Development Manager (fundraising)

Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders, is one of Scotland’s most important heritage sites. In 2021 the nation celebrates Scott’s 250th birthday, a milestone in the Abbotsford Trust’s new 10 year development plan ‘Writing the next Chapter’. We are now seeking a highly effective fundraising manager to work with us to realise our income targets. 

In 2014 the Abbotsford Trust completed a £12 million restoration, followed in 2018 by extensive estate improvements, ongoing funded community development activity, and £3 million raised so far towards an Endowment Fund.

The Trust is now in the first year of a new 10 year plan – an ambitious vision for Abbotsford through to 2029. With advocacy offered by the Scottish government towards ‘Scott 250’ and conversations begun with potential donors, the scene is now set for a professional fundraiser, working with the CEO and lead Trustees, to generate the estimated £7-10 million required to realise our goals.

In this interesting and challenging role, you will be responsible for developing our fundraising strategy encompassing private philanthropy, trusts and foundations, and statutory bodies. You will be an excellent communicator, experienced in speaking with high net worth individuals and public figures and writing high quality funding applications. You must be able to speak with passion, conviction and sincerity about the cause, and have the ability to connect with a wide cross section of society to win support. Home working options can be discussed.