Head of Fundraising

The Head of Fundraising is an exciting new role developed for the Society to increase fundraising and develop additional income streams to enhance the sustainability of the Society. They will help deliver the Transformation Plan, an exciting new project for Scotland’s oldest learned antiquarian Society to help deliver the Society’s vision: “Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, home and abroad”.

The Transformation Plan includes the acquisition and redevelopment of a B-listed building in central Edinburgh to co-create the most inclusive, low-carbon and heritage-rich space to work, visit and participate. This will become a heritage hub for Scotland’s past, helping to bring heritage alive for a wide range of public audiences. This role will provide the necessary vision, leadership, and fundraising skills which will enable the Society to achieve its fundraising targets and enhance its development program.

They will be an effective fundraiser and key contact for grant giving organisations, personal donations and legacies. They will report directly to the Director sharing collective responsibility to deliver the Society’s strategy and vision.

Initially on a 2.5-year fixed term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to funding, the post will work as part of the senior management team and liaise directly with staff, Councillors (trustees), members (known as Fellows) and other organisations and individuals to ensure the successful delivery of their responsibilities.

The post will have the following immediate priorities:

·         Helping develop and submit a major stage one Development Phase National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant application in collaboration with the Director and others, creating an engaging and successful proposal and case for support (part of an overall c£6m Transformation Plan project)

·         Development and delivery of a major fundraising campaign based on personal giving, grant applications and other fundraising activities

·         Working with staff and Councillors to develop the required transformation of the Society to deliver maximum public benefit in line with the Society’s vision and mission

·         Line managing staff as required

Main Responsibilities

Strategy and planning

·         Development and delivery of a fundraising campaign (including grant funding, individual and organisational donations, and other fundraising activities) for a c£6m project, setting targets in collaboration with the Director and meeting them, creating engaging and successful proposals and cases for support

·         Lead the annual fundraising planning process to produce effective strategies to achieve income targets across a range of revenue streams

·         In cooperation with the Director, lead the development of a long-term fundraising strategy to achieve agreed long term Society goals and vision

·         Identify new potential income streams and produce strategies to access these funds

Fundraising

·         Build and manage an effective fundraising team (across the Society staff and volunteers as required) that delivers fundraising income meeting set targets

·         Oversee the management of a grant and trust income programme, supporting staff as necessary and ensuring production of effective, high-quality proposals and reports

·         Oversee the management of an individual giving programme, supporting staff as necessary and ensuring production of effective, high-quality donor development and reports

·         Lead on development of new funding streams

·         Develop and maintain effective supporter journeys for the development of relationships and retention

Senior Management

The Head of Fundraising is a member of the Society’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and as such the post-holder will be expected to play a proactive role in the management of the Society including:

·         Organisational strategic planning and development

·         Income and expenditure budget planning and management

·         Advising members of SMT on the availability of funds and the viability of obtaining funds to support initiatives

·         Contribute to leadership decisions on all aspects of policy, development and organisation

·         Playing a significant role in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Society strategy and action plans

·         To participate as an active member of the SMT, attending meetings and producing reports as required

·         Attending Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings to report and give advice on fundraising matters

·         Attending and participating in Council (trustee meetings) and producing reports as required

·         Contribute to establishing and delivering on the core values of the Society

·         Attend and participate in relevant events

 

A full job description is available.

Person Specification

The Head of Fundraising will have substantial fundraising and management experience, a talent for building relationships and a proven track record in securing funds from statutory sources, foundations, trusts and major donors. They will be a key contact for grant giving organisations, personal donations and legacies. They will report directly to the Director sharing collective responsibility to deliver the Society’s strategy and vision. As such they will need the following:

Requirements - essential

·         At least three years’ experience in a similar role

·         Demonstrable record of major capital fundraising leadership and delivery, ideally within a charitable organisation but others will be considered

·         A track record of successful fundraising, including sizeable NLHF applications

·         Experience of utilising the strength of an organisational brand for charity/business development

·         Proven track record of meeting challenging income targets

·         Proven ability to build, manage and develop key stakeholder, client and donor relationships including developing and managing individual donors and development of legacy giving

·         Experience of developing and implementing strategic and business plans

·         Strong leadership skills

·         Track record of bringing innovative creative thinking and fresh ideas to an organisation and/or its services

·         Knowledge of the fundraising environment including regulations around due diligence and compliance

·         Knowledge of a range techniques and disciplines which will support the cost-effective generation of income for the Society

·         Excellent interpersonal and networking skills

·         Exceptionally convincing and persuasive written and oral skills with the ability to present and convey complex ideas and issues clearly and coherently to a diverse range of audiences

·         Ability to secure Senior Management and Board approval for strategy

·         Demonstrable ability to evaluate the type of initiatives and programs within the scope of the post and initiate, develop and deliver new initiatives that build on their successes

 

Aptitude

·         Inclusive management style with experience of line management

·         Ability to work flexibly, including occasional weekend and out-of-hours work

·         Strong commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation

·         The ability to drive and embed lasting change

·         Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative, make decisions and achieve ambitious targets

·         Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity

 

Requirements - desirable

·         Experience of working in a charitable organisation

·         Experience of working in a membership organisation

·         Experience and understanding of working with heritage organisations

·         Understanding of the main issues facing the heritage sector

·         Entrepreneurial outlook

·         Experience of matrix management

·         Evidence of Continued Professional Development relevant to the role purpose and level

Further Information

This post is an initial 2.5-year (30 month) full-time contract which will be extendible subject to funding. There will be a short probationary period during which time your skills and suitability for the position will be assessed. Development of fundraising for the Transformation Plan will be the immediate priority. A lot of work has already been undertaken by the Society in preparing for an NLHF application as part of this, but the skill and experience of this post will ensure it has the maximum chance of success. This will include liaising with others, including NLHF staff and our consultants, the More Partnership.

The tasks and role will develop in line with the requirements in that application and the implementation of the Transformation Plan and will be reviewed after the submission of the initial NLHF bid. However, the core responsibilities will remain the development and delivery of successful fundraising strategies, increasing income to the Society.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and believes that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and encourage all interested individuals to apply.

A full job description is available.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society has been around for over 240 years, actively supporting the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past, ensuring everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect its heritage, home and abroad. We are now looking to contract a new role created to help us enhance the organisation and increase its sustainability into the future.

What we do

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is a heritage charity (SC010440) with global membership providing expertise, support and resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past. It empowers and facilitates research and innovation, advocating as an independent voice for heritage, and sharing knowledge of the past with everyone. For more information please refer to our website.