Business Development Officer

Cotlands is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) committed to creating access to quality play-based early learning experiences through toy libraries and early learning playgroups. We capacitate adults working with children and educate the parents of children on a variety of topics related to early childhood development.

Join the passionate team at this leading NGO, with a strong national footprint. The organisation is well established and has been in operation for more than 88 years.

The Business Development Officer is responsible for identifying and securing funding opportunities to support the organisation's programs and goals. Build and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders, prepare proposals, and develop strategies to expand the outreach and impact. The role involves market research, strategic planning, and collaboration with internal teams to ensure the organisation achieves its sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with internal relationships
  1. Work closely with the BD team to ensure the effective planning, implementations and delivery of fundraising activities.
  2. Maximise the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship events through marketing and promotional events.
  3. Work closely with senior management, Projects and Operations to support the development of new business.
  4. Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure efficient processes are in place and exceptional supporter is delivered.

• Manage existing corporate partners
  1. Secure personal income target and contribute to the achievement of team targets.
  2. Carry out day-to-day responsibilities for managing relationships and communications with a portfolio of existing and new partners/investors, ensuring exceptional stewardship.
  3. Support the development and delivery of partner fundraising and associated activities, attending in person where required.
  4. Develop and deliver effective PR, communications and engagement activities, working closely with communications and digital activities where appropriate.
  5. Provide written reports to partners/investors as required.
  6. Work closely with Operations and Projects to maximise the effectiveness of engagement and stewardship events in supporting the development of existing and prospective relationships.

• Source new business
  1. Attend networking events to identify prospective new business opportunities.
  2. Research, approach and develop new partnership/investment opportunities as agreed by the National business development manager.
  3. Develop, write and present persuasive and innovative proposals in conjunction with the National business development manager and colleagues.
  4. Contribute to the preparation for meetings and pitches by developing profiles and compiling information as directed.

• Administration
  1. Support the development of fundraising operational plans.
  2. Ensure effective use of Cotlands SOP’s for managing and developing existing and prospective partnerships/investment.
  3. Ensure all donations and income are correctly recorded, tracked and acknowledged.
  4. Track, analyse and report on fundraising results and measure activities.
  5. Provide regular income and activity reports, as directed, to the National business development manager.

• General
  1. Contribute to special organisation-wide projects, as requested.
  2. Get to know the work of Cotlands and the priority areas for funding in order to support the fundraising strategy.
  3. Maintain up to date personal knowledge of play-based learning, toy libraries and other industry relevant knowledge including the terminology.
  4. Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding donor and beneficiary information.
  5. Comply with Cotlands policies and procedures.
  6. Ensure that personal behaviour and decisions are driven by excellent stewardship.
  7. Keep up to date with cutting edge strategies and activities, especially in the international arena and global markets.
  8. Generate innovative and creative ideas to generate income, especially international funding.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements

• Relevant qualifications
• Experience in sales, PR, marketing and/or fundraising
• International fundraising knowledge and experience
• International investor relationships and network would be an added advantage
• Experience in account management and/or customer care
• Experience in database management
• Good understanding of the principles of corporate fundraising
• Good understanding of prospect research and vetting methods
• Valid EB driver's licence and own reliable transport
• Very strong computer skills - complete MS Word package

Competencies

• Strong networking capacity
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of partners and investors
• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others
• Ability to systematically work towards a target
• Strong administration and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Competent use of the full MS suite
• Demonstrated diplomacy and ability to work in confidence
• Good numerical skills