Philanthrophy Manager

About the Ri

The Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity which has been connecting people with science for over 200 years. Founded in 1799 through the wonderful generosity of 58 patrons, to this day we remain based in our original, magnificent, Georgian home in central London. Thanks to the support of those early philanthropists, the Ri has inspired generations of scientists over the years whose discoveries have helped shape our modern world.

The Ri has a clear vision that Science is for Everyone and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including almost 1.5m YouTube subscribers we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together.

We are looking for a motivated major gifts fundraiser to join our small fundraising team to support our ambitious goal to raise £20 million in support of the Be the Spark campaign.

This role is perfect for a collaborative self-starter who wants to make an impact, working at all levels of the organisation to maximise the relationships that will enable the Ri to succeed. You will be used to managing a portfolio of donors or high value clients and be comfortable working with donors at the highest levels.

You will collaborate across the Ri to develop innovative and compelling proposals, delivering excellent account management and stewardship to existing donors, and identifying, researching and cultivating new prospects.

If you are a warm, professional and engaging communicator, adept at managing a portfolio of high net worth donors and able to work at all levels of the organisation to cultivate and develop influential relationships, we would love to hear from you.

This role is full time (35 hours), permanent and requires a willingness to travel, including some overnight stays and occasional weekends. Requests to work flexibly or part-time will be considered.

About the Role

• Proactive cultivation of potential major donors
• Identifying and researching donors and funding opportunities and building a strong pipeline for cultivation
• Managing Patrons programme
• Providing excellent stewardship of donors including reporting
• Maintaining engagement levels through regular communications and meetings
• Maintaining CRM records
• Working with junior colleagues to create and deliver a calendar of engagement opportunities and delivery of patron benefits
• Developing and organising fundraising appeals
• Monitoring and managing a budget, reporting to the board and analysing performance against agreed KPIs

About you:

• Substantial demonstrable experience working in a fundraising position in the cultural or similar sector,
• Experience in preparing fundraising proposals and demonstrating fundraising success;
• Experience of building excellent relationships with high net worth individuals and influential people;
• Demonstrable experience of maximising opportunities from identifying leads to generating meetings, and securing income.

• Confidence in talking fluently about money in a professional environment
• Experience of building excellent relationships and networks both internally and externally
• Experience of managing relationships with donors or high value clients
• Demonstrable experience of maximising opportunities from researching prospects to generating meetings, and securing income
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading a giving club or members networking group
• Individual Giving/Patron/Major Donor/Legacy fundraising experience, securing 6-figure donations.
• Able to tackle challenges constructively, and find creative ways forward
• Strong understanding of the Ri s mission and activities
• Degree or equivalent relevant qualification/demonstrable experience
• Qualification in fundraising related discipline