Jessica
Tell us about your role as a recruiter?
Prior to Prospectus I worked for a lovely boutique agency who specialised solely in fundraising recruitment. When they closed I actually decided it was time to do something other than recruitment but wasn’t’ sure what?! When put in touch with Ian, Managing Director at Prospectus through an old colleague, I was delighted to see that Prospectus shared similar values to what I was looking for and wasn’t a commissioned based organisation, an unusual find in the recruitment industry! Suddenly remaining in recruitment felt like a positive option and I was lucky enough to join the Prospectus Fundraising Team in August 2019 - and I haven’t looked back!
I love working in charity recruitment and in particular the fundraising space. I work on a huge variety of roles, from entry-level up to director positions and with an array of inspiring organisations and hiring managers. Each vacancy has its own set of challenges which I thrive on meeting - it keeps me on my toes, determined to find the right person for the client I am working with and vice versa - the right role and organisation for one of our dedicated candidates.
Why did you choose a career in recruitment?
Prior to working in recruitment, I had a 10-year career in TV production which was great. I loved the work, the programmes and the huge variety and array of people and talent I worked with but I suffered burn out and realised I wanted more of a work life balance. It was a difficult decision to leave the industry but not one I regret. I knew I wanted my next move to be people orientated but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. A good friend of mine worked in the charity sector and put me in touch with an agency to discuss my options and that’s how I came to work in charity recruitment.
It wasn’t something I had ever considered, but it ticks a lot of boxes for me and is people centric. Working in recruitment for the charity sector is important to me because I enjoy helping people, encouraging them and at times building confidence so they can move forward with their careers. I love finding great fundraisers for organisations so they can continue raising the income imperative to continue their work. I have also learnt so much about myself through working in this space - it can be very humbling.
What does your flexible way of working mean for you?
In July 2020 during the pandemic, I had a little boy, Oscar, who has been the most wonderful gift. After a year of maternity leave I was apprehensive about returning to work but Prospectus and Ryan (Director-Fundraising) were hugely supportive and very keen to make it work for me and my family. I remember Ryan saying that he knew my life had changed and that I was coming back with a new set of things to juggle but asked what he could do to make that easier and for it to be a success. I returned to work four days a week, Monday to Thursday and I treasure my Fridays with Oscar. But I also love being back at work! Being supported as a parent, particularly when it is all very new, is so important - a game changer, and Prospectus and Ryan have been brilliant. I think it was my second day back and the nursery called (one of many times to follow!) to say Oscar had a temperature and could I come and collect him and Ryan just said “go look after your boy, we’ve got you covered” and that support has continued. Being a parent and being an employee are not separate entities and I feel lucky that Prospectus really understands that!
Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to become a recruiter?
If you’re wanting to join recruitment from outside the industry I would advise thinking about what really drives and inspires you, and finding organisations that align. Do your research into the various types of recruitment and be prepared to potentially learn a whole new industry – in time you will need to be an expert in your field so an interest is imperative! I couldn’t work outside of the charity sector or for a commission-based employer, but others would excel in that world! If an organisation aligns with your values and your purpose and you feel inspired, you can’t really go wrong.
