Job Description
Duration; 12 month (Renewable)
The Role
The Fundraising Officer will work from RFUK’s London office under the supervision of the Senior Fundraising Coordinator to support organisational fundraising efforts. The postholder will provide support across a range of fundraising areas, including:
- Prospecting and screening potential donors
- Supporting grant applications
- Enhancing supporter care and donor development
- Donor administration
- Leading fundraising activities for the London Marathon
About RFUK
Founded in 1989, the Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) supports Indigenous Peoples and other communities in the world’s rainforests to protect their environment and secure rights to land, life, and livelihood. RFUK works locally to help communities gain land rights, challenge harmful industries, and manage their forests sustainably. Globally, RFUK campaigns to influence national and international laws and processes that protect rainforests.
RFUK has a values-led team of over 25 staff based in the UK and abroad, including in rainforest countries. All work is delivered in close partnership with Indigenous and grassroots organisations.
Responsibilities
Admin and Fundraising Support
- Trusts and Foundations: Prospect and research small trusts for quarterly appeals, as well as larger trusts capable of significant five-figure grants.
- Programme Fundraising: Assist with budgets and administrative tasks required for funding applications.
- Corporate Giving and Philanthropy: Conduct research and ethical checks on potential partners; assist with outreach and development of corporate partnerships.
- Supporter Experience: Deliver a positive supporter journey, including responding to queries, thanking supporters, reactivating lapsed donors, and converting individuals to regular givers; prepare annual impact updates.
- Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the supporter database (including GDPR compliance).
- Events Fundraising: Support planning for events like the London Marathon and act as the main point of contact for participants.
- Digital Engagement: Assist with social media content creation, tracking performance, data analysis, and implementing the Digital Engagement Strategy.
- Communications Templates: Maintain and update standard letters for donors and trusts.
- Mailing Lists: Update supporter distribution lists on Donor Strategy and MailChimp.
Other Responsibilities
- Contribute to the organisational knowledge base.
- Support the development and implementation of RFUK’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
- Participate in internal meetings, team away days, and ongoing strategic development.
- Undertake other tasks as requested by the Senior Fundraising Coordinator or Senior Management Team.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Experience in fundraising, ideally within a charity or international development context
- Written and spoken fluency in English
- Experience in donor administration and supporter care
- Ability to use online fundraising platforms and CRM systems
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Competent in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and email marketing tools such as MailChimp
Desirable Knowledge and Experience
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish
- Familiarity with environmental, international development, or human rights issues (preferably in Africa or the Amazon basin)
- Experience supporting events fundraising and digital engagement campaigns
- Experience creating digital assets for social media or fundraising campaigns
Essential Personal Skills and Attributes
- Commitment to RFUK’s values, environmental and social justice
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Careful and conscientious with strong attention to detail
- Willingness and ability to learn on the job and develop new skills
Desirable Personal Skills and Attributes
- Creative problem-solving and proactive attitude
- Interest in environmental causes and international development
Deadline: Monday 12th January 2026, 9AM
