Purpose: The Fundraising and Admin Officer is responsible for delivering key administrative and fundraising activities that support the achievement of Vision Action’s income generation targets. The postholder will take a lead role in researching and applying to smaller trusts and foundations, while contributing to the development of larger funding proposals as needed. They will also support the coordination of fundraising campaigns and events, maintain the prospect pipeline, and identify new fundraising opportunities. Working closely with the Fundraising Manager, this role contributes to the effective functioning of the fundraising team and plays an important part in fostering a collaborative, impact-driven organisational culture.
KEY AREAS:
- FUNDRAISING (80% of time)
- Lead on the development and submission of applications to smaller trusts and foundations (up to £25,000), including drafting proposals, tracking deadlines, and updating the pipeline.
- Maintain and update the pipeline of prospective donors across income streams (trusts, corporates, government, and institutions).
- Conduct desk research into comparable organisations, donor trends, and partnership opportunities.
Appeals & Campaigns
- Support the coordination of Vision Action’s seasonal and thematic fundraising appeals (e.g. World Sight Day, Christmas, Summer).
- Lead on the planning and delivery of smaller appeals, including supporter follow-up, donor profiling, and managing campaign logistics.
- Log donor information and engagement history accurately in Donorfy CRM.
- Support the development of appeal-related materials in collaboration with the Fundraising Manager and Communications Officer.
Events & Community Fundraising
- Support the planning, recruitment, and delivery of fundraising events such as the London Marathon and other sporting and challenge events.
- Provide guidance and logistical support to individuals, volunteers, schools, and community groups running their own fundraising events.
- Represent Vision Action at relevant fundraising and community events, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management
- Support the stewardship and cultivation of individual donors, sponsors, and prospects through phone, email, and written communication.
- Assist in developing supporter journeys for regular givers and community fundraisers.
- Process thank you letters and acknowledgements using Donorfy.
- Manage day-to-day donor enquiries via the fundraising inbox and phone line, ensuring timely and professional responses.
Data Management & Reporting
- Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising data using Donorfy CRM.
- Produce donor and campaign performance reports as required.
- Support with administrative tasks related to fundraising compliance, filing, and data security.
- COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (20% of time)
- Support efforts to grow Vision Action’s digital presence by creating engaging content for social media platforms, ensuring consistent and compelling storytelling aligned with our mission.
- Support membership relationship stewardship by developing regular updates, thank-you messages, and creative engagement campaigns to nurture and retain supporters.
- Assist in the design and production of quarterly progress reports, collaborating with colleagues across Vision Action to curate stories, impact data, and visuals that resonate with donors and partners.
- Update and maintain website content to ensure it remains current, accurate, and reflective of organisational priorities, campaigns, and news.
- Attend relevant internal and external events or meetings to capture content, live-post updates, and strengthen Vision Action’s online visibility and supporter engagement.
Administrative Support and Organisational Culture
- Provide targeted administrative support to the Fundraising & Communications team, including managing the Fundraising inbox, logging and responding to supporter enquiries, and ensuring timely follow-ups.
- Help maintain well-organised digital filing systems (e.g. SharePoint) for communications assets, membership materials, and donor stewardship documents.
- Support cross-departmental initiatives by contributing communications materials and ensuring alignment of messaging across teams.
- Actively contribute to a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working culture, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to team meetings and organisational activities.
Please note:
- This role includes some out of hours working e.g. evenings and weekends to support events, agreed in advance with Line Manager and eligible for Time Off in Lieu
- The role works with many different cultures and religions and work may span between different time zones.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
This is a varied and forward-facing role within a small and busy team. You will bring enthusiasm, attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the confidence to engage with supporters, donors, and colleagues. You will be comfortable working independently on routine tasks while also contributing creatively to campaigns and events.
Essential
- At least 3 years of experience in a fundraising, administration, or supporter-facing role
- Strong inter-personal and communication skills (face-to-face, phone, and email)
- Excellent organisational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Confident written skills, with experience drafting letters, emails, or fundraising materials
- Strong IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and confidence working across digital platforms
- Ability to work well both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team
- Understanding of or interest in trust and foundation fundraising
- Basic knowledge of digital marketing or social media engagement (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
Desirable
- Experience of using a CRM system to manage supporter or customer relationships (Donorfy or similar)
- Experience supporting or delivering fundraising activities or events
- Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe) and/or email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp)
- Understanding of the UK charity sector and/or international development
- Confidence in presenting or representing an organisation externally
- Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends for events
- Degree or equivalent qualification