Fundraising Advisor

Temporary Fundraising & Sponsorship Advisor – Job Description

Introduction / Opportunity Framing

The Lit & Phil is entering a significant development phase through its “Lit & Phil Open” project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising and Sponsorship Advisor to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy at a critical moment.

This is not a steady-state role. It is an opportunity to design and implement a fundraising approach that will support both immediate project needs and long-term financial sustainability.

About the Organisation

The Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle upon Tyne (“Lit & Phil”) is a historic charity established in 1793, dedicated to advancing education.

• Based in central Newcastle, operating from a Grade II* listed building
• Home to over 200,000 books and music items
• Delivers approximately 150 public events annually
• Serves thousands of visitors and members each year
• Supported by staff and a strong volunteer network

The organisation is embarking on a major heritage and engagement project to expand access, grow audiences, and secure long-term sustainability.

The Role

As our Fundraising and Sponsorship Advisor, you will provide expert strategic and delivery support across two key priorities:

1. Securing match funding for a major Heritage Fund Delivery Phase bid
2. Building sustainable income streams to improve long-term financial resilience

You will operate both strategically and hands-on, working alongside trustees and project advisors.

You will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship strategy
• Design and execute a targeted fundraising campaign for “Lit & Phil Open”
• Build a pipeline of funding opportunities across individuals, trusts, and corporate sponsors
• Strengthen and manage relationships with donors and stakeholders
• Create compelling funding proposals, applications, and reporting materials
• Develop promotional materials for fundraising campaigns
• Organise and support fundraising events and donor engagement activity
• Monitor, evaluate, and refine fundraising performance

Key Deliverables (Development Phase – 6 Months)

• Months 1–2:
  • Deliver a review of current fundraising and sponsorship activity
  • Provide recommendations aligned to priority funding needs
  • Initiate early-stage fundraising actions
• By Month 4:
  • Produce a detailed Fundraising and Sponsorship Strategy
  • Include long-term sustainability planning beyond the project phase
  • Provide costings and resource considerations
• By Month 5:
  • Deliver a presentation of the strategy to trustees/stakeholders
• By Month 6 (September 2026):
  • Secure at least 3 grants totalling £10,000+
  • Secure sponsorship from at least 3 organisations

Key Deliverables (Strategic Priorities)

Priority 1: Capital / Project Funding

• Secure match funding to support a potential £4.5m Heritage Fund Delivery bid
• Develop funding streams across individuals, trusts, and corporate donors

Priority 2: Revenue Growth

• Develop fundraising approaches to increase annual income by ~40% by 2029
• Expand income across:
  • Subscriptions and membership
  • Sponsorship
  • Events and ticketing
  • Venue hire and commercial activity

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Strong track record in securing funding (trusts, grants, corporate, or individuals)
• Excellent bid writing and proposal development skills
• Experience in donor relationship management and reporting
• Ability to design and deliver fundraising campaigns
• Strategic thinking combined with delivery capability

Desirable

• Experience working with cultural, heritage, or educational organisations
• Experience with National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funding bodies
• Experience in membership-based organisations

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• Able to work independently while engaging stakeholders effectively
• Adaptable within a project-based and evolving environment
• Strong communication and influencing skills

Reporting Line

• Reports to: Trustee Board Member (Finance Lead)
• Works with: Project team, trustees, and external advisors

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: Consultancy / Fixed-term
• Duration: Approx. 6 months (Development Phase)
• Start Date: April 2026 (or as soon as possible)
• Potential Extension: Delivery Phase (Jan 2027 – 2029), subject to funding approval

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monthly progress reports (max. 3 pages + dashboard)
• Regular engagement with trustees and project leadership
• Flexibility to respond to stakeholder and funder queries

Closing Statement

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of a historic institution, contributing to a major heritage project while building a sustainable fundraising model for the long term.

We welcome applications from experienced advisors who can bring both strategic insight and practical delivery to this ambitious programme.