Milton Keynes Museum – Head of Development

Job Title: Head of Development
Salary: £64,000
Hours: This is a part time (3 days a week) role
Term: 2- year fixed term contract with the potential for further extension
Location: The role is based at the Museum with some flexibility to work from home one day per week.
Closing date: 12:00 am 10 May 2021

Reports to: The Board of Trustees 

Leadership 

Provide innovative, visionary, and strategic leadership and operational planning for all Museum business development and fundraising activities.

Work with the Board of Trustees to:

  • Use Milton Keynes Museum’s existing Strategic Plan to create and implement an effective Development and Fundraising Strategy, which includes achieving funding for the completion of the Museum’s two new gallery spaces
  • Develop a Development and Fundraising plan, that includes staff and volunteer resources, financial budgets and project costs
  • Develop an Activity Plan for Development and Fundraising with defined workstreams and fundraising goals
  • Develop the Museum’s community engagement programme and identify the audiences and communities that MKM should engage with, in order to encourage cultural engagement and the sharing of heritages
  • Work with representatives across MK’s communities and groups to enhance community involvement, inclusion, and support

Management 

Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Museum’s Leadership Team, working alongside the Museum Director.

Lead and oversee Museum staff involved in development and fundraising and facilitate communication among team members and with other staff e.g., engaging with the Schools Officer and the Museum’s Curator.

Collaborate with the Museum’s Marketing Team to ensure that development and marketing materials are unified and consistent with the Museum’s brand as well as development and fundraising objectives

Planning  

Align development and fundraising activities by creating an ambitious, comprehensive, written annual Fundraising and Development Strategy, and a calendar with clearly defined goals, objectives, timelines and assignment of responsibilities.

Create, manage and monitor an annual development budget and track progress through monthly and annual reports.

Oversee and evaluate all processes and procedures related to prospect identification, donor engagement and stewardship activities. This will include oversight of the deployment of a new CRM programme for the Museum.

Fundraising and Stewardship 

Oversee and implement all areas of fundraising: major gift fundraising, annual fund and legacy giving.  

Define fundraising targets for agreed site and facilities development, including a cumulative sum of £1.9 million to progressively achieve the completion of the Museum’s two new galleries.

Identify and research prospective trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies and co-ordinate a calendar of approaches, working in close collaboration with the fundraising consultant, who will be leading on major grant applications and gifts.

Prepare compelling grant applications and proposals based on in-depth knowledge of the funders’ interests and mange activities to provide data, evidence and statistics to support bids. This is particularly important for applications to National Heritage and Arts funding organisations.

Increase membership at all levels for the Museum’s Annual Friends programme, developing effective strategies for inspiring new members, retaining existing members and creating stimulating benefits and programmes.

Monitor control and report on fundraising activity, project outcomes, and feedback required by funders and donor. 

Train, mentor and support Museum colleagues and Board Members in their donor and prospect engagement activities. Seek ways to maximise their personal giving and participation in philanthropic programmes.

Accountability

 Secure and maintain the confidence of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, by:

  • discussing and agreeing fundraising and development goals
  • providing regular reports on fundraising and development progress, challenges in meeting goals, data analyses and projections and stories of donor giving
  • achieving agreed actions.

Communications and community engagement 

Be a passionate, visible and informed advocate for Milton Keynes Museum.

Serve as one of the Museum’s key spokespersons; actively seeking opportunities to engage with the broader community and to participate in events that position the Museum for improved fundraising, visibility and community engagement.

Devise the communications strategy to promote Milton Keynes Museum’s development but also enhance community ownership of the projects. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

We are looking for an individual who is able to demonstrates their experience or provides evidence of the following experience, qualities and skills in their application: 

Qualifications 

Education to first degree level is desirable but not essential.

Membership of the Institute of Fundraising and a Diploma in Fundraising or a Certificate in Fundraising would be an advantage. 

Vision 

A confident self-starter who is pro-active in their approach.

A collaborative colleague who encourages new ideas and creativity.

Fundraising

Demonstrable experience from the Arts and Heritage sector of working in fundraising and development, with specific experience of major gift fundraising and with a working knowledge of all areas within development, including annual giving, legacies, research and grant management.

Experience of applying for and winning grant funding from National Heritage and Arts funding bodies.

Writing high-quality, engaging and successful proposals for grant making bodies.

Demonstrable success in securing revenue targets of six figures or more, including grant awards, gifts, gifts in a campaign environment, and new or reinvigorated fundraising programmes.

Understanding of the Heritage sector

Experience in a non-profit organisation, cultural or educational institution, or equivalent.  

Leadership 

Able to construct, articulate, implement and evaluate strategic plans, development plans and budgets.

Proficiency in setting goals and evaluating and communicating success.

Has been responsible for Development and Strategic planning.

Has led activities, applications, events and campaigns.

Committed to respecting and engaging with all parts of the community.

Management 

Is able to build a strong, collaborative team of staff and volunteers and who creates a healthy work environment, yet willing to make tough decisions when necessary.

Relationships 

Engages diplomatically with and engenders the trust of colleagues, board members and all other stakeholders.

Attracts, influences, engages, persuades and builds long-term relationships with all types of donors and key stakeholders.

Promotes community engagement, attending events and participating in activities.

Communication skills 

Communicates effectively and enthusiastically.  

Excellent written and oral communication skills; attentive listener; and engaging storyteller.

Able to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic initiatives and achieve goals.

Other requirements: 

Credibility, tact and diplomacy.

Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability to work nights and weekends, manage competing demands and work independently.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

This is a part time (3 days a week) role for a 2- year fixed term contract with the potential for further extension.

The salary for the role is £64,000 based on full time equivalent.

The role is based at the Museum with some flexibility to work from home one day per week.

Access to defined contribution pension scheme.

Annual leave of 25 days per annum plus the 8 recognised bank holidays in England pro rated.

The post reports to the Board of Trustees.

To apply for the role, please click here>> 

The closing date is 10 May.