Job Description
JOB TITLE: Volunteer Trustee Fundraising Lead | REPORTS TO: Chair of the Board of Trustees |
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JOB SUMMARY |
The Fundraising Lead Trustee provides strategic leadership, governance oversight and expert guidance across all WRAS fundraising activity, with a particular focus on Grants, Trusts and Corporate Partnerships. They ensure that fundraising is ethical, compliant, financially sustainable and aligned with WRAS’s mission, while supporting staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality income generation. This role does not involve operational fundraising delivery. Instead, it ensures that the Board fulfils its collective responsibility for strategic direction, risk management, regulatory compliance and long term income sustainability. |
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (Baselines need to be provided to then set KPIs-/-outcomes) |
- Strength and diversity of the fundraising pipeline (grants, trusts, corporate partnerships).
- Quality and timeliness of governance reporting on fundraising performance and risks.
- Board understanding of fundraising compliance, ethics and regulatory responsibilities.
- Evidence of improved strategic decision making on income generation.
- Increased organisational confidence in assessing funder fit and partnership risk.
- Contribution to long‑term income growth and sustainability.
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RESPONSIBILITIES |
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Strategic & Governance Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership on all fundraising matters at Board level.
- Ensure fundraising activity aligns with WRAS’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
- Oversee compliance with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice, Charity Commission guidance and relevant legislation.
- Scrutinise fundraising plans, budgets, KPIs and risk registers.
- Support the Board to understand restricted vs unrestricted income, sustainability and return on investment.
- Lead or contribute to relevant committees or working groups.
- Actively demonstrate and uphold the WRAS Trustee Code of Conduct, ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission standards, legal and accountability obligations, and the Nolan Principles of conduct in public life.
Grant & Trust Fundraising Oversight- Guide the development of a robust multi-year grants pipeline.
- Ensure applications are strategically aligned and do not distort WRAS’s mission.
- Oversee quality of proposals, evidence, outcomes and evaluation frameworks.
- Monitor compliance with funder reporting requirements and deadlines.
- Support staff/volunteers to identify new funding opportunities.
Corporate Fundraising Oversight- Provide governance oversight of corporate partnerships, ensuring ethical alignment and reputational safety.
- Support the assessment of potential partners, including environmental and social responsibility.
- Ensure compliance with commercial participator regulations and charity law.
- Offer strategic insight into partnership development, stewardship and long-term value.
Board Collaboration & Leadership- Provide constructive scrutiny and professional insight to senior fundraising staff/volunteers.
- Provide constructive challenge, professional insight and support.
- Champion a culture of ethical fundraising, transparency and accountability.
- Represent WRAS externally where appropriate.
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ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES |
- Participate fully in Board meetings.
- Uphold WRAS’s safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.
- Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Board and charity governance.
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Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE |
Essential - Significant experience in grant, trust or corporate fundraising, ideally at a senior or strategic level.
- Understanding of the UK funding landscape, including charitable trusts, foundations and corporate CSR.
- Experience of assessing funding opportunities, writing or reviewing proposals, and evaluating impact.
- Knowledge of fundraising regulation, ethical standards and charity governance.
- Experience of working with or advising boards, committees or senior leadership teams.
Desirable - Experience in conservation, wildlife rescue, environmental charities or community based organisations.
- Networks within philanthropy, corporate sustainability or local business communities.
- Experience in marketing, communications, sales, CSR or bid assessment.
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KEY SKILLS |
- Strategic thinking and ability to interpret complex information.
- Strong financial literacy, including understanding of budgets, KPIs and ROI.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to assess risk, funder fit and reputational implications.
- Confident in providing constructive challenge and professional insight.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers and trustees.
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PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES |
- Commitment to WRAS’s mission, values and wildlife welfare.
- Integrity, sound judgement and a strong ethical compass.
- Diplomacy, tact and the ability to balance support with challenge.
Time commitment Trustees are expected to allocate sufficient time to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. This includes: - Preparing for and attending monthly Board meetings.
- Participating in relevant sub-groups.
- Completing assigned actions within agreed time frames.
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How to apply, please send cv to linda@eastsussexwras.org.uk
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
