Job Opportunity: Fundraiser at Plymouth Marine Laboratory – full-time, up to £34,800 per annum depending on experience (application deadline: 9th June 2022)

by

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), a non-profit organisation that specialises in world-leading marine research for a healthy and sustainable ocean, is currently seeking to recruit a Fundraiser. We would be grateful if you could forward details to anyone in your contact networks who may be interested in finding out more or applying. The deadline for applications is Thursday 9th June 2022, with interviews scheduled for Wednesday 29th June 2022. Many thanks to Dr James Lord, the Fundraising Development Officer at PML, for sending in details.

The job advertisement reads:

“Job Opportunity: Fundraiser (Development Officer) at Plymouth Marine Laboratory

o Closing Date: 09/06/2022.
o Interviews: 29/06/22. 
o Division: Operations.
o Description: Full-Time, Initially 2 year Fixed Term Appointment.  
o Salary £31,062 – £34,800 (dependent on experience).

Description Fundraiser (Development Officer)

“Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is a world-class marine research charity with a vision to realise a healthy and sustainable ocean through the delivery of impactful, cutting-edge environmental and social science.

“As global environmental challenges escalate, there has never been a greater need for PML’s research. Our scientists are uncovering how marine systems function, what happens when they are perturbed and what society can do to manage them in a sustainable way. We have an excellent track record in delivering highly cited science with real-world impact. For example, our research has led to international policy to address ocean acidification, legislation banning the production of microplastic beads in several countries, and the designation of marine protected areas covering over 600,000 km2 around the globe. Our scientists are currently developing innovative solutions that can contribute to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, human health, and other challenges.

“An exciting opportunity has arisen to join PML and contribute to achieving our vision through philanthropic fundraising. Three years ago, our Board of Trustees made a strategic investment to develop philanthropic fundraising to diversify our income, which is primarily from government research grants. We have been successful, having secured almost £3 million in philanthropic funding since then. The Board has now approved a further investment to implement a strategy to strengthen our philanthropic fundraising, and this new post is an important part of that strategy. This post is initially a 2 year appointment with scope to extend or convert to an open ended position pending Board approval.

“We seek a skilled fundraiser with experience in raising funds from trusts and foundations, high net worth individuals and/or corporates, who is motivated by our vision and mission.

Overall purpose of the role

“To support the growth of income to PML from philanthropic funders, focusing on trusts and foundations, and supporting fundraising from major donors and corporates.

Accountable to:

“PML’s Fundraising Development Officer.

Responsibilities

  • Prospect research
    • Develop a high degree of awareness of PML’s work, achievements and funding needs
    • Research prospective funders via funding directories, online research, and networking
    • Liaise with funders to obtain information about funding opportunities
    • Alert colleagues to funding opportunities
  • Develop compelling funding proposals
    • Conduct desk research to gather information in support of funding proposals
    • Organise and facilitate project planning meetings and proposal writing workshops with colleagues and partners.
    • Contribute to writing and editing funding proposals
    • Support the preparation of project budgets
  • Cultivate relationships with donors
    • Work with the Fundraising Development Officer to build relationships with funders
  • Other duties
    • Maintain records on funders and proposals
    • Ensure all fundraising activities are carried out in accordance with the Fundraising Code of Practice and relevant regulations such as GDPR

Person specification

Essential

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including active listening and the ability to write clear and compelling prose.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including being personable, tactful, and able to build positive working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including funders.
  • Strong analytical skills. Able to recognize funders’ priorities and judge their alignment with PML’s work. Able to think critically and use quantitative and qualitative information to develop compelling cases for support tailored to audiences.
  • Some experience in a fundraising role and a successful track record in winning, or contributing to winning philanthropic funding.
  • Highly organised. Able to efficiently plan and manage multiple lines of work.
  • Sound IT skills. Good command of MS Office suite. Proficient at gathering information from online research.
  • Curious to learn and able to quickly grasp new subject matter (i.e., PML’s science).
  • Demonstrate a commitment to PML’s vision, mission and values.
  • Highly motivated.
  • A university degree or equivalent experience.

Desirable

  • A university degree or equivalent experience in a highly related field (e.g., fundraising, science communication).
  • Awareness of the philanthropic funding landscape.
  • Experience and track record in fundraising from major donors, corporates or other sources.
  • Established positive relationships with trusts, foundations or other philanthropic funders.
  • Scientifically literate and environmentally aware.

“As part of PML’s 20th anniversary of becoming an independent organisation with charitable status (2002-2022), we asked PML people why they enjoy working at PML and what makes it special – see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdQf-2ffnlY

“PML offers a variety of employee benefits which can be viewed here: https://www.pml.ac.uk/Working-with-us/Employee-benefits

“PML operates a hybrid working policy whereby employees are able to split their working arrangements between PML’s Plymouth offices and home-based working.”

For further information about Plymouth Marine Laboratory, please visit its website. The application portal for the post of Fundraiser (Development Officer) is available at this link to PML’s website.