WORLD JEWISH RELIEF
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Special Events Assistant
Reports to:
Special Events Manager
Salary:
£22k
Purpose:
WJR’s Special Events Department is looking for a staff member who will assist the Special Events Manager with the
logistical planning and delivery of events and assist the Special Events & Major Gifts Coordinator with administration.
Our events portfolio consists of WJR’s Annual Dinner flagship event, and other high level breakfasts, lunches,
regional dinners and donor engagement events. We are also introducing a new gala event to the portfolio. This role
will devote a large proportion of time focusing on the planning and implementation of the new event, which is a very
exciting prospect for the individual and the events team.
This role is ideal for somebody with a keen interest in a career in event management especially within the charity
sector. We are looking for someone bright and ambitious, as there will be the opportunity to lead on administrative
and logistical elements. Prior experience of event planning and experience of Raiser’s Edge or similar databases is
highly advantageous.
Background:
World Jewish Relief is dedicated to alleviating human suffering and serving the urgent needs of, primarily but not
exclusively, Jewish communities who are at risk or in crisis around the world. Last year WJR raised in excess of
£4.5m voluntary income supporting 59,908 vulnerable individuals, through 73 programmes, in 20 countries across
the world.
WJR’s events portfolio raises c£1.6m per year. Our special events are renowned for their professionalism and have
an excellent reputation within the community. All events offer a platform to represent the organisation and raise vital
funds in order to continue our programmes across the globe.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Planning & Delivery
 Supporting the Special Events Manager in the planning of events; liaising with key suppliers such as
caterers, venues, production companies
 Leading on some elements of event planning
 Attending committee meetings and taking minutes
 Attending all events and assisting with set up and delivery
 Researching entertainment ideas
 Carrying out competitor research
Event Administration
 Inputting guest replies and donor information into Raiser’s Edge
 Extracting information from Raiser’s Edge
 Compiling and updating spreadsheets - working on these as instructed
 General administrative support
 Involvement in the preparation of pre and post event mailings
Major Donor Assistance
 Assisting the Major Giving Team with the delivery of their events
 There may also be ad-hoc work relating to the Major Gifts portfolio, such as assistance with Patronage lists,
thanking major donors and general administration
 This role will lead on our debtor process, on a once monthly basis
 There will be the opportunity to carry out Major Donor research on an ad-hoc basis (time dependent).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Factor
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
AND EXPERIENCE

Degree level or equivalent

At least one year’s experience working in events and/or gaining fundraising experience would be
beneficial

Exceptional administrative, organisational and IT skills

Knowledge and experience of using Raiser’s Edge / similar database

Good relationship building skills, as this role will be working with staff, supporters, suppliers and
committees

Confidence to work with suppliers and key stakeholders

High level of attention to detail

Good written and verbal communication skills

Good research skills

Strong time management skills

Ability to multi-task

Ability to work in a team and use own initiative

General understanding of the Charity sector
SKILLS,
KNOWLEDGE
APTITUDE
AND
OTHER

An understanding of and empathy with values and work of World Jewish Relief

Knowledge and understanding of the Jewish Community a distinct advantage

Willingness to work additional hours according to specific event demands
As this post is UK based, non-EU nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK
Normal Hours of Work: 9:00am to 5.30p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 2.00p.m. on Friday although
flexibility is required for additional hours at the request of senior management.