Fundraising Lead

Main Purpose of Post:  This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on the challenge of fundraising and enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities, and turning conversations into meaningful support.

Working closely with our Executive Director, you will play a key role in growing income streams from major donors, trusts and foundations, and community supporters. You’ll be organising fundraising events, leading the stewardship of prospective and existing donors, contributing to the development of funding applications, and helping us engage new and more diverse communities with Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.

Responsible to: Executive Director

Relationships: The Fundraising Lead is part of the museum team and will work closely with curatorial, learning and engagement, marketing, commercial and operational staff.  The post holder will identify opportunities to link fundraising with our core work and public programme, communicating this well so that everyone can be a fundraiser.

The following posts report directly to the Fundraising Lead:      Fundraising volunteer

About the Role

This varied and rewarding role will include:

• Managing relationships with existing and prospective major donors and supporters
• Researching and preparing applications to trusts & foundations
• Identifying and engaging new community audiences
• Delivering fundraising income targets and pipeline management
• Working collaboratively across teams to gather stories, impact information, and develop supporter materials
• Communicating our fundraising work both internally and externally
• Maintaining accurate records of past, current and potential donors
• Organising and delivering fundraising events with support from the Executive Director. Attending when appropriate
• Participating in the Philanthropy Working Group, Programming and Staff meetings
   

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Demonstrably experienced in fundraising, with a track record of building donor relationships and contributing to income growth
• An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills
• Confident building relationships with a wide range of people
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Passionate about delivering excellent supporter stewardship
• Creative, resilient, and motivated to help grow income
• Committed to the values and mission of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
• Interested in heritage, culture and the arts