Fundraiser

The Countryside Education Trust is an environmental charity based on the Beaulieu Estate in the heart of the New Forest. It is our 50th birthday this year and we have been lucky enough to secure funding for a fundraiser for the first time from the Caledonia Foundation.

We are based on Home Farm in Beaulieu, with woodlands and our Treehouse classrooms close by. Situated as we are we have access to a range of habitats including the Beaulieu River, heathland, semi-ancient woodlands and the sea. We run a residential centre, offer day visits and residentials to schools, educate adults in countryside focused skills, host lectures and large public events and nurture children through our clubs.

We are looking for an enthusiastic self-starter, who is passionate about the need to protect nature, promote biodiversity and ensure that the countryside is accessible for all. 

The postholder will

• work alongside the Chief Executive to develop a fundraising strategy and annual plan 
• service high value donors 
• identify, cultivate and apply to various fundraising sources primarily individuals, corporates and trusts and foundations
• facilitate fundraising approaches by the team including senior volunteers 
• manage and keep updated fundraising databases 
• work alongside other partner organisations to develop major proposals 
• recruit and service a new fundraising committee intended to run 3/4 events annually 
• in time manage other staff and fundraising volunteers 
• liaise with accounts team to ensure that all donations are recorded appropriately 
• assist with communications with supporters
• assist at CET events onsite and represent the CET at external events shows 

The postholder will be a member of the senior team. We value co-operation, a positive mindset and a desire to make a difference to people’s lives and the sites we care for.

Person specification 

Qualifications 

• Degree (not essential) 
• Fundraising or marketing qualification (not essential) 

Experience 

• Fundraising, as a volunteer or professionally
• Operating at a high level within an organisation
• Working knowledge of fundraising standards and responsibilities 
• Project management skills 
• Track record of managing a budget and achieving against targets 
• Demonstrable interest in the environment or outdoors 

Skills 

• Strong strategic thinker
• Confident presenter
• Clear communicator, face to face or in writing 
• Excellent inter-personal skills 
• Ability to motivate and influence
• Good team player
• Good computer skills 
• Knowledge of stewardship schemes

Terms and conditions 

• 22.5 hours per week (open to flexible working) 
• Principally office based initially
• 3-year fixed term contract 
• Staff pass for the National Motor Museum and Bucklers Hard, discounts in shops and cafes 
• Pension 
• Preferred start date as soon as possible 
• Interviews early November: 1st interview online, 2nd in person for a day at the Trust 
• Pay scale £33-35,000 fte depending on experience 

For more details or information, contact Jane Cooper, Chief Executive, [email protected]