Martin James Foundation
The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable and not-for-profit organisations working in alternative care for children and and believe that children should grow up in safe and loving families, not in orphanages. Our Foundation includes independent fostering agencies in Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand (Key Assets), support to foster carers in the UK (FosterTalk), and projects that contribute to the global efforts in deinstitutionalisation.
The Fundraising Coordinator will have an important role in developing relationships with potential supporters to generate funds to enable MJF to continue and expand its work to support children and families around the world. We are seeking someone with a range of fundraising experience including grants and trusts, corporate partnerships, legacies and individual giving. This is also an opportunity for an individual to contribute to successful projects in the UK through generating income for our EPIC business mentoring programme for disadvantaged young people, as well as securing public sector contracts for FosterTalk.
Job Description
The Fundraising Coordinator will be responsible for the following key tasks:
- Identify, research, and develop fundraising initiatives from a variety of sources that are appropriate to support MJF global projects or EPIC mentoring programme
- Write and submit public sector tenders and bids on behalf of FosterTalk
- Prepare clear, concise and compelling written applications and proposals appropriate for the interests and requirements of donors
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with potential supporters
- Collaborate with the Head of Communications and Campaigns to develop content and fundraising materials to be used for a range of audiences in line with brand identity and key messages
- Collaborate with Programme colleagues to understand the projects to be funded, range of activities, intended outcomes etc to enable informed discussions with existing and potential donors
- Work closely with Finance colleagues to understand funding requirements, amounts, timeframes etc and report back on funding pipeline, income secured, and any compliance requirements
- Maintain up to date records of opportunities considered, applications submitted, feedback received, and all outcomes
- Contribute to the quarterly reporting to the Board of Trustees
- All MJF staff must abide by all relevant policies including safeguarding, information governance, confidentiality and data protection and undertake mandatory training
This is a hybrid role with an expected 1 or 2 days per week in our Birmingham office, and other days working from home. Your hours will generally be 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday, however some early/late meetings may sometimes be required. We are keen to support flexible working patterns and are open to discussing alternative arrangements.
Knowledge and Experience
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential / Desirable |
| Minimum of 3 – 5 years’ experience of fundraising work in charities | E |
| Experience of researching and writing proposals to obtain funding from various sources including trusts, corporates, institutional donors, and individual major donors | E |
| Experience of working on tenders and bids for public sector contracts | D |
| Experience of undertaking research and analysis to identify appropriate opportunities to pursue | E |
| An understanding of donor compliance requirements | D |
| An understanding of fundraising regulations and good practice | D |
| An understanding of the needs of children and young people living in alternative care; lived experience of alternative care would be highly welcomed | D |
| An understanding of the international development sector | D |
Skills and Abilities
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential / Desirable |
| To work in the best interests of children and young people at all times | E |
| Excellent verbal and written English presentation and communication skills, including the ability to write funding briefs, proposals and correspondence | E |
| Ability to maintain confidentiality | E |
| Ability to confidently network, develop and sustain partnerships | E |
| Ability to problem solve independently | D |
| Ability to work at pace, and adapt to different situations and when needed | D |
| Strong organisational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills | E |
| Ability to evidence practical application of the use of IT | E |
Other requirements
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | Essential / Desirable |
| Commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice | E |
| Commitment to learning and development | E |