Animal Rescue Cumbria has an exciting opportunity to appoint an enthusiastic and committed community fundraiser to join our small team dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of cats and dogs.  You will have experience in charity fundraising and in planning and organising events.  With strong interpersonal and communication skills, you will have the confidence to work independently in the community with businesses, donors and supporters.  You will be a self-starter, and competent user of IT and social media and have the ability to manage small projects, achieving return on investment.

This is a new role, developed to help support the vital work of the Shelter.  Your objective will be to maximise fundraising income from events, appeals, legacies, fundraising platforms, merchandise and donations.  You will plan and manage communications with our donors and other stakeholders, and also support the work of the Charity's new shop in Kendal, working closely with the Shop Manager to secure quality stock donations and to procure branded merchandise.  Initially, you will also act as Volunteer Coordinator, responsible for recruiting, developing and retaining a committed volunteer force to support all areas of the Charity's work.

About Animal Rescue Cumbria

Animal Rescue Cumbria started from humble beginnings in 1972 when a group of ladies took action after reading about the number of homeless pets being put to sleep, despite being healthy. They began taking in and boarding animals until permanent homes could be found, raising funds to provide food and veterinary care.  
  
In 1974 Alfred & Betty Wainwright joined the group. Alfred, a notable guidebook author and illustrator, became Chairman, registering Animal Rescue Cumbria as a charity. Some years later he generously funded the acquisition of the picturesque site, Kapellan, near to Kendal from which we still operate as a shelter today.  

These days, Animal Rescue Cumbria, affectionately known as 'The Wainwright Shelter', takes in and re-homes over 300 unwanted or lost and homeless dogs and cats every year. We provide a caring environment and help them adapt and find permanent, loving new homes. We provide support for pet owners and work to increase awareness of the responsibility we all have towards animals and their welfare.  

The Charity is at an exciting stage in its development, expanding its activities and staffing in order to ensure its sustainability for the future.  This may involve a move to another site, or a major redevelopment of our existing site at Kapellan. 

Role Description

Hours of Work:

40 hours per week including paid breaks of 40 minutes over the working day, worked flexibly across 7 days per week; normal office hours will be 0900 - 1700, Monday to Friday, but weekend and evening work will be required.

Place of Work:

Your office base will be in Kapellan, Animal Rescue Cumbria, Grayrigg, Kendal.  The role holder will, however, be required to work within the community, nurturing relationships and securing donations and raising the profile of the Charity.  Some home working will be possible during the Covid-19 epidemic, although the Shelter has very strict measures in place to keep the working environment Covid-secure.

Reporting to:  General Manager

Responsible for: Volunteer Coordination

Key Responsibilities:

1. Produce and execute plans to maximise unrestricted income for the Charity from a range of sources.

2. Plan and deliver an annual event calendar, including virtual events.

3. Plan and deliver a communications plan to include press releases, regular social media posts, newsletters, presentations, etc.

4. Engage with the local community and supporters to promote Animal Rescue Cumbria and create and nurture lasting relationships. 

5. Develop appeals to fund particular causes, e.g. feral cat colony projects.

6. Develop website content, marketing and other external communications to ensure accuracy and consistency.

7. Produce accurately written communications with donors and supporters, e.g. newsletters, thank-you letters.

8. Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns, managing resources carefully to ensure return on investment.

9. Develop systems and processes, using volunteer management software, for recruiting, managing and retaining an effective volunteer force; increase the Charity's volunteer numbers.

10. Maximise use of third-party charity fundraising platforms, e.g. CAF Donate and JustGiving, to secure donations and initiate Charity Challenges.

11. Work with the Charity Shop Manager on 'donation drives' to secure donated pre-loved pet items for re-sale.

12. Contribute to the educational programme through presentations, and attend cheque presentations and events organised on our behalf by our supporters.

Please apply online, and attach your completed application form.