors;

·           identify, research, and develop major givers, whether giving as individuals or through trusts or companies;

·           ensure that all major donors are provided with the highest level of stewardship;

·           with the communication officer and key partners, plan and deliver campaigns and events; develop online strategies and coordinate messaging to raise funds for appeals and projects.      

·           ensure the upkeep of a database and filing system on all existing and prospective donors;

·           monitor and apply for grants to enable the charity to advance its objectives.

 

Public interface and outreach activities

The postholder will:

·      promote the charity’s public profile including through participation in diverse fora including with other stakeholders, charities, NGOs;

·      attend networking events if/when needed and speak on behalf of the charity; and

·      plan for and run at least two public outreach and/or fundraising events per year including with partners.

 

Leadership for staff and supporting the board of trustees

The appointee will:

·      lead and manage a small team of staff;

·      oversee the daily operation of the charity including compliance with relevant laws and regulations;

·      ensure the financial stability of the charity;

·      provide regular briefings to trustees and if required prepare documents and agendas for board meetings; and

·      contribute to the content of reports issued by and for the board including the annual reports.

 

Person Specification

Qualifications

We seek an appointee with strong literacy, numeracy, and analytical skills, backed by critical

thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, demonstrated through relevant

qualifications or experience.   You will be a team player who is proactive, driven and ambitious to excel with good attention to detail.  

 

Essential experience

·      a track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising activities across a broad fundraising portfolio.

·      a track record of securing grants from UK- and overseas-based institutional donors.

·      experience of stewardship, running campaigns and events.

·      experience of writing & presenting cases for support, letters, and reports.

·      a track record of managing a team.  

 

Desirable experience

·      experience and good understanding of engaging with high-value supporters.

·      experience of investigating, collating, summarising, and disseminating research.

·      experience of preparing high-quality grant applications.

·      experience of using a database to support prospect targeting and research.

 

Essential knowledge and skills

·      knowledge of donor compliance requirements. 

·      excellent leadership and team-working skills. 

·      compelling presentation skills and confident public speaking.

·      excellent reporting skills both narratively and financially.

·      ability to confidentially deal with all levels of staff and key stakeholders with tact and integrity.

 

Personal qualities and competencies

·      strong interpersonal skills.

·      be driven, proactive, focussed, and able to spot and create opportunities.

·      strong organisation/planning skills and ability to plan and deliver against targets.

·      strong time management skills and ability to prioritise, multi-task and work under pressure.

·      ability to deal with information confidentially and respond with sensitivity.

·      ability to resolve differences and negotiate to accommodate difference.

·      Arabic language skills

·      advanced computer skills in MS Office, especially Excel and Word.

·      strong attention to detail, organisational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and under pressure.

 

Personal attributes and other requirements

•      ability to work weekends/evenings on occasion to support events and other activities in the UK, and to travel overseas where necessary.

•      commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation & abuse/safeguarding.

•      commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.

•      ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.

•      able to work flexibly in emergencies and meet deadlines.

•      a commitment to WA-UK’s vision, mission and values and a passion for empowering Palestinians.

•      commitment to abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices.

•      Commitment to treat with confidentiality any data or sensitive information about individuals, organisations, clients, and employees at WA-UK.