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 
   
  A full job description is available.

Person Specification

The Head of Fundraising will have substantial fundraising and management experience, a talent for building relationships and a proven track record in securing funds from statutory sources, foundations, trusts and major donors. They will be a 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. As such they will need the following:

Requirements - essential

• At least three years’ experience in a similar role
• Demonstrable record of major capital fundraising leadership and delivery, ideally within a charitable organisation but others will be considered
• A track record of successful fundraising, including sizeable NLHF applications
• Experience of utilising the strength of an organisational brand for charity/business development
• Proven track record of meeting challenging income targets
• Proven ability to build, manage and develop key stakeholder, client and donor relationships including developing and managing individual donors and development of legacy giving
• Experience of developing and implementing strategic and business plans
• Strong leadership skills
• Track record of bringing innovative creative thinking and fresh ideas to an organisation and/or its services 
• Knowledge of the fundraising environment including regulations around due diligence and compliance 
• Knowledge of a range techniques and disciplines which will support the cost-effective generation of income for the Society 
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills 
• Exceptionally convincing and persuasive written and oral skills with the ability to present and convey complex ideas and issues clearly and coherently to a diverse range of audiences 
• Ability to secure Senior Management and Board approval for strategy 
• Demonstrable ability to evaluate the type of initiatives and programs within the scope of the post and initiate, develop and deliver new initiatives that build on their successes

Aptitude

• Inclusive management style with experience of line management
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional weekend and out-of-hours work
• Strong commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation
• The ability to drive and embed lasting change
• Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take initiative, make decisions and achieve ambitious targets
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity 

 Requirements - desirable

• Experience of working in a charitable organisation
• Experience of working in a membership organisation 
• Experience and understanding of working with heritage organisations 
• Understanding of the main issues facing the heritage sector 
• Entrepreneurial outlook 
• Experience of matrix management 
• Evidence of Continued Professional Development relevant to the role purpose and level

Practical details 
Position: Head of Fundraising 
Responsible to: Director/CEO 
Location: Offices in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh 
Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time), core hours of 10am–4pm, occasional evening and weekend work required. 
Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum 
Contract: Fixed term 2.5 years (30 months)

Additional benefits

• 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• 10% gross salary contributions to pension scheme 
• Flexible working 
• Remote working for up to three days (60%) a week possible 
• Staff wellbeing benefits include a 1/2hr per day for exercise and a research leave policy

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed. 
 
Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but no detailed feedback will be possible. 
 
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 1st December 2024 
Interviews: Wednesday 11th December 2024