Chief Philanthropy Officer

Background

This is a newly created role to lead the growth of global private giving at Beamish Museum from Trusts, Foundations and other high net worth donors. Building on the Museum's strong reputation and high levels of public and business support, you will inspire and develop a group of influential and committed supporters who are passionate about Beamish Museum, the heritage of the North East of England and our regional, national and international global reach.

You will secure privately sourced funds at the six and seven figure level that will allow Beamish Museum to expand its offer to visitors, diversify its programming and sustain our sector-leading brand to support our plans to accelerate our mission and unlock new public donor sources.

Working Relationships

You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work as a member of the Executive and Senior Leadership team, to deliver transformative, sustained growth.

Working closely with the Board of Beamish Museum, you will develop a strong pipeline of supporters who can give at the six and seven figure level.

Key Impact Areas

Maximise Giving

You will implement a philanthropic giving strategy that significantly shifts the museums approach towards the generation of substantial philanthropic income and that supports the Museum's vision and mission. You will work collaboratively with the Executive, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team to establish a long-term plan and supporting fundraising strategies that align and help the museum move forward with its objectives.

Cultivate and Steward Donors

You will actively cultivate and steward relationships with potential and existing donors, for major new, repeat and legacy gifts, significantly raising the profile of Beamish, generating excitement and a desire to support Beamish now and into the future across a range of projects. These will be supported by stewardship plans that foster mutual trust to secure ongoing support.

Reputation and Engagement

You will build the profile of the Museum through donor engagement. You will personally manage a portfolio of prospective donors, guiding them through the cultivation process, and ultimately securing new funding. You will work closely with the CEO building new networks, opening new doors and linking with communities in support of the museum's philanthropic goals and furthering its reputation and that of the sector.

Successful Philanthropy Team

You will ensure a high performing team is in place that supports Beamish’s Philanthropic strategy, imbuing a culture of innovation and enterprise across the museum. The team will ensure day to day delivery of the function, including to trusts and grants, provide excellent customer service, and produce timely data to support and measure the impact of all giving. The team will champion equality, diversity and sustainability and creating a strong culture of philanthropy throughout Beamish.

Essential Qualities, Experience and Knowledge

• Significant experience working at a senior level, building strong relationships with supporters who can give at a six/seven figure level.
• Demonstrable extensive networks, including trusts and foundations, corporate partners and high net worth individuals.
• Personal track record of securing six figure donations from Trusts and Foundations
• An excellent communicator who can inspire staff, volunteers and colleagues in taking our philanthropic strategy forwards.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills including tact, sophistication and gravitas
• Able to work collaboratively, engaging with colleagues to design robust project proposals and reporting, monitoring and evaluation systems
• Skilled in utilising financial information including project budgets
• A commitment to Beamish’s mission, objectives and guiding principles.
• Strong intellectual curiosity and the ability to articulate the museums range of programmes and strategies in a compelling way
• Tenacious, self-starter, who thrives in a fluid, entrepreneurial context
• Have, or be able to build, local knowledge quickly
• Knowledge and understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical environment of fundraising

Desirable Qualities, Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of managing successful partnerships with significant grant givers including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council
• Experience of high value fundraising in the following areas: community action, arts and culture, health & wellbeing, Education programmes, museums and collections, the environment / conservation
• Outstanding research and written skills
• Experience of working with a fundraising database to maximise relationship development

Museum Website: https://www.beamish.org.uk/chief-philanthropy-officer-vacancy/