Special Project and Ambassador Engagement Lead
Salary: £55,282.00 per annum
Contract: Full time/12 months FTC
Role Purpose:
The role will lead the development and delivery of the Gallery’s flagship annual fundraising event, the Portrait Gala, alongside a programme of high-profile events and Gallery ambassador engagement. With a focus on generating sustainable fundraising income, building long-term relationships with major donors and influential stakeholders, and identifying new opportunities for support, the postholder will play a key role in advancing the Gallery’s strategic objectives. Working collaboratively across the Gallery, they will deliver exceptional events that strengthen relationships and generate fundraising and engagement opportunities.
Key Accountabilities:
Portrait Gala strategy and delivery: Lead the development and delivery of a sustainable strategy for the Gallery's flagship annual fundraising event, maximising income through ticket sales, donations, auctions, sponsorship and other opportunities, with a target of generating over £1 million annually, while ensuring the event delivers an exceptional experience for supporters and enhances the Gallery's reputation.
Gallery ambassadors and stakeholder engagement:Develop and deliver a strategic programme of ambassador and stakeholder engagement, cultivating relationships with major donors, Trustees, artists, collectors, corporate partners and other influential individuals to support fundraising, increase advocacy and advance the Gallery's strategic objectives.
High-profile events: Contribute to the planning and delivery of a wider programme of strategically important events, including acquisition unveilings, Trustee events and donor cultivation and stewardship activities, ensuring each event supports the Gallery's fundraising and relationship-building objectives and is delivered to a consistently high standard that reflects the Gallery's values and reputation.
Fundraising and income generation: Identify and develop opportunities to grow sustainable income streams and deliver against fundraising targets.
Cross-organisational collaboration: Work collaboratively across the Gallery to coordinate activity and maximise fundraising and engagement opportunities.
Financial and operational management: Oversee event budgets, expenditure and supplier relationships, ensuring resources are managed effectively, income targets are achieved and events deliver value for the Gallery.
Strategic planning and decision-making: Exercise sound judgement to prioritise opportunities, manage risks and develop practical solutions, escalating significant financial, strategic or reputational matters where appropriate.
Flexible event support: Represent the Gallery at relevant meetings, networking activities and events, including occasional evening commitments, to support fundraising and stakeholder engagement objectives.
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: Special Project and Ambassador Engagement Lead
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:
- Significant experience in event management, strategic planning and income generation, ideally within an arts, charity, public sector, heritage or similarly high-profile organisation.
- Proven experience of developing sustainable income streams and delivering against ambitious fundraising and financial targets.
- Experience of leading and delivering high-profile or strategically important events, managing multiple stakeholders, suppliers, budgets and competing priorities.
- Demonstrable success in building and managing relationships with major donors, VIPs, Trustees, artists, corporate partners and other influential stakeholders, exercising sound judgement, diplomacy and discretion.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and networking skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and identify opportunities for cultivation, stewardship, sponsorship and strategic support.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across an organisation, influence colleagues and coordinate activity across multiple teams to deliver shared objectives.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, solve complex problems and deliver to demanding deadlines.
- Experience of managing event budgets, supplier relationships and expenditure to maximise income and ensure effective use of resources.
- Experience of complex database management and CRM systems; working knowledge of Tessitura would be desirable.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent desirable, although significant relevant professional experience is more important.
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
- Life Assurance
- 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 23rd October. First round interviews will take place on the week beginning 26th October via Microsoft Team. Please indicate on the notes section of your application form, if you will be unable to make these dates.
