Job title: Senior Supporter Engagement Officer
Responsible to: Fundraising Operations Manager
Salary: £30,900 FTE pro rata (£20,085 actual)
Hours of work: Part time (0.65FTE/22.75 hours per week). Exact days/times to be agreed upon appointment. We consider flexible working requests
Annual leave: 30 days with 8 additional Bank Holidays pro rata
Location: Remote - location is flexible with option to be home based anywhere in the UK. Hybrid/office based also available (head office is in Bristol)
Closing date: 15th September - midday
About Action for ME
Action for ME is the only charity in the UK providing support, including healthcare, to people of all ages affected by ME. The charity was founded by Sue Finlay in 1987 and since then has been taking holistic approach so we can make an impact on multiple fronts - from amplifying the voices of people affected by ME in Government and leading on breakthrough research, to providing "lifeline" support and unique healthcare services on a daily basis.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), sometimes referred to and diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a chronic, fluctuating disease, causing symptoms such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), sleep problems, problems with thinking and memory (brain fog), pain and crushing fatigue. There are an estimated 1.3 million people living with ME or ME-like symptoms, including PEM, in the UK alone.
Even in its so-called mildest form, ME can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, and not just on their health. A lack of understanding and awareness about ME means patients can experience disbelief, and even discrimination, from friends, family, health and social care professionals, employers and teachers.
For the first time there is an increased awareness of post viral illness because of the Covid -19 pandemic. After decades of neglect this offers Action for ME an opportunity to accelerate our work for people with ME in a way we have never been able to do before.
Job purpose
This role will deliver an exceptional supporter experience to our donors, building and maintaining strong relationships with our supporters. Working closely with other members of the fundraising and communications teams, you will deliver our supporter journey, maintain regular communication with donors and be an integral part of our fundraising campaigns and appeals.
Key duties
Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager to deliver our supporter journey, engaging current and prospective donors with our work and giving them an excellent experience of supporting Action for ME.
Be responsible for creating the methods that ensure each supporter relationship is maximised, increasing retention rates for a growing supporter base. As such you will be required to engage with supporters so that they feel valued, and relationships can be developed further for the benefit of the charity.
Lead on thanking donors, including making phone calls to donors as part of stewardship.
Work closely with the Fundraising Operations Manager and the team to support the growth of income streams, including but not limited to, individual giving, Gift Aid, legacies, trading, community fundraising and membership.
Work with the communications team on the delivery of digital communications, including social media and e-communications for a diverse range of audiences.
Play a key role in fundraising appeals and campaigns including our yearly Big Give Christmas Challenge, Summer Appeal, Thanking Campaign and any other fundraising initiative or project as directed by the Fundraising Operations Manager or Director of Fundraising.
Ensure excellent supporter care and maintenance of accurate database records.
Create inspiring donor communications, including stories and impact from our wider work (support & healthcare services, research and policy work)
Work closely with the Philanthropy Manager to identify potential major donors.
Develop innovative and creative ways of widening our supporter base and increasing donations
Other duties
To attend and contribute constructively to team meetings and other meetings as required.
Supervise fundraising volunteers as required.
Occasional attendance at fundraising events.
To positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times.
To contribute to the team’s overall strategy, ongoing workplan and annual planning.
To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Fundraising Operations Manager, Director of Fundraising & Development or the Chief Executive.
Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.
Full details in the Application Pack
Person Specification
Experience & knowledge
Minimum 2 years previous fundraising experience
Demonstrable skills in stewarding supporters and donors.
Experience using Microsoft Excel for work, including basic excel functions, basic formulas and list tools.
Experience of using a CRM database, preferably Raiser’s Edge
Proven experience of effective donor stewardship approaches
Skills & behaviours
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including creating engaging donor communications
Ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload.
Ability to use own initiative, work independently and to work well in a remote team.
An understanding of data protection including UK GDPR related to fundraising
An understanding of ME, the impact on people affected by it and associated current political, health, policy and social issues (desirable).
Attitudes & values
Enthusiasm
Integrity
Resilient
Key competencies
Effective communicator
Results driven
Attention to detail
How to apply
View the full application pack
Please click on the "apply" button below to submit your application. Along with your CV your cover letter should, in no more than two A4 pages, explain your reason(s) for applying for this role and how you fit all aspects of the person specification set out above and in the job pack.
Strong applicants will list each person specification bullet point related to experience, skills and behaviours, and provide evidence of how they meet each of these criteria.
Should you have any questions about the role, or require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to email [email protected]
