Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Regional Gifts in Wills Fundraising Officer to be one of the faces of legacy fundraising, and lead key areas of legacy activity, with a focus on inspiring individuals to remember the Woodland Trust in their will.
This role is advertised as part-time, 22.5 hours per week.
A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that our Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.
The Role:
- Manage and grow a pipeline of legacy supporters across all stages of the donor journey, increasing pledger numbers, loyalty, and legacy income.
- Act as a visible ambassador for gifts in wills by leading stewardship and prospecting events, delivering talks and briefings, and engaging confidently with supporters and colleagues through one-to-one and group communications.
- Provide personalised and sensitive responses to gifts in wills enquiries, ensuring an excellent supporter experience and strong relationship-building.
- Build and nurture supporter relationships, creating opportunities for deeper engagement, connection, and recognition.
- Develop a portfolio of compelling legacy case studies and stories for use in communications to encourage gifts in wills.
- Identify and support new prospecting and stewardship opportunities to expand legacy giving activity.
- Collaborate with colleagues across regions, countries, and philanthropy teams to share learning and maximise advocacy for gifts in wills.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, communications consent, and GDPR compliance.
- This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the UK, sometimes to remote locations. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.
- This is a fixed term contract for 12 months.
The Candidate:
- Experience working in fundraising, third sector or a targeted communications environment.
- Excellent relationship development and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Exceptional planning and organisational skills gained in a busy, target-driven environment.
- Negotiation and collaboration skills, with proven ability to secure commitment from individuals.
- IT literate, specifically experienced in Microsoft office and database management.
- Personable, diplomatic and empathetic with strong listening skills.
- Outstanding communication skills - must be confident and comfortable communicating through formal and informal methods to engage and inspire.
- Experience planning and developing appropriate engagement material is desirable.
Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
- Enhanced Employer Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
- Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application.
Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.
Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 6th & 7th July.