Fundraising & Communications Manager

Aphasia Support is a small Wakefield based charity with big ambitions. We want to create a world where every person with aphasia has access to long term support, and we are excited to be on the lookout for a new staff member to lead on our fundraising and communications strategy who will help make our vision a reality.

This is an exciting time to join Aphasia Support as we embark on a new chapter in the charity’s development which we hope will see the charity expand its support across the UK. We are looking for someone who enjoys autonomy and who has the drive and energy to put their stamp on the role and make a big difference to the lives of people with aphasia and their carers across the UK.

Registered as a charity in 2011 as ‘Speak With IT’, the charity was re branded in 2022. The Aphasia Support mission is to improve the wellbeing of people with aphasia and their carers, by providing tailored speech and language therapy and long term support.

3/4 of the role will be fundraising focused – developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy across various streams, including Community and Events, Corporate, Individual Giving, Legacies, and Major Donor fundraising. The successful candidate will be supported by the trusts and foundations bid writer to achieve objectives.

1/4 of the role will be communications focussed – ensuring the strategy and charitable activities are communicated to as wide an audience as possible via our website, social media, email communications and press releases.

Main responsibilities:

• ·Lead on the development and implementation of our Fundraising and communications strategy, supported by the CEO.
• Monitor and evaluate the success of all fundraising and communications activities and use this learning to inform and shape the future of our initiatives.
• Develop engaging fundraising events and campaigns, fostering community involvement.
• Steward fundraisers in major mass participation events such as Leeds 10K, Marathon and others.
• Cultivate and steward supporters, including business partnerships.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop major donor relationships.
• Oversee the fundraising element of the CRM database, ensuring efficient data capture and analysis.
• Record and acknowledge donations appropriately.
• Lead on the charity’s Mailer Lite email marketing system, ensuring new subscribers are receiving the relevant email sequences.
• Write engaging press releases and blogs which promote the charity’s activities to existing and new audiences.
• Manage Aphasia Support’s social media channels, including Linkedin, X, Facebook and Instagram.
• Updating of the charity’s website and blog on a regular basis.

Person Specification

Essential

• 3 years experience in a fundraising environment.
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding financial targets in a fundraising setting.
• Evidence of creativity and innovation with proven strategic planning skills.
• Knowledge of coordinating communications campaigns across social media, press, email.
• Experience creating content for digital platforms including graphics.
• Knowledge and experience of using CRM systems.
• A self-starter with strong team working skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of people.
• Strong administration and IT skills, and an ability to maintain records and produce clear written and oral reports.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work, handle conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines.
• A desire to deliver the highest level of experience and supporter experience to supporters.
• A creative thinker and quick to respond to opportunities.
• Ability to be passionate and inspiring when communicating the work of Aphasia Support.
• Knowledge of regulatory environment for fundraising from individuals, including data protection, gift aid and fundraising codes of practice and regulation.
• Full driving licence, own car.
• Willingness to work out of normal office hours, with time off in lieu (TOIL).

Desirable

• Understanding of aphasia
• Experience of using Mailer Lite
• Experience of email marketing strategy best practices around personalisation and targeted sequences and campaigns
• Experience of using Word Press
• Strong regional media contacts

Application Instructions

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter outlining your reasons for applying by the closing date.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 29th February at Balne Lane Community Centre, Wakefield.