Salary: £39,500
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Role Purpose:
The National Portrait Gallery looks after the world’s greatest collection of portraits. Spanning six centuries, our artworks reveal the inspiring and sometimes surprising personal stories that have shaped and continue to shape a nation - from global icons to local champions, national treasures to unsung heroes. We are passionate about portraiture, always progressing our art form, championing artists and encouraging creativity. We celebrate the power of portraiture to create person-to-person connections and the experiences we provide offer encounters with some of the world’s greatest artists as well as the very best in contemporary art.
With the Gallery focused on a new strategy for growth, we are looking for a Prospect Research Manager to support the Development team in maximising income generation at this crucial and exciting time for the Gallery.
Working closely with colleagues across the team, including the Chief Development Officer, Head of Individual Giving, Head of Grants and Legacy Giving, Senior Individual Giving Manager, Campaign Manager, and Patrons Manager, the Prospect Research Manager will play an important role in the team's success by supporting an insight-led approach to fundraising and the acquisition of new philanthropic supporters.
The Prospect Research Manager will research and identify potential new donors, Patrons, Trusts and Foundations for the Gallery’s fundraising priorities, projects and campaigns; analyse current giving groups and opportunities to increase their support; undertake data mapping of key stakeholder networks including those of our Chair and Board of Trustees; compile due diligence profiles and track these with the Gallery’s Gift Acceptance Committee; drive prospect pipelines; and create research profiles and face sheets for meetings and events. An integral member of the Development Team, the Prospect Research Manager will report to the Head of Individual Giving and play a vital role in ensuring a strategic approach is taken to building our portfolio of prospective supporters.
A motivated self-starter, the post holder will have a keen interest in what inspires philanthropists to give, think laterally when identifying potential and existing supporters for different projects, be diligent in their attention to detail, and knowledgeable about philanthropic giving trends and best practice.
Key Accountabilities:
- With a strategic focus on Individual Giving, research and identify prospective major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters for the Gallery’s fundraising priorities, projects and campaigns, and new Patrons to aid growth in this area
- Research current Gallery supporters to help identify opportunities for further giving among groups such as Patrons, key advocates, senior stakeholders, campaign donors, and Members
- Take ownership of and drive forward the prospecting process, including network mapping of key stakeholders to expand the portfolio of potential funders the team can approach for support and the creation of clear pipelines for our strategic objectives
- Work with senior colleagues, including the Head of Governance, to ensure the Gallery follows robust due diligence processes for gifts and that this is adopted throughout the Gallery
- Compile accurate due diligence profiles for senior colleagues and the Gift Acceptance Committee, using the most effective research tools available to identify potential risks
- Compile exact research profiles and biographical briefings for key meetings and events at the Gallery, including large fundraising galas
- Maintain a good knowledge of key fundraising priorities at the Gallery, the exhibitions programme, and project activity across the department
- Work closely with the Data and Commercial Insights Analyst to identify new prospective supporters by assessing the different groups engaging with the Gallery
- Keep up-to-date with giving trends and environmental changes that may impact prospective donors and ethical fundraising, and ensure these are communicated to colleagues throughout the department and wider Gallery to aid decision making
Information Management
- Using Tessitura, create and manage a dynamic system that analyses and monitors the number of prospects across each pipeline
- Create clear visualisations of the status of prospects for reporting to the Fundraising Working Group
- Maintain accurate research profiles, updating the team and prospect pipelines on changes to information so that Tessitura users can see a clear and accurate picture of prospective supporters
- Ensure that Data Protection legislation and guidance is adhered to in all aspects of recording data and sharing information in research profiles
Other
- Be agile in responding to queries and requests from team members across the Development Department and requests for notes from the Director’s office
The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role
To read the full job description, please follow the link: Prospect Research Manager
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:
Essential
- Substantial research experience in a related field, preferably gained within the arts or museum sector
- Knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts and the philanthropists who support them
- Proactive approach to and good knowledge of environmental changes and challenges that could impact the acceptance of gifts
- Experience of working with official research platforms such as Factiva
- Experience of working with CRM and fundraising databases
Desirable
- Experience of, and an empathy with, working within the not-for-profit cultural and
- heritage sector in the UK
Skills and Attributes
- Innovative and creative approach to research methodologies and identifying prospective supporters
- Proactive and ambitious with a professional and flexible approach to work
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills when presenting research findings
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to succinctly convey important and sometimes sensitive information
- Outstanding organisational and time management skills
- Proven ability to work on own initiative and as a team member
Other
- A strong commitment to equality and diversity with the ability to balance differing needs
- Keen interest in the mission and purpose of the National Portrait Gallery and building its relevance for contemporary audiences, and in the long-term success and development of the Gallery
- The post is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- Generous pension scheme
- 29 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
- Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
- Rental deposit scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
- Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
- Professional & personal development opportunities
Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on Friday 30th October
First round interviews will take place on the 4th and 5th November in person at the Gallery.
Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the hiring process.
