Gill Leeder, assistant regional development officer for the RSPB.

Fund-raising Coordinator

Answers supplied by Gill Leeder, assistant regional development officer for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all. It was nominated as one of the Top 50 Places to work in last year's 'Great Places to Work' survey by the Financial Times and as an Investor in People they provide excellent training and support for their employees.

What does the job entail?
This role provides much needed support to the organisation's regional fund-raising team. Our team is responsible for raising funds to support work throughout the eastern England region, so there are plenty of funds to raise. The team deals regularly with funding bodies as diverse as local companies, grant giving agencies, charitable trusts and individual donors. As a team co-ordinator, your typical day could involve organising a thank you event for a funder, helping colleagues to prepare a funding bid, writing for newsletters and local business magazines and overseeing the diaries, travel arrangements and administrative requirements of five busy fund-raisers. You will probably also need to field regular inquiries from the public.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
This is such a varied job, so you need to have an excellent range of administration skills and be a great organiser. We look for someone who has a professional, enthusiastic and efficient manner and whose feathers are not easily ruffled! An interest in the company or organisation you are applying to would be an advantage, but not essential — as you will learn a lot once you are in the job. As an employee of a charitable organisation, you will be expected to muck in and help out where needed — so an adaptable, can-do nature is vital.

What type of person will fit in?
A flexible approach to work and a sense of humour will ensure you become a valuable part of the team. We often work to tight deadlines so you would need to remain calm under pressure and be able to support other members of the team during their busiest periods.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
In an organisation like this, you really do feel you are making a difference and contributing to the environmental wellbeing of our region. There are so many exciting projects in our region, that there is always something new happening. The role is varied and you will be a key part of a friendly and supportive team. On the downside, there is of course the more routine work that is part of any administrative job such as filing, organising meetings, updating financial spreadsheets and team diaries.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
There are usually opportunities to progress within your own organisation. Our previous co-ordinator has gone on to develop her skills in fund-raising and is now a member of our fund-raising officers team.

What can I expect to earn?
The starting salary range for this position is between £12,500 to £14,500 and will be subject to a small annual increase.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
For similar roles, try the Institute of Fund-raising (professional body for UK fund-raisers) www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk Other RSPB vacancies are advertised on the RSPB website and in the local press.