Philanthropy Executive

Job Summary

Development Group generates philanthropic and sponsorship income to help us create a Natural History Museum for the future – investing in capital development, attaining vital acquisitions for the collection, transforming our galleries, developing innovative exhibitions and undertaking ground-breaking scientific research on issues that affect us all.

The Museum is looking for an ambitious and self-motivated individual for the role of Philanthropy Executive. Working alongside an approachable and highly successful Philanthropy team, reporting into the Senior Principal Gifts Manager, the role will support the development of our Principal giving programme (highest level funders of seven figure+). You will focus on the administration of the programme: preparing briefings, written correspondence, data base management and working closely with the Senior Principal Gifts Manager to create compelling proposals. Alongside supporting this, you will have your own portfolio of five to six figure funders and prospects and will need to maintain a high level of organisation and excellent communication to build both internal relationships and external relationships with donors and prospects.

The role will provide substantial opportunity for professional development within a world-leading cultural organisation, particularly as the ambition is to grow this role into a manager level securing higher income targets.

Main Responsibilities

Fundraising

·       Raise income in line with agreed personal targets and KPI’s, contributing to the Philanthropy team’s current annual income target of £7m+.

·       Support the Senior Principal Gifts Manager in their management of seven-figure gifts.

·       Establish strong cross-Museum relationships to develop programme ideas in line with funders’ interests and support the Senior Principal Gifts Manager to craft compelling cases for support.

·       Support the Senior Principal Gifts Manager, Head of Philanthropy and Director of Development to plan and implement creative strategies to increase philanthropic gifts at the seven-figure gift level.

·       Prepare written briefings for senior management for meetings with prospective donors as well as follow up documentation and correspondence.

·       Ensure all required gift reporting is delivered to the highest standards, supporting the development of robust evaluation processes with colleagues where needed.

·       Promote best practice in fundraising across the NHM.

Finance and Administration

·       Ensure that Raisers Edge is updated regularly and in line with the requirements for each event or activity and work closely with key database managers to ensure records are kept up to date.

·       Support the Senior Principal Gifts Manager, wider Philanthropy team and Director of Development, with meetings, visits and event organisation, including, supporting the delivery of events and writing briefings ahead of donor meetings.

·       Support the Senior Principal Gifts Manager and Head of Philanthropy with Raiser’s Edge data- inputting and gift administration, including gift processing, acceptance and due diligence forms, ensuring full and timely records of all activity are kept on the database.

 General

·       Stay informed of key developments within the sector by monitoring government and third-sector policies and relevant publications.

·       Attend evening and occasional weekend meetings and events, as required within the nature of the post.

·       Assist with other duties that may be reasonably required.

Person Specification

Essential

·       Proven organisational and administrative skills delivered with accuracy and attention to detail.

·       Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload in an efficient and timely manner.

·       High level of professionalism, discretion and an ability to interact with donors and senior stakeholders.

·       Excellent standard of written and spoken English.

·       Flexible and adaptable working methods and the ability to adopt new skills and processes in a faced-paced environment.

·       Excellent understanding of IT skills, including PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

·       Ability to work well as a member of the team as well as on own initiative.

·       Ability to act as an ambassador for the Natural History Museum amongst a range of high-profile external contacts.

Desirable

·       Experience of fundraising from individuals.

·       Experience with Raisers Edge database.

·       Experience within a fundraising department in the museums, galleries or charity sector.