Blues Foundation:
We are the charitable arm of Bedford Blues Rugby Club. We use the values of rugby and sport to change lives through interventions and programmes that support our local community. Our work aims to improve wellbeing, create inclusive opportunities, and develop skills in young people. Launched in April 2020, we deliver bespoke projects that are designed to support our target audiences and help young people tackle their personal challenges. Projects include our flagship Tackle LIFE programme, our ABILITY Blues disability sport programme, Be You programme, Rugby programmes and our Holiday Provision.
Role Overview:
Our Fundraising Manager will play a major part in significantly increasing our growth in fundraising activities, including corporate and individual giving, community events and support our strong relationships with local businesses, schools and clubs, increasing grassroots engagement. They will lead our restricted and unrestricted fundraising as we enter another exciting period of growth for our charity. The role will manage and implement a high-quality marketing plan to demonstrate our impact and promote our services. They will lead our events, maximising their potential fundraising potential and increase brand awareness. They will also build and support a network of volunteers and supporters/donors, communicating regularly with this audience. Acting as one of the main links with the club, the individual will be targeted with growing the supporting and coordinating the club’s community engagement through Foundation activities.
The person:
It is important to us at Blues Foundation that we bring the right people into our environment. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate an ability to actively and consistently exhibit the Blues Family values: Passion, Adaptability, Unity, Sustainability and Enjoyment. Working within a fast-paced and agile charity, the post holder will need to think on their feet, effectively prioritise their workload, and attack challenges head on. Applicants should have a strong work-ethic and can-do attitude.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
Lead and develop our fundraising Initiatives as part of the Foundation’s management and leadership team, successfully achieving fundraising targets to support our work.
Maximise our fundraising potential, increasing both restricted and unrestricted funding, developing creative ideas to generate vital funds.
Secure financial gifts from foundations, conducting prospective research, preparing funding proposals, and cultivating relationships with grant makers.
Create new and nurture current partnerships with corporates, converting opportunities to our charity and drive sales through our events, packages and donations.
Deliver high quality and well managed events that promote our brand and values, with a clear focus on generating income. This will include liaising with venues, suppliers, sponsors, donors etc.
Lead and deliver a strategic marketing plan that promotes all elements of our work across a variety of platforms including social media and email.
Support Bedford Blues and their league’s community team to activate both club-led and national engagement initiatives, ensuring the Foundation delivers on the club’s community strategy.
Manage a diverse workload with a variety of deadlines and priorities.
Follow the values and act on the behaviours of the Blues Foundation when working and representing the charity.
Carry out other duties for Blues Foundation as and when required by management, not limited to the above.
Person Specification:
Confident, ambitious and energetic with initiative and a persuasive manner.
Highly organised, ability to work to deadlines and good attention to detail.
Good interpersonal, teamwork and relationship management skills, a can-do approach.
Sound organisation and events management experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of marketing tools and how to promote charitable activities.
Ability to secure funding from grant funders and understanding of grant making process.
Ability to develop and maintain positive internal and external relationships.
Excellent administration skills and experiences.
A strong desire to be adaptable and promote high standards that match our values.
Good understanding of Microsoft Office will be essential, as well as the motivation to work alone at times, and be trustworthy with data and personal information.
An understanding of safeguarding and keeping young people safe is desirable.
Qualifications:
Full and clean driving licence.
Sector qualifications are desirable.
Appointment subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.