Job Description

About the Trust

We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?



Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Internal title: Operations Executive - Venue and Events

Salary:

30,250

Location:

Hybrid working - 2 days in the office and 3 days working from home.

Working Hours:

37 Hours Monday - Friday



We are currently recruiting for a Fundraising Operations Executive - Private Sites and events Venue booker. You will be responsible for supporting the logistics and administration of the F2F Fundraising programme and planning and organising our calendar of F2F, (face to face), fundraising events and private site venues. This includes;

Leading on the sourcing and securing of venues/events. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in booking venues and events for charities across the UK. Sourcing for fundraising would be advantageous. Overseeing pricing negotiation (email and via phone) and raising Purchase Orders, invoicing, managing budgets, updating spreadsheets.

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on planning, negotiating, and delivering exceptional logistical support while working autonomously.

Location and coverage

The successful candidate must be willing to travel to Birmingham at least twice a week and work from our local hub, while also being comfortable working from home and managing tasks independently.

About the role

Key accountabilities:

Venue & Event Booking

o



Source, negotiate, and secure high-quality venues for the F2F fundraising team across the UK. This will involve building strong relationships with venue providers and ensure compliance with agreements. You will also manage last-minute changes and resolve logistical challenges.

Event Coordination & Planning



Regularly speak with F2F Fundraisers to plan venues and events one month in advance, and major events/expos six months ahead. You will also attend check ins reviews to provide updates and fill our annual events calendar with existing and new F2F fundraising venues and opportunities. You will identify and secure audience-matched opportunities for private site and event fundraising, including garden centres, farmers markets, music and food festivals, exhibitions, and other dynamic, creative privately-owned spaces that align with our cause.

Administrative Support

Deliver accurate and timely admin tasks to support venue booking and event logistics. This includes maintaining detailed records via excel, managing the payment processes, an helping with fundraiser rotas.

Data & Systems

Use CRM and acquisition platforms to track bookings and performance.

About you

Work experience:

Experience of booking venues and events where sales, marketing or fundraising teams are generating income. Charity experience advantageous. Experience making external phone calls to secure venues and also visiting new or existing venues to secure fundraising opportunities. Experience and knowledge of booking F2F fundraising venues across the UK. Some experience of project management / coordination of multiple events programme.

General skills:

Comfortable with lone working and home-based tasks. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage a varied workload. Excellent negotiation and customer service skills. Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.

Proficient in Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power BI).

Basic knowledge of CRM systems and acquisition platforms.

Solutions-focused approach with resilience to setbacks and last-minute changes.

Confident communicator who builds rapport easily with internal and external stakeholders. Drivers license desirable.

Willingness to travel to Birmingham at least twice a week and work from the local hub.



We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we offer:

In addition to your salary 30,250, we also offer a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits we are also open to flexible working arrangements. These include:

Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%. 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing to 30 days after 5 years. Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters. Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme. 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc. Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.



All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.



At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we're all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.



Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us