We are hiring – Supporter Development Officer

Closing date: Monday February 28^th, 2022 with interviews week commencing March 14th, 2022.

JOB TITLE: Supporter Development Officer.

COMPANY: Deafblind Scotland.

BASE: Deafblind Scotland Learning & Development Centre Neasham Drive, Kirkintilloch with flexible home working and travel across Scotland (mainly Central Belt).

CONTRACTED HOURS: 28 hours per week.

SALARY/BAND/GRADE: Salary Scale 31 – 34 (dependent on experience) (£27,818 – £30,317) Pro-rata.

TERM: Permanent – 25 days annual leave and 12 public holidays (pro-rata).

RESPONSIBLE TO: Trust and Income Generation Manager.

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Executive.

Deafblind Scotland is the specialist charity working with adults who are living with dual sensory impairment.  Our ambitions are high for members’ and we are therefore at the cutting edge of finding ways to support people to lead their most meaningful life.  Deafblindness can be a devastating condition that can make daily life extremely challenging and as a result, many dual sensory impaired people become isolated. Our services can make a vital difference to their lives; enabling people to regain confidence, develop vital communication skills and re-establish social connections.

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced professional who is passionate about fundraising. The Supporter Development Officer will be responsible for identifying, developing and supporting business and sponsorship opportunities for income generation for Deafblind Scotland. This will include Charity of the Year, Corporate and individual fundraisers; promotion of Deafblind Scotland’s training portfolio; promotion of our Bequeathed Will for Good service; researching and providing support for tender opportunities.

This is a key role working alongside the Trusts and Income Generation Manager to identify income generation opportunities to achieve Deafblind Scotland’s vision and strategy and helping to implement and develop our mission of a society where deafblind people in Scotland can live as rightful members of their own community. 

Successful marketing skills are essential, ideally in ‘selling the cause’ for a charity. Superior social media skills with experience of PR; copywriting; using social media for campaigning and/or marketing purposes are very important too.  Highly organised, you should easily build rapport and develop relationships with a variety of different individuals, organisations, and groups. It is desirable that you have a knowledge of the charitable sector and be a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or a willingness to join. An enthusiasm to learn about deafblind people and their rights is essential.

Background

Deafblind Scotland is the specialist charity working with adults living with dual sensory loss. Our ambitions are high for members’ and we are therefore at the cutting edge of finding ways to support people to lead their most meaningful life. 

Deafblindness can be a devastating condition that can make daily life extremely challenging and as a result, many people living with dual sensory loss become isolated. Our services can make a vital difference to their lives; enabling people to regain confidence, gain vital communication skills and re-establish social connections. Some people may acquire the loss of both senses where others may be born Deaf or blind and lose the other sense through conditions such as Ushers Syndrome or through age related conditions.

Purpose of Job

As a member of the Fundraising team, the Supporter Development Officer will identify, develop and support business and sponsorship opportunities for income generation. This will include Charity of the Year, Corporate and individual fundraisers; promotion of Deafblind Scotland’s training portfolio; promotion of our Bequeathed Will for Good service; researching and providing support for tender opportunities. The post holder will work closely with the Trusts and Income Generation Manager to ensure a joined-up approach to Deafblind Scotland’s fundraising activities.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Developing a prospect pipeline of sponsor opportunities for income generation including Charity of the Year, corporate and individual fundraisers.
• Identifying, developing and stewarding partnerships with corporate sponsors.
• Identifying opportunities to provide training and promoting Deafblind Scotland’s training portfolio
• Building supporter awareness of Deafblind Scotland’s Will for Good programme facilitated by Bequeathed.
• Researching tender opportunities and providing support to the SMT and Trusts and Income Generation Manager in the preparation of tenders
• Maintaining a social networking presence for campaigning and/or marketing purposes to raise Deafblind Scotland’s profile and to encourage donations. This will include developing campaigns for Deafblind Awareness Week (DBAW), Christmas campaign etc; raising awareness of Yaldi Lottery, Amazon Smile etc
• Co-ordinating in aid of events by inspiring, developing and managing external and internal fundraisers to achieve their goals through offering outstanding and tailored stewardship and ensuring they have an excellent donor experience. This will include the Kiltwalk, other similar opportunities and the promotion of Deafblind Scotland’s fundraising pack. Where possible working alongside members to ensure deafblind people feel empowered and valued.
• Working with the Senior Development Officer to co-ordinate the logistics and arrangements for the annual Millport Cycle fundraiser and day out for members.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required and are appropriate to the post as requested by the Trusts and Income Generation Manager.
• Person Specification

Essential

• Skilled in marketing, ideally in ‘selling the cause’ for a charity
• Superior social media skills with experience of PR; copywriting; using social media for campaigning and/or marketing purposes
• Skilled in building rapport and developing relationships with a variety of different individuals, organisations, and groups.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills including knowledge of presentation software
• Highly organised with an ability to monitor and prioritise potential opportunities
• A cheerful and friendly disposition
• A positive can-do attitude
• Ability to take direction
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office
• A demonstrable interest and passion for fundraising
• A willingness to travel

 Desirable

• Experience in the Charitable Sector
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising
• Experience in securing charity-corporate partnerships including Charity of the Year, strategic, sponsorship etc
• Clean driving licence and access to vehicle
• Understanding of sensory loss

 

Closing Date: Monday February 28^th, 2022

Interviews will take place during the week beginning March 14th, 2022

For an application pack, please contact HR@dbscotland.org.uk. Any inquiries or questions, please contact sarah.gillen@dbscotland.org.uk.