Acting Director (Maternity Cover)

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Location: Oxford, UK. Possibility of remote working.

Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered and without urgent action could be the first Great Ape species to become extinct. SOS is dedicated to turning this situation around. We do this by:

• Raising awareness about the importance of protecting orangutans and their rainforest home.
• Supporting grassroots projects which empower local people to become guardians of the rainforests and restoring damaged orangutan habitat.
• Campaigning on issues threatening the survival of orangutans in the wild.

We are a small charity, with a big impact. We are really proud of the results our projects and campaigns are having – we have planted over a million trees to restore damaged orangutan habitat in Sumatra, and we are supporting people living next to these precious areas to work towards a sustainable future for their forests.

Our field conservation programmes operate inSumatrathrough our Indonesian partner organisation, the Orangutan Information Centre.

We are looking for an outstanding individual for the role of Acting Director for a 9 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave.  The role will provide an exciting opportunity to make a real and direct contribution to an effective conservation organisation working to protect orangutans, their forests and their future.

As the sole member of staff in the UK, a resourceful and proactive nature is essential. You will play a key role in bringing in essential funds and raising awareness of our mission, projects and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development
You will develop and manage a range of events and projects, as well as having the opportunity to develop new areas of fundraising for the organisation.

From community fundraising, high-profile events, donor recruitment and merchandise, to supporter care, administering our membership scheme, promoting engagement with schools, and responding to enquiries, you will undertake a wide range of activities to gain essential funding for our work. You will work closely with the Scientific Director (based full-time in Sumatra) to identify funding opportunities, develop funding proposals and produce grant reports.

Communications
You will build the profile and a greater understanding of the charity. This will include the organisation’s mission, work inSumatra and campaigns using multiple channels. You will ensure that our website, newsletter, social media and press are all maximising the promotion of our cause, enthusing existing and new audiences to support SOS and Sumatran orangutan conservation.

Operational and Administrative Duties
You will oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation and the office, including book keeping, database management, budget management, Board reporting, and volunteer management.

Person Specification:

We are seeking a dynamic, highly organised, creative and results-driven individual, with a track record of successful fundraising in the charity sector. From creative fundraising to operational tasks, you will coordinate and manage all aspects of running a small charity so proven organisational skills, a flexible approach and excellent attention to detail are essential.

Essential

• Substantial experience in a fundraising role in a not-for-profit organisation, ideally in two or more of the following areas: grant writing and reporting, community fundraising, donor recruitment and stewardship, event management.
• Excellent project management, as you’ll be juggling multiple and diverse work streams.
• An outstanding and confident communicator (both written and oral), with an ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people in a clear and professional manner.
• Well organised and self-motivated.
• High level of IT skills – able to manage databases, spreadsheets, website CMS and social media.
• Practical knowledge of PR, media and marketing.
• A good relationship builder.
• Numerate – able to oversee and manage budgets.
• Enthusiasm for the cause and an ability to represent SOS.

Desirable

• An understanding of conservation and development issues.
• Ability to liaise and work productively with multi-cultural staff in remote areas.
• Experience of writing for digital and print, and the production of printed materials.
• Experience of supervising volunteers.

 

General Information:

The post is initially offered for a 9 month, full-time fixed term contract. We will consider remote working, and a job share for outstanding candidates. There will be a one month handover period, working alongside the Director, and the organisation has an active and committed board of trustees to offer support and guidance.  

SOS is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1085600.

Website: www.orangutans-sos.org

 

How to Apply:

Please send your C.V. including contact details of two referees, and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the post to: Helen@orangutans-sos.org. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Helen Buckland, Director, on 01865 403341.

 

Closing date: Monday 4^th November, 5pm.

Interviews will be held on Friday 15th November.

Preferred start date: 3^rd February 2014.