Job vacancies at Medical Detection Dogs
Fundraising Officer
The Job
Fundraising is vital to our ability to train life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs and further our Bio Detection research and we rely on the generosity of our donors and supporters.
This role will provide support to the Fundraising Team, helping to maximise income in order to fund the charity’s work throughout the UK.
MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB
To provide support to the Fundraising Team across a wide range of projects and activities. You will be instrumental in helping the team to meet ands exceed income targets and the first point of contact for all fundraising enquiries, you will play an essential role in making supporters feel welcomed and valued, ensuring their interaction with the charity results in a positive experience every time.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive individual with excellent organisational skills looking to gain experience in a growing, motivational and ambitious Fundraising Team.
Responsibilities
Supporter Engagement & Enquiries
- Co-ordinate incoming fundraising enquiries and fulfil or allocate them to the appropriate team members, ensuring prompt and professional responses and exceptional customer service.
- Provide direct responses to supporter enquiries where appropriate, maintaining a high standard of communication and service.
- Represent and promote the charity at internal and external events, acting as an ambassador to engage new and existing supporters.
- Supporting the IG Manager with fulfilling the Sponsor a Puppy programme.
Data & Administration
- Assist with all administrative tasks that support fundraising activity.
- Accurately record all supporter interactions and correspondence on the Harlequin CRM database, in line with data protection regulations.
- Update Harlequin to ensure supporter records are maintained accurately.
Event Support
- Support the Community & Events Fundraising Manager in the planning and delivery of national MDD events.
- Assist the Corporate Fundraising Manager with the organisation and administration of key events such as business breakfasts and supporter clubs.
- Support fulfilment and progress updates related to the Sponsor a Puppy programme.
Donor Stewardship & Communications
- Ensure timely and personalised acknowledgements (thank you letters and certificates) are sent to donors.
- Review and improve the thank and stewardship programme to enhance donor satisfaction and retention, sharing best practice across the team.
Research & Prospecting
- Conduct research on potential corporate donors, trusts, and high-value individuals, including key contacts and Charity of the Year opportunities.
- Support the Trusts and Foundations Manager, and Corporate Fundraising Manager to build and maintain a high-value donor pipeline.
Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity.
Essential
- Well-organised, good attention to detail and proactive
- Experience of planning, organising and delivering events
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
- Enthusiastic and able to inspire people who want to raise funds for the charity
- A good level of competency is required in MS Office packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Desirable
- Experience of fundraising or working for a charity
- Prior experience of using CRM systems
- An understanding of the legal obligations of Charity Law and regulation
Other Requirements
- A full current driving license
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
- You will be required to have a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure & Barring (DBS) when you first join the charity and at regular intervals thereafter.
- Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office
Charity Values
All employees are expected to uphold the charity’s core values in their daily work. This includes demonstrating respect through open and considerate communication, fostering cooperation by working collaboratively, maintaining honesty in all interactions and ensuring fairness through just and transparent decision-making.
Benefits
- Sick Pay
- Health Cover
- 26 days holiday, increasing with service
- 5% Employer Pension Contribution
- Free On-site parking
- Life Insurance
Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Hold a full UK Driving Licence
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
- Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Work some evenings
This role will provide support to the Fundraising Team, helping to maximise income in order to fund the charity’s work throughout the UK.
National Fundraising Manager
The Job
To lead and manage regional fundraising initiatives around the UK, developing relationships with volunteers, donors, and community groups to maximise income generation and awareness. This role requires a combination of strategic oversight, operational support and hands-on engagement with volunteers and supporters across multiple regions. Ideally the National Fundraising Manager will be present at the charity’s office 1-2 days per week, with the rest of the time dedicated to travel across the UK in support of our extensive volunteer family.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising development
- Identify and cultivate new opportunities for national fundraising.
- Support volunteers with fundraising ideas, materials, and advice.
- Lead and manage the delivery of national fundraising events, from planning through to execution, ensuring they meet financial and engagement goals.
- Drive income from corporate fundraising in close collaboration with the Corporate Partnerships Manager
Volunteer and supporter engagement
- Visit volunteers and fundraising groups in designated regions across the UK to provide guidance, encouragement, and support.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key supporters and community groups to maximise fundraising opportunities.
- Deliver presentations and attend events to raise awareness about the charity’s mission.
- Ensure all regional volunteer groups are equipped with the tools, resources, and motivation to fundraise effectively.
Administration and reporting
- Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities and volunteer interactions.
- Provide regular updates and reports on regional fundraising performance.
- Monitor budgets for regional activities to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Collaboration and communication
- Work closely with the central fundraising team, particularly the Community and Events Manager to align regional efforts with national campaigns.
- Attend team meetings at the Centre when required.
- Share success stories and best practices with the broader team to inspire and motivate others.
- Help with the charity’s communications content by spotting unique fundraising stories and provide photos and videos from events.
Event support
- Assist with planning and delivery of events, including volunteer recognition events, fundraising activities, and charity-led campaigns.
- Act as a representative of the charity at external events, building relationships and increasing visibility.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- 2 years minimum community fundraising experience or fast paced, target driven field sales environment with demonstrable transferrable skills.
- Experience working with, supporting, and managing volunteers, including providing guidance and fostering a positive and motivated team environment.
- Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering fundraising events, both small and large-scale, with a focus on community engagement.
- Experience in developing and nurturing relationships with donors, supporters, and community groups, ensuring ongoing engagement and support.
- Strong background in administrative tasks such as record-keeping, reporting, and using CRM systems to track donations and supporter engagement.
- Experience in a role that requires travel across a wide geographic area, with the ability to manage time effectively and work independently.
- Proven success in working towards and achieving fundraising targets, with a focus on both short-term and long-term objectives.
Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge
- Strong understanding of regional and community-based fundraising principles and practices.
- Familiarity with event planning and execution in a fundraising or community engagement context.
- Knowledge of the charity sector and compliance with fundraising regulations (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Code of Practice).
- Awareness of the diverse needs and motivations of volunteers and supporters.
- Understanding of marketing and promotion strategies for fundraising initiatives.
Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences.
- Strong interpersonal skills to engage and motivate volunteers, supporters, and community groups.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
- Creative and proactive approach to overcoming challenges in fundraising and volunteer management.
- Competence in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM or fundraising software.
- Confidence in delivering presentations and representing the charity at events and meetings.
Other Requirements
- A full current driving license
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
- Night away from home
- You will be required to have a criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure & Barring (DBS) when you first join the charity and at regular intervals thereafter.
- Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office
We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.
JOB TITLE: National Fundraising Manager
LOCATION: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Headquarters – based with regular travel across designated UK regions (including regular overnight stays).
SALARY BAND: Up to £35K depending on experience (mileage reimbursement for travel).
JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
TO APPLY – Please send your current CV with covering letter (no longer than one A4 sheet) stating why you would like the role to [email protected]