Reception services and venue manager jobs

Whitley Fund for Nature

The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a UK charity supporting outstanding grassroots conservation leaders across the Global South. Through project funding (Awards), training, and media profile, we support local solutions to the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges. Our winners are courageous changemakers, working alongside communities to save species and protect ecosystems. Established in 1993, we have channeled £24 million to +220 conservation leaders in 80 countries, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people. WFN is governed by a committed trustee board. Our team is dynamic, passionate about our mission, and ambitious. The charity benefits from high profile support from Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and Ambassadors including Sir David Attenborough.

The Opportunity

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an organised and proactive individual to contribute to high-profile events such as the prestigious Whitley Awards Ceremony, conservation summits and fundraising receptions, while also supporting office management, operational and administrative functions at the charity’s London office.

The ideal candidate will be keen to contribute, have excellent attention to detail, and a passion for environmental and/or charitable work. This is a varied and hands-on administrative role crucial in underpinning the efforts of our small, dynamic team.

EVENTS ASSISTANT - PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• Proven ability to manage administrative systems
• Experience coordinating suppliers and event logistics
• Experience of using a database to maintain accurate records and reporting on results
• IT literate (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a friendly, professional manner
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and to deadlines
• Reliable, proactive and willing to take initiative
• Comfortable working as part of a small, busy team.

Desirable

• Previous involvement in the charity or environmental secto
• Experience supporting office logistics
• Experience supporting high-profile or donor events
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems
• Interest in conservation, sustainability, or the natural world
• Knowledge of simple budget management or finance procedures.

Additional details and benefits:

• Attractive holiday package totaling 30 days p.a. plus bank holidays (prorated)
• Training and professional development opportunities provided
• The charity operates a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme
• Access to 24hr Employee Assistance Programme.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Only applicants who have the right to work in the UK at the time of application will be considered for this role.

Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Diversity and Inclusion

At WFN we are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work. We need more people and diversity across the environment sector, and to achieve our vision. We therefore encourage applications from Black, Asian or minority ethnic; disabled; LGBTQ+; or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. As a small organisation we are committed to progressing and continuing development across DE&I. Please contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. Applications are considered solely on your demonstrated suitability for the role.

EVENTS AND OFFICE ASSISTANT - JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORTING TO HEAD OF OPERATIONS

EVENT SUPPORT

Whitley Awards Ceremony

The Whitley Awards are the result of an international search to find, fund, train and put a spotlight on outstanding grassroots leaders and their conservation projects. Finalists are invited to London for a week of training and events, culminating with the Whitley Awards Ceremony, where winners receive their Awards from WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal in front of 400 guests and many more tuning in via our livestream.

The Events and Office Assistant (EOA) will assist in the planning and delivery of the annual Whitley Awards Week, including the Ceremony, Friends Reception, NGO Reception, and related activities, particularly in the following areas:

• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Manage event guest lists and RSVPs using Salesforce and other platforms; help coordinate mail-outs and e-invitations
• Provide on-the-day event support including set-up, guest registration, and general assistance
• Support event logistics such as venue liaison, catering, AV, décor, merchandise, and materials, assisting with supplier coordination
• Champion WFN’s Event Code of Conduct.

Other WFN Events

Throughout the year WFN holds other fundraising and engagement events ranging from intimate dinners with supporters, winner talks, events as part of our Next Gen programme, and major initiatives such as Royal dinners, Galas and Biodiversity Summits which will require the EOA’s assistance.

• Manage ticketing and Q&A platforms and associated activities
• Coordinate volunteer involvement where required
• Support the organisation and logistics of fundraising and engagement events, including acting as venue liaison, arranging catering, managing guest lists, etc
• Assist with production of event materials as needed (signage, name badges, merchandise).

 OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS

Smooth running of the WFN office and systems is vital for the charity to work effectively, with this role helping to support the team. The WFN office is a busy and welcoming environment, with regular visits by winners and supporters.

Office Management

• Ensure the office is a welcoming, tidy, and well-functioning space
• Greet visitors and manage incoming calls, emails, and enquiries
• Liaise with team and suppliers to order office materials and manage contracts (utilities, cleaning, stationery, refreshments, merchandise etc.)
• Manage post, deliveries, and waste removal procedures
• Oversee and liaise with the office cleaners to ensure they have the products they need and are paid in a timely manner.

Administrative Support

• Assist with diary management and scheduling meetings (in person and online)
• Arrange team and visitor travel, accommodation, and hospitality logistics
• Draft routine correspondence, thank-you letters, and other administrative communications
• Review and respond to general email enquiries (info inbox)
• Support the Head of Finance with basic administrative and data entry tasks
• Help maintain and update WFN’s CRM database (currently Salesforce) with contacts, donors, suppliers, event attendees
• Support the team with data entry, filing, record keeping, and maintaining digital and physical systems.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Represent WFN professionally at all times
• Adhere to WFN’s financial and operational procedures
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested from time to time. This job description is not exhaustive and may evolve.