Community Engagement Officer

This role is a FT maternity cover contract over a 15 month period, 38.75 hours pw with some weekend and evening working included. Overseen by our Head of Fundraising, this role primarily covers running the Shelters events alongside supervising our non animal related Volunteers, overseeing the running of our two Charity shops, actively recruiting and managing new corporate sponsors and donors including our Helping Hands offering and attending general networking events.

A full description of the role is below. There is a six month probationary period and the rate of pay will be £13.25 ph plus other staff benefits including a work place pension and company sick pay.

This role will suit an enthusiastic, hardworking, self-motivated individual who likes a split of indoor and outdoor working. A practical individual the applicant must be confident and personable dealing with all types of people. A full driving licence is required and an immediate start would be preferred with a closing date of 30th November 2025.

Please apply in writing with a copy of your CV to Peter Newcombe, General Manager, Cheltenham Animal Shelter via the address in the contact details,  or email your details by clicking on Apply Now.

Please note that due to the expected high number of applicants we regret that we will be unable respond to those not invited in for an interview, but would like to thank all those that have applied.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Community Engagement Officer

Responsible to: Head of Fundraising

Post Objective:  Working under the direction of the Head of Fundraising, to take responsibility for any community engagements. This being Corporate led commitments, events and management of Volunteers and the Charity Shops.

• Work effectively as part of the Management team reporting directly to the Head of Fundraising to ensure that the Shelter is run in accordance with the instructions of the Board of Trustees.
• In conjunction with the Head of Fundraising and Fundraising team promote a range of fundraising events and functions on behalf of the shelter throughout the year including regular weekend activities, working closely with and involving other members of the management team, other staff and volunteers. Look after the entire life cycle of each event from initial enquiry/plan to completion.
• In conjunction with the Head of Fundraising and Fundraising team oversee regular Corporate groups attending the shelter, encouraging them to fundraise beforehand and afterwards. Support and lead their CSR day at the shelter.
• Responsible for the acquisition of new corporate partners and the effective stewardship and development of existing corporate relationships to maximise long-term support for the organisation.
• Take the lead on any General Shelter talks within the local community.
• Collaborate with the Education team and support them with workshops where requested and relevant.
• Manage and oversee events on the day of happening, including problem solving, welcoming guests/supporters, directing event set-up, communicating with staff and organizing vendors. Ensure all event equipment such as gazebo’s, tables, chairs, information stand, marketing materials, etc are available and loaded onto vehicles the night before and then unloaded when returned.   
• Communicate with other members of the Fundraising team to create effective advertisements for each event, creating paper based items such as posters and information or for the website/Facebook online advertisements for individual events., leaflets and online advertisement.
• Anticipate and plan for different scenarios and where necessary plan multiple events at once.
• Have overall responsibility for the promotion and performance of the onsite and offsite Charity Shops liaising regularly with and managing the Onsite Shop Supervisor and offsite Shop Manager. Ensure that the EPOS system incorporating the Retail Gift Aid process works correctly and captures GA where possible.
• Actively promote and coordinate the collection of items for fundraising recycling, via the individual Charity Shops.
• Coordinate the distribution, collection and careful recording of money spinners , individual money collection tins and food collection bins.
• Pro-actively seek out new collection sites and times, gaining local council licences where necessary and be involved and co-ordinate these. Includes street collections ( Christmas and Race week)  via Cheltenham Borough Council, Pets At Home store collections and regular supermarket collections.
• Ensure events are well manned by Volunteers and as much support is given as possible to all activities profiling the Shelter.
• Post and monitor adverts for and then recruit and induct new Volunteers for various non animal related roles as demand dictates within the Shelter.
• Monitor, encourage and support those volunteers in all aspects of daily life within both the Shelter and at all external events.
• Record regular hours of all Volunteers, hold thank you events and organise recognition certificates for long service Volunteers.
• Attend various Networking events to make new contacts and keep up to date with all local and national Volunteering groups and news.
• Promote the Animal Shelter in a positive and pro-active manner by improving systems and methods and provide an exemplary lead to staff.
• Provide excellent customer care when in contact with members of the public, supporters, sponsors ,and other’s presenting a professional image at all times.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by the General Manager, Operations Manager or Head of Fundraising