We are RABI – the farmers' charity
We support farming people across England and Wales with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, 365 days a year. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, our tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. We’re working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive. Over the past 25 years alone, we’ve delivered around £¼ billion in direct financial support to the farming community. Today, our wrap-around support services are evolving to reach more people before crisis hits.
Together, we’re on a journey to help shape a future our farmers deserve.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Community Fundraising Manager will lead and expand RABI’s emerging community fundraising strategy and income, working closely with volunteers, regional supporters (both existing and new) and local businesses to increase fundraising income. You will manage and develop a diverse team, ensuring all team members are aligned in delivering high-impact fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
This role will focus on building and nurturing partnerships with key community stakeholders (including our current committees), delivering compelling initiatives that drive local and regional engagement while fostering long-term support for RABI’s work. By working closely with the team, you will enhance RABI’s presence across regional communities and identify new opportunities to grow income through community channels.
In addition to team management, you will coordinate and support regional fundraising activities, training and empowering volunteers within our committees to amplify RABI’s fundraising efforts. You will also identify innovative ways to increase fundraising through community events, regional giving programs and corporate partnerships.
With a focus on relationship management and supporter stewardship, the Community Fundraising Manager will drive the growth of community-led campaigns, events and regional giving. They help strengthen our volunteer committees by supporting members in building skills, providing dedicated resource packs and adopting new volunteering and Community Fundraising models. The role will also identify new community fundraising activities with the potential to be scaled nationally. Backed by Supporter Care and trained regional volunteers, this role is key to helping RABI reach its £10 million fundraising target over the next five years.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategy: Develop and implement a community fundraising strategy aligned with RABI’s overall fundraising objectives, identifying and growing income streams through local fundraising initiatives and partnerships.
- Team Management: Lead and manage a dynamic team, providing clear guidance, consistent support and regular performance feedback to ensure the effective execution of the delivery of community fundraising.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate strong working relationships with community groups, RABI committees, regional corporate partners, agricultural societies and regional stakeholders to develop long-term fundraising opportunities.
- Volunteer and Community Support: Engage with and support volunteers and local fundraising/community groups, providing them with the tools and training, fostering a positive and motivated environment.
- Representation: Attendance at key RABI fundraising events and community initiatives, building relationships and raising awareness of the charity.
- Campaign Leadership: Lead on the planning and delivery of community-led fundraising campaigns, events and appeals, ensuring activities are well-promoted, executed, engaging and financially successful, delivering both a strong supporter experience and optimal fundraising outcomes.
- Supporter Stewardship: Deliver an excellent supporter experience, ensuring all fundraisers (committees, community groups, company staff, individuals etc.) and donors receive outstanding stewardship through tailored communications, recognition programmes and regular updates. Implement tailored stewardship programmes that reflect RABI’s commitment to fostering long-term relationships with supporters.
- Financial Management and Reporting: Manage and monitor income and expenditure targets, closely monitoring financial performance and evaluating the success of each campaign. Provide detailed insights and recommendations for future strategies, ensuring maximum return on investment for every fundraising initiative.
- Compliance and Best Practice: Ensure all fundraising activities are compliant with relevant regulations, including GDPR, and adhere to best practice standards. Uphold RABI’s commitment to ethical, transparent and legal fundraising practices.
- CRM Utilisation: Effectively track supporter engagement, segment audiences and identify opportunities for growth utilising RABI’s CRM (Microsoft Dynamics). Utilise data-driven insights to optimise fundraising efforts in alignment with RABI’s overall purpose and goals.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (Marketing and Communications, Service Delivery, Volunteering and Finance) to align community fundraising efforts with RABI’s overall purpose and goals, maximising impact and organisational harmony.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
- Extensive experience in community fundraising management and strategy development.
- A substantial track record of delivering successful community fundraising campaigns and events, locally, regionally and at scale nationally.
- Sound financial acumen with the ability to create, monitor and manage project-level budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and accurate reporting.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, equipped with expertise to engage and inspire a wide range of supporters, stakeholders and volunteers.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills, capable of managing multiple fundraising activities simultaneously.
- A high standard of written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling appeals, reports and engagement materials. Attention to detail is critical.
- Proficiency in CRM systems and digital fundraising platforms, preferably Microsoft Dynamics.
- A thorough understanding of fundraising regulations, GDPR and best practices in community fundraising. Including raffles, prize draws, etc.
- Proven experience in leading, managing and developing a fundraising team, with the ability to motivate others to achieve ambitious income goals.
- A self-motivated, proactive and results-driven approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Creative and proactive approach to problem-solving and idea generation.
- Empathy with the farming community and an understanding of the challenges faced in rural life.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a charity focused on rural, agricultural or community-based initiatives.
- A full UK driving licence, as travel within England and Wales will be required.
- Knowledge of agriculture and the farming sector, with an ability to tailor fundraising approaches accordingly.
BENEFITS
- Enrolment in Nest on commencement of employment and then the opportunity to join RABI’s group pension scheme with Standard Life, where RABI make contributions equivalent to 10% of your basic salary, provided you make a personal contribution of 5%.
- Life assurance from day one.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
RABI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It aims to ensure that all employment practices secure equality of opportunity and that no prospective or current employee receives less than favourable treatment at RABI because of their sex, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, belief, ethnic origin, disability, marital, or for any other reason which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure that individuals are selected based solely on their relevant skills, experience, qualifications and abilities.
