Head of Capital Appeal

QuarterFive are delighted to be partnering with The Orpheus Centre, which supports young disabled adults to live and work as independently as they are able. They do this through developing their confidence and independent living skills, using arts-based, bespoke learning, work experience and supported living programmes delivered from their base in Surrey. All of their learners are learning disabled and some are also physically disabled.

The Orpheus Centre is located at a beautiful converted farm that provides teaching and performance spaces and self-contained accommodation. However, their success in enabling these young people to thrive means that they are over subscribed every year and have outgrown the current facilities.

The capital appeal will convert a building next to the Centre to allow for more learners to enrol, in particular more learners with more complex needs. Currently, the quiet phase is projected for 2024-2027, with the build phase being projected for 2027-2029.

The Head of Capital Appeal will sit on the SMT, reporting to the CEO, and be responsible for leading a small team of fundraisers also dedicated to raising funds for the build. While there will be a team to support, the Head of Capital Appeal will spend most of their time personally fundraising as well. There are existing opportunities, including a well-connected President (also the Founder), a Capital Appeal Committee which will be set up, and an existing pool of donors. A focus on new business, however, will also be crucial for the success of the project.

As Head of Capital Appeal, you will: 

• Develop, implement and monitor the private and public phases of the capital appeal strategy to enable the Orpheus Centre to meet the appeal target
• Establish a high performing capital appeal committee of volunteers to cultivate and steward potential significant donors
• Deliver target income from a range of sources, primarily major donors, trusts and foundations and statutory sources, but not discounting other viable income streams
• Personally secure significant major gifts for the capital project
• Design, recruit and lead a team of fundraisers to support on fundraising for the capital project
• Research and identify potential funders for the capital project
• Work closely with the build project team, to ensure clear communication between the funding and the building of the project
• Provide timely reports for Senior Management Team and Trustees to facilitate effective cash flow management and decision making

Ideal skills and experience:

• Significant experience in a senior high value fundraising role
• Demonstrable experience of securing 5- and 6-figure major gifts
• Extensive track record in working with trusts, major donors and statutory funders
• Experience of line managing teams of fundraisers
• Ability to adapt to different audiences, including donors, senior volunteers, team members, learners and all colleagues in the wider organisation
• Experience in managing senior level volunteers and fundraising committees
• Understanding of disability language and issues
• Ability to demonstrate an appreciation of the arts

Benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
• 6% employer pension contribution (5% employee contributions)
• Enhanced maternity leave
• 5 days paid sick leave in a rolling 12-month period
• 3 days paid time off for dependents per year
• Free staff lunches
• Employee Assistance Programme

The Orpheus Centre are committed to advancing equality of opportunity, respecting and celebrating difference, eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation and fostering good relations between all who work, learn or use our services. We want to ensure we recruit the full diversity of people at Orpheus and all are able to reach their full potential.

Orpheus have five Diversity and Inclusion Champions: BAME, LGBTQIA+, Ability/Disability, Wellbeing, Family, and Menopause. Throughout the year, they work with staff to promote a positive environment and culture, so all can bring 100% of themselves to work.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer. They have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for an interview.