United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Prospect Research and Stewardship Executive

Position: Prospect Research and Stewardship Executive

Responsible to: Philanthropy Manager

Start date: March/April 2016

Applications deadline: 11:59pm of Sunday 7^th February 2016

Location: Kentish Town, London

1. Overview

1.1. Background

Children don’t start wars. But their homes, schools, families and communities are torn apart by war. These are the very things kids rely on for protection and the chance to build a life free from poverty. War Child is an international charity that protects children from the brutal effects of war and its consequences. We respond to many conflicts that have impacted children, including Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Uganda. We’re on the ground supporting the most vulnerable children who are too often forgotten in the aftermath of conflict. Our staff are living and working in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones helping thousands of children and young people to rebuild their lives.

By working with local partners, we provide a number of services for children including:

· Getting children back into education

· Counselling children to help them come to terms with the violence they have experienced

· Providing support for children who are in conflict with the law

· Reuniting child soldiers with their families

· Getting children off the streets after war has forced them to leave home

· Providing them vocational and professional training which gives them future opportunities

· Ensuring children get access to food and providing life-saving items for those who have fled their homes

· Changing harmful attitudes in the community towards children

Our Vision: War Child looks forward to a world in which the lives of children are no longer torn apart by war.

1.2. Description of Role

In 2012 we started the development of a new Major Donor income line to build on our existing support from a wide range of supporters including companies, individuals and the music industry to name a few. We are now in an interesting point in the major donor programme cycle where the foundations of this new income source have been embedded into our systems, processes and culture.

Over the last 12 months, across all fundraising divisions we’re continuing to see a growing number of exciting opportunities arise, giving War Child a large network of warm prospect HNWI’s, Corporate donors, Trusts/Foundations, and Music and Entertainment contacts. In order to maximise these opportunities, War Child is looking for a Prospect Research and Stewardship Executive, to support the Philanthropy, Corporate and Music and Entertainment teams in identifying and maximising new and existing opportunities, and managing these relationships through the donor cycle.

With an excellent understanding of relationship-based fundraising and high quality research methods, you will work with the Philanthropy Manager to identify new prospects for War Child, carry out extensive research into existing donors and prospects, and support the Fundraising team in maintaining effective donor journeys to achieve fundraising targets.

Results oriented and analytical, you will have strong interpersonal skills together with a collaborative and proactive approach. This is a great opportunity for a motivated researcher with a passion for international development to join a young, award winning and ambitious team and help us to dramatically grow our income to reach more children in the worst conflict affected countries.

As part of a team of 5, you will have the chance to shine and really have an impact on our projects supporting children affected by war.

1.3. Key Responsibilities

o To play a key supporting role in maximising fundraising income for War Child

o Provide proactive and reactive research support on major donors, corporates and trusts and foundations

o Identify new prospects and devise strategies for engagement

o Planning and supporting the team in stewarding donors

o Researching and mapping networks to enhance fundraising approaches

o To develop good relations and maintain excellent communication channels with other teams and departments

1.4. Responsible to

Philanthropy Manager

1.5. Working With

The role involves working closely with the following stakeholders:

o Philanthropy team (Head of Philanthropy, 2 Philanthropy Managers, Trust Fundraising Executive)

o Corporate, Music and Entertainment, and Trusts teams

o All staff in the Programmes Directorate

o Other War Child colleagues and trustees

1.6. Responsible for

o N/A

1.7. Contractual Terms

o Position: Permanent

o Salary: Grade 5; £26, 500 – £29,000 per annum

o Working Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

o Probation: 6 months

o Leave: 28 days pa, increasing by one day for each year’s service up to a maximum of 5 additional days

o Pension: Matching contribution to your private pension up to 5% of gross salary

o Benefits: As applicable as per War Child Benefit Policy

2. Job Description

2.1. Prospect Research

o Research existing and new donors and prospects, creating research profiles and supporting the Fundraising division with adhoc research needs

o Identify major donor, trusts, corporate and music and entertainment opportunities, assisting in the prioritisation of approaches and driving the cultivation cycle

o Compile accurate and thorough research across the Fundraising division to support team in reaching its financial targets

o Deliver biographical information and assist in compiling briefings for War Child events

o Ensure research and information is accurately recorded on the Salesforce database

o Perform due diligence research on potential and existing supporters

2.2. Donor Stewardship

o Work with fundraisers to develop and implement strong stewardship plans for all donors, including co-ordinating cross-team relationships

o Assist the fundraising division in thanking and cultivating donors, including co-ordinating stewardship materials where appropriate

o Create rigorous standards and streamline the stewardship of supporters across the organisation

2.3 Communications and Cross-team working

o Map networks across the organisation to ensure teams are joined up in their approach to prospective and existing donors

o Attend high level cultivation events and represent War Child with commitment and enthusiasm, working with colleagues to research new prospects and ensure their interest is capitalised on

o Actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy discussions and decisions that will benefit the development of fundraising activities

o Meet with members of the programmes team including Programmes Director, Country Directors and UK senior managers to gain a thorough understanding of their work, and inform proactive research techniques and areas of interest

3. Personal Specification – Essential Requirements

3.1. Experience

o Demonstrable experience of prospect research, preferably in the charity sector, with an ability to spot prospects according to a certain criteria

o Gathering and cross-referencing information from a diverse range of sources

o Preparing reports and biographical information

o Knowledge and experience of using CRM databases

o Experience of using research tools and analysing data

o Contributing to fundraising strategies in line with the organisational plan

3.2. Education

o Educated to degree level or equivalent

3.3. Expertise

o Strong understanding of the principles of major donor, corporate and trusts fundraising

o Excellent written and verbal communication skills

o Strong administrative and organisational skills with diligent attention to detail

o IT literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office

o Creative and collaborative team player, with an entrepreneurial approach

3.4. Key Competencies

o Proven ability in building good working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders

o Ability to present information, verbally or in writing, including briefings and research findings to a range of audiences in a clear and confident manner

o Results oriented and problem solving approach to work and challenges whilst making effective decisions.

o Proven ability to work to deadlines and manage workload effectively, working under own initiative

o Adaptable and flexible approach

o Focus on continuous improvement with the ability to contribute towards a culture of innovation and making an impact.

o Interest in international development issues and an understanding of, and commitment to, War Child’s vision, mission and aims.

3.5. Legal

o Eligible to work in the UK and travel to the countries in which War Child operates

4. Personal Specification – Desirable

o Experience of working in international settings focused on Child Protection and Child Rights

o Experience of high profile (celebrity) relationships

o Direct experience of major donor, corporate or trusts fundraising

o Experience of using Salesforce, and/or Wealth Engine