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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to transform Benton End into a vibrant arts and learning centre.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving heritage and promoting inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, opportunity to make a real impact in the arts and culture sector.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a project that celebrates queer history and environmental sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience in arts or heritage, with strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
We will transform Benton End into a vibrant, accessible and sustainable arts and learning centre, reimagining the radical spirit of Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines’s art school and garden legacy. This commission covers the Development Phase of a Heritage Fund-supported capital project and the period during which the Delivery Phase application is being assessed. The Fundraiser will collaborate closely with the client team, project manager and stakeholders throughout.
The redevelopment of Benton End seeks to:
- Conserve and restore the Grade II* listed house and associated gardens structures
- Create inclusive and accessible facilities for learning, exhibitions, and residencies
- Respect and celebrate the site’s layered heritage, including its significance in queer history
- Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility in all design choices
- Enable operational and financial sustainability through a mixed-use business model
The fundraising consultant will be responsible for raising a total of £2.7m by December 2027. This comprises £1.8m in gifts or pledges in order to match-fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Delivery Phase grant of £2.65m; and the remainder to support additional output costs at Benton End.
The consultant will be expected to lead on the following areas:
- Review the Fundraising process for the Development Phase of the project in partnership with the client team
- Review the existing Fundraising Strategy submitted to the Heritage Fund
- Re-develop, update and deliver a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy to achieve the necessary match funding for the Delivery Phase of the project including phased targets, pipeline planning, and approach methodology
- Identify potential funding sources, including charitable trusts and foundations, major individual donors, philanthropic legacy leads (including those with interests in art, horticulture, LGBTQIA causes, and regional heritage), corporate supporters and in-kind contributors
- Cross check all potential funding sources and potential prospects with the client team, paying particular attention to the Garden Museum’s other fundraising programmes, existing funders and live/upcoming campaigns
- Produce a detailed fundraising plan with goals, milestones, specific targets and details of which funding sources will be approached at each stage of the campaign
- Support cultivation of key prospects, including advising on pitches, proposals, and relationship management and leading these where appropriate
- Develop a 'Case for Support' and campaign materials tailored to different audiences
- Work with the client team to ensure fundraising aligns with Heritage Fund Delivery Phase submission (August 2027), Activity and Interpretation Plans and capital delivery timelines and cash flow needs
- Provide reports on all fundraising activity and data collected, in formats that are compatible with the client team’s CRM
- Support the implementation of the live campaign: tracking targets, overseeing donor communications, and managing asks
The selected consultant should have:
- A strong track record of raising capital funds in the arts, culture, or heritage sector
- Experience working with national funders (e.g. trusts/foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, and corporates)
- Knowledge of Heritage Fund processes and expectations
- Experience in creating compelling cases for support, particularly for multidisciplinary projects (art, heritage, gardens, LGBTQIA history)
- Sensitivity to inclusive fundraising and community engagement
- Strategic thinking with a collaborative and proactive working style
The budget for the fundraising consultant's fee is a maximum of £36,000 excl VAT, to include all travel and expenses and with an expectation that the consultant will be on site regularly at Benton End, Hadleigh, Suffolk. This consultant will report into the Project Manager, but will also work very closely with the Garden Museum Development Director and the Benton End Board.
This opportunity is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
Application requirements:
- Proven examples of recent, similar work at an equivalent level of project value and heritage significance
- CV demonstrating relevant experience and examples of previous projects – if more than one consultant then CVs and highlighted experience of each team member
- Fee proposal
- Outline methodology and approach
- At least two references from comparable heritage or arts capital project
- Confirmation of insurance (minimum £1 million Professional Indemnity and £1 million Public Liability insurance, and £1 million Employers Liability cover (if applicable), or ability and willingness to obtain)
- Clarifying questions should be sent by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April
Fundraiser, Benton End Revived in Suffolk employer: Garden Museum
Contact Detail:
Garden Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraiser, Benton End Revived in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and heritage sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or funders. You never know who might have the perfect lead for your fundraising efforts!
✨Tip Number 2
Tailor your pitch! When you’re approaching potential donors, make sure your case for support is as compelling as possible. Highlight how their contribution will make a real difference at Benton End, and don’t forget to showcase the unique aspects of the project that resonate with their interests.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of all your fundraising activities, deadlines, and communications with potential donors. Use a CRM system if you can, or even a simple spreadsheet, to ensure you’re on top of everything and can follow up promptly when needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and opportunities listed that can help you in your fundraising journey. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on what’s happening at Benton End and how you can get involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraiser, Benton End Revived in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising, especially in the arts and heritage sectors. We want to see proven examples of your past successes that align with what we're looking for at Benton End.
Tailor Your Approach: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your methodology and approach specifically for this project. We’re keen on seeing how you plan to engage with our unique heritage and community, so make it personal!
Get Your References Ready: References are key! Make sure you have at least two solid references from comparable projects ready to go. We want to hear about your past work from those who know it best, so choose wisely!
Submit Through Our Website: Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garden Museum
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the history of Benton End and its significance in queer history. Understanding the legacy of Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines will help you connect your fundraising strategies to the site's unique narrative.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially in the arts or heritage sectors. Highlight how you successfully raised funds from trusts, foundations, or high net worth individuals, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet the £2.7m target.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Develop a 'Case for Support' that resonates with the values of potential funders. Be ready to explain how your fundraising strategy aligns with the goals of the Heritage Fund and how it will ensure operational sustainability for Benton End.
✨Engage with the Team
Emphasise your collaborative working style during the interview. Discuss how you plan to work closely with the client team and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned on fundraising efforts and timelines, which is crucial for the project's success.