We have an exciting opportunity to work on a high-profile fundraising campaign to repurpose Manchester’s derelict Castlefield Viaduct into a free-to-access elevated park. You’ll be part of a small team working towards the ultimate goal of creating much-needed urban green space and a programme of vibrant activities which will help people and wildlife to thrive.

As Stewardship Assistant you will be part of a team delivering first class stewardship across high value donor audiences, including individuals, corporates and grant making bodies. Supporting our Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships Consultants with donor enquiries, event organisation, project information and research you will help to engage donors and prospects with the project through inspiring touchpoints and updates. This is a great role for someone to broaden their fundraising skills and expertise, or for someone from a supporter care background looking to step into fundraising. There will also be the opportunity to work with colleagues within our regional Growing Support team and across the National Trust to deliver quality service for our donors and supporters. 

Please note this role is part time 30 hours per week and the salary is pro rota

What it's like to work here

We are embarking on a new phase of our fundraising strategy with ambitions for significant growth to help ensure that our work in conservation and for nature continues, that everyone feels welcome and enjoys access to our places.  

 We are passionate about our work and are striving for excellence. The Trust is an exciting, diverse and vibrant place to work, looking after some of country’s most beautiful and interesting places and bringing to life our work and the properties in our care. 

 This post is contractually based at our offices in Manchester or Altrincham but there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust.

What you'll be doing

As part of the Castlefield Viaduct fundraising campaign team, you’ll be working with our Philanthropy and Corporate Partnerships Consultants, project and operational teams and others to inspire new and existing supporters to continue to support this project and to develop their long-term support of the NT. 

Working collaboratively, you will be instrumental in delivering our ambitions for a range of different audiences – including donors, corporates, grant funders and visitors. 

You’ll work with the team on supporter enquiries from a wide range of audiences, resolving queries or triaging them as appropriate. You’ll deliver timely activities, such as thank you letters or events for donors. You’ll also help to source and write case studies as well as project updates to inspire and thank our supporters. There will be opportunities to support grant reporting and sharing learnings for future improvements in our work. You will help our Philanthropy Consultants to prepare for key meetings or approaches by supporting them with background research.

You'll also help support other administration and supporter care tasks for the team, including dealing with telephone and email enquiries for events.

Who we're looking for

Someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about the work of the National Trust, and the potential of this project to make Manchester even more amazing. You will also need:

• Knowledge of fundraising and/or working in the charity sector
• Passion for first class stewardship and an interest in fundraising innovation
• Experience in relationship handling or supporter care or customer service
• Ability to work independently, proactively and prioritise and as part of a team
• Have a great eye for detail and producing high quality work
• Excellent written skills
• To be highly organised and efficient, and sensitive in your approach
• To be a quick learner, to pick up new information and processes and willing to gain skills in new systems
• Comfortable working with databases
• Great at using your initiative and suggesting new ways of working

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too