Events and Fundraising Officer

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is a charity that represents the voice of people living with dyslexia. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.

This role plays a crucial part in supporting and educating the dyslexic community by planning and delivering engaging, high-quality events and supporting fundraising. The Events and Fundraising Officer will provide administration support to the fundraising team one day a week, and the remaining four days will be spent on BDA Events. These events provide vital information, resources, and networking opportunities for individuals, professionals, and organisations working with dyslexia.

A typical annual calendar of events might look like:

• 2 x virtual webinars per month

• 2-3 virtual conferences

• 1-2 in-person conferences

• 1-2 networking/reception/policy events

• 1 fundraising event

• Other ad-hoc events

Location

This is a hybrid role, working one day a week from our office in Bracknell, and the remainder of the work from home. Travel to event locations and site visits (approximately 6-8 times per year) will be required, as well as some evening and weekend work for live events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Planning, Management and Administration

• Plan and oversee events from conception to completion, working closely with the Head of Fundraising.

• Work in close liaison with external event organisers in the development and delivery of events.

• Undertake operational aspects of events, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Data administration ensure accurate event sign-up data, data recording on the CRM and ongoing administration of data.

• Delegate support manage delegate communications and oversee post-event feedback collection.

• Virtual Event Management serve as the technical lead for virtual events and rehearsals, utilising Zoom and other technical platforms.

• Ensure sponsors and exhibitors receive their full package and liaise with the Finance Department regarding contracts and fees.

• Manage events-related web pages on the BDA website.

Fundraising and Administration

• Provide administrative support one day a week across the Fundraising and Events team.

• Visits to the office as and when required to support with fundraising fulfilment and stock checks (likely to be two days per month)

• Maximise fundraising potential, particularly for free events, through strategic donation and sponsorship initiatives.

• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to integrate fundraising efforts into event planning.

• Work with the Partnerships Manager to identify and approach potential sponsors and donors to support events.

• Monitor and report on the financial performance of fundraising initiatives linked to events.

Marketing and Promotion

• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop targeted event promotion strategies.

• Monitor marketing activity, analyse trends, and suggest improvements.

Stakeholder and Supplier Management

• Actively secure and follow up leads to secure bookings, including liaising with external agencies.

• Manage relationships with suppliers, external supporters, exhibitors, and sponsors.

• Ensure GDPR compliance when working with distribution lists.

Budgeting and Reporting

• Assist the Head of Fundraising in reaching organisational targets and managing budgets.

• Collate and analyse post-event data for feedback reports.

• Continually analyse our events offerings to ensure that our events are meeting the needs of our beneficiaries and/or generating fundraising income.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven event management experience.

• Well organised with an ability to work under pressure and with competing priorities, using own initiative.

• Excellent understanding of Customer Relationship Management and Content Management Systems.

• High level of IT competency inc. Microsoft Office and Zoom.

• Ability to proactively engage and influence a range of stakeholders at all levels, trustees, volunteers, speakers, and external organisations.

• Demonstrable ability to prioritise and organise resources to deliver on time, budget and agreed high quality standards.

• Self-disciplined and confident with a friendly and diplomatic manner.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work well within a small team, as well as within the wider organisation.

• Ability to work to targets and deadlines.

• Ability to work independently, be a self-starter / motivated.

Desirable

• Knowledge of dyslexia and/or neurodiversity.

• Experience working within the charitable sector.

• Knowledge of Access CRM and MailChimp.

Equal Opportunities

At the BDA, we celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone whether a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or beneficiary feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and strive to ensure our team reflects the communities we serve.