The Head of Fundraising is an exciting new role developed for the Society to increase fundraising and develop additional income streams to enhance the sustainability of the Society. They will help deliver the Transformation Plan, an exciting new project for Scotland’s oldest learned antiquarian Society to help deliver the Society’s vision: “Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, home and abroad”.

The Transformation Plan includes the acquisition and redevelopment of a B-listed building in central Edinburgh to co-create the most inclusive, low-carbon and heritage-rich space to work, visit and participate. This will become a heritage hub for Scotland’s past, helping to bring heritage alive for a wide range of public audiences. This role will provide the necessary vision, leadership, and fundraising skills which will enable the Society to achieve its fundraising targets and enhance its development program.

They will be an effective fundraiser and key contact for grant giving organisations, personal donations and legacies. They will report directly to the Director sharing collective responsibility to deliver the Society’s strategy and vision.

Initially on a 2.5-year fixed term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to funding, the post will work as part of the senior management team and liaise directly with staff, Councillors (trustees), members (known as Fellows) and other organisations and individuals to ensure the successful delivery of their responsibilities.

The post will have the following immediate priorities:

• Helping develop and submit a major stage one Development Phase National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) grant application in collaboration with the Director and others, creating an engaging and successful proposal and case for support (part of an overall c£6m Transformation Plan project)
• Development and delivery of a major fundraising campaign based on personal giving, grant applications and other fundraising activities
• Working with staff and Councillors to develop the required transformation of the Society to deliver maximum public benefit in line with the Society’s vision and mission
• Line managing staff as required

Main Responsibilities

Strategy and planning

• Development and delivery of a fundraising campaign (including grant funding, individual and organisational donations, and other fundraising activities) for a c£6m project, setting targets in collaboration with the Director and meeting them, creating engaging and successful proposals and cases for support
• Lead the annual fundraising planning process to produce effective strategies to achieve income targets across a range of revenue streams
• In cooperation with the Director, lead the development of a long-term fundraising strategy to achieve agreed long term Society goals and vision
• Identify new potential income streams and produce strategies to access these funds

Fundraising

• Build and manage an effective fundraising team (across the Society staff and volunteers as required) that delivers fundraising income meeting set targets
• Oversee the management of a grant and trust income programme, supporting staff as necessary and ensuring production of effective, high-quality proposals and reports
• Oversee the management of an individual giving programme, supporting staff as necessary and ensuring production of effective, high-quality donor development and reports
• Lead on development of new funding streams
• Develop and maintain effective supporter journeys for the development of relationships and retention

Senior Management

The Head of Fundraising is a member of the Society’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and as such the post-holder will be expected to play a proactive role in the management of the Society including:

• Organisational strategic planning and development
• Income and expenditure budget planning and management
• Advising members of SMT on the availability of funds and the viability of obtaining funds to support initiatives
• Contribute to leadership decisions on all aspects of policy, development and organisation
• Playing a significant role in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Society strategy and action plans
• To participate as an active member of the SMT, attending meetings and producing reports as required
• Attending Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings to report and give advice on fundraising matters
• Attending and participating in Council (trustee meetings) and producing reports as required
• Contribute to establishing and delivering on the core values of the Society
• Attend and participate in relevant events