Alumni Relations and Fundraising Officer

Background:

Longford Rugby Football Club (“Longford RFC”) is a community focused sports club, providing a rugby union outlet to counties; Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon, Leitrim and Cavan.

The club fields teams from Adult level to under 6’s, in men’s and women’s codes.

In recent years, the club has developed a playing campus at The Demesne in Longford town, that is recognised as one of the best in Ireland.

Currently, the club is developing a 4G all weather facility. This development is running concurrently with an ambitious plan to extend its engagement with the local community, through the Leinster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union’s CCRO initiative, with a vision to enable local young rugby players play at the highest level available to them. Ultimately, the hope is that all Longford teams will play at the highest level open to them.

The Mechanism:

To fund this coaching initiative, Longford RFC are about to launch “The Auld Blacks Lotto”. This lotto would be an annual subscription, with a rolling jackpot, incorporating two draws per week. The plan is to identify worldwide alumni of the club, and ask that they would subscribe to this fundraiser.

It is envisaged that other projects will be launched on an intermittent basis.

The Role:

To ensure maximum alumni engagement, Longford RFC are looking to recruit a Full Time Alumni Relations and Fundraising Officer, initially in a short time basis.

The role will start at 15 hours per week. This may grow as the role grows.

The role will be remunerated on a commission only basis.

The role may involve evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

To identify and forge strong mutually beneficial relationships with alumni, donors and friends of Longford RFC, with success measured through attainment of KPI’s demonstrating improved engagement (data, fundraising, communications, attendance at virtual and physical events) with key stakeholders for the Club relating to fundraising.

The relationship with our alumni starts with our players the day they enter The Demesne; you will be responsible for implementing a comprehensive global alumni engagement strategy aimed at the full life cycle of our alumni aligned with the playing and social experience at the Club.

In line with the above, you will work closely with the Board to build contactable information of alumni and to proactively build relationships with a strong network of alumni who will re-engage with the Club by attending events, volunteering their time, giving philanthropically and engaging with online and offline communications. You will also drive other fundraising programmes by identifying and cultivating highly engaged alumni to create a sustainable pipeline of donors.

The role will report directly to the Club Chairman. The successful candidate will be expected to manage the relationship will all the Board members.

Experience

The suitable candidate will possess the following experience and professional characteristics:

· Experience in event management, direct marketing and mass communications, preferably in Alumni Relations/Fundraising is desirable but not essential.

· Significant relationship management experience with stakeholders at various levels.

· A high degree of computer literacy and experience of using a CRM database.

· Highly developed organisational and multi-tasking skills, paying attention to detail.

· Understanding of online engagement strategies.

· Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

· A proven track record in cross department collaboration.

· Demonstrable ability to work under pressure and to challenging deadlines and KPI’s, feeding into monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

· Motivated, flexible and ability to use initiative and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.

· Exceptional interpersonal skills.

· A strong business acumen.

What You Can Expect from Us

You will be part of a dynamic, fast-paced sporting organisation with an entrepreneurial and inclusive culture where you will work within a tight and collaborative team.

Interested candidates should email niall@stephenscooke.ie with a covering letter and CV.

Application deadline: 26/6/2020