Job Description: Fundraiser & Bid Writer (Freelance)

• Background: fundraising and philanthropy within the ecosystem restoration, nature based solutions, regenerative agriculture and biodiversity ecosystems.

• Location: able to attend weekly meetings and co-working days in London.

• Contract type: fixed term, freelance contract, with possibility to become an employee.

About Initiative Earth and Earthed 

Initiative Earth is a UK Registered Charity with a mission is to enable people to restore ecosystems and revitalise community wellbeing around the world. The Charity’s core activity is the management and launch of Earthed, which exists to remove the obstacles that prevent people from regenerating local ecosystems, providing access to the necessary skills, networks and funds they need to restore nature and learn to grow. 

In June 2023, the Earthed platform was launched, offering high quality video courses that provide practical skills in biodiversity building, growing food, community supported agriculture, ecosystem restoration, river restoration and much more. Earthed has had a successful first 6 months and in 2024 is looking to substantially grow the organisation and its impact. Therefore, the Earthed team is seeking a freelance bid writer to work closely with the directors and team to create successful bids, strategies and proposals. 

By 2032, Earthed aims to have enabled millions of people to participate in the global ecosystem restoration movement. Revenue generated through membership will support the running of the Charity as well as establish an Action Fund so members can apply for the grants they need to start and scale regeneration projects. 

Links:

• Earthed Website

• Earthed Case for Support

• Earthed Instagram

• Earthed About Video

Our Board of Trustees:

• Cara Delevingne, Model and actor 

• Naresh Ramchandani, Writer and founder of Do The Green Thing

• James Beazley, Treasurer – Accountant and finance lead in tech

• Deepa Mirchandani – Sustainability, strategy and systems consultant

• Jack Harries – Film-maker and Earthrise founder

• Isabella Noero – Artist and activist

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for someone with proven fundraising success within the ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture sectors, who is embedded within and knowledgeable of the broader landscape of investment and philanthropic funds, actors, individuals, organisations and stakeholders. Above all, we are looking for someone willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who will deepen and diversify the skills and thinking of the current team.

Key responsibilities:

Proposal development:

• Take strategic and innovative approaches to fundraising, philanthropy and impact.
• Craft clear, accurate and persuasive proposals that effectively communicate the charity’s value proposition, innovative, scalable and impactful approach.
• Approach funds strategically to ensure successful conversion, ensuring proposals are tailored and aligned to their specific needs, showcasing our ability to meet and exceed requirements and expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant information and insights for bid responses.
• Organise and chair bid kick-off meetings and follow up meetings to ensure deadlines are met.

Funding analysis:

• Stay informed about funding trends, market demands, and activities of similar organisations within the ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture sector.
• Use funding insights to enhance the agency’s bid strategies and positioning.
• Support the development of effective impact measurement and reporting strategies that both meet the needs of funders and ensure that the Charity fulfils its mission. 

Required qualities & skills:

Fundraising success:

• Proven fundraising success as a bid writer, specifically within the ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture sectors.
• Ability to advise on broader fundraising and revenue generation strategies for a Charity.
• Strategic, creative and innovative approaches to fundraising and impact.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• High attention to detail, with excellent editing and proofing ability to ensure questions are answered properly and accurately.

Sector specific knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of regenerative agriculture and ecosystem restoration.
• Strong understanding of the role of nature based solutions, environment and biodiversity within climate. 
• Understanding of similar platforms in the agriculture / ESR sector, as well as in the online learning space more broadly.
• Understanding of “technology for good” and the use of technology to drive impact and ecosystem restoration at scale. 
• Aware of and able to communicate from an objective position the complexities and nuances of approaches, perspectives and practices within ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture. 
• Embedded within and knowledgeable about the network of key figures and actors in the global ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture movements, with both famers, landworkers and grassroots organisations on-the-ground, as well as with NGOs and institutions. 
• Ideally the candidate is particularly connected to key actors and networks in the UK, but with an understanding of the global movement. 

General

• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a startup environment 
• Ability to develop trusting and compatible relationships and work effectively as part of a team
• PAssion for driving impact
• Willingness to work according to our values, with enthusiasm for our vision and mission

To apply: please send a cover letter in response to the role description together with your CV to Ruby Reed by email: ruby@initiativeearth.org. The cover letter should include an outline of why you are suitable and what you could bring to the position. We welcome additional information, including attachments or links to work. A shortlist of candidates will be invited to interview. Initiative Earth is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from anyone who feels they might be a good fit for the position.