Individual Giving Manager

Ex Cathedra is a world-class ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. Thanks to a recent donation, we are excited to create this new role for a skilled fundraiser to join our team to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities. You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

We believe that the benefits of singing are for everyone, and seek to reach and engage as many people as possible through outstanding vocal experiences. We do this by exploring, commissioning and performing the finest choral music, nurturing young singers, and delivering an extensive, inspirational learning and wellbeing offer for participants of all ages – engaging 80,000+ people every year in a range of venues, schools, hospitals and communities, including through our acclaimed Singing Schools and Singing Medicine projects.

It is an exciting time to join us and shape this new role. Over the next 5 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we already have an established individual giving scheme which we hope you will help us grow.

Find the full application pack on our website. The following is extracted:

Key responsibilities

The Individual Giving Manager will contribute towards Ex Cathedra’s ongoing sustainability and success by maximising philanthropic income:

Strategy and research

• build, maintain and continually seek to expand a pipeline of prospects capable of making gifts at a high 4-, 5- and 6-figure level, making sure that all progress is tracked, monitored and reviewed on a routine basis

• explore our existing data to identify major gift prospects, working in line with data protection law and fundraising regulations

Individual giving

• work closely with the General Manager and Individual Giving Officer to further develop and implement strategies that will increase major gifts and legacy donations to Ex Cathedra, dovetailing with the Trusts and Foundations consultant where appropriate

• arrange and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors to help build and progress meaningful relationships through regular dialogue

• use their judgement to involve the artistic director, trustees and colleagues where most beneficial/advantageous

• align prospective donors with high-value funding opportunities for the performance programme, education and participation work, or area of greatest need according to the interests of the donor

• promote and encourage giving towards the establishment of an Endowment Fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the organisation

• meet agreed targets for activity (i.e. number of prospect meetings and solicitations) and income generation (i.e. funds raised)

• personally manage the portfolio of higher level donors and prospective donors.

Communications

• manage the delivery of specific appeals to prospects and donors

• work with the General Manager and freelance designer to devise and produce materials in support of Ex Cathedra’s fundraising aims

• create and refresh inspiring copy for inclusion in print, on our website and other relevant materials

Other

• record and maintain progress, ensuring that income can be projected as accurately as possible, liaising with the Finance Manager as appropriate

• carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the General Manager

About you

You will be a skilled fundraiser, able to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors, capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities.

You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience

• demonstrable experience in a similar role

• direct experience of securing gifts and donations at 4- and 5-figure level from individuals by initiating, building and stewarding relationships

• experience of developing engaging and attractive gift opportunities; and scoping, developing and articulating fundraising projects

• experience of working in a target-driven environment

Knowledge

• knowledge of the principles of major gift fundraising and Donor Relations (including stewardship)

• knowledge of the Arts and/or Charity funding landscape and UK philanthropic trends

• knowledge and understanding of donor motivations, and how to align philanthropic interests with organisational priorities

• a sound working knowledge of data protection legislation and national fundraising best practice

Skills and abilities

• good organisation and planning skills, with an ability to prioritise the things that matter most

• excellent communication skills with an ability to persuade and influence with tact and diplomacy

• an ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders

• an ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences

• an ability to think both creatively and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals

• good listening skills

Attributes and attitudes

• a strong team player, who enjoys building and maintaining productive relationships with others

• pro-active, results-oriented and ambitious, with a determination to succeed and improve

• resilient, focused, tenacious and confident

• a creative thinker, with a keen interest in trying new approaches to bring about enduring, positive change

• a willingness to work outside normal hours and travel when required

• a genuine affinity and passion for music and the Arts, and their transformational power

How to apply

Full details on how to apply can be found in the Application Pack, which is available from our website. We welcome informal, pre-application conversations, and details on how to arrange this with Peter Trethewey, General Manager, are also set out in the pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 1 May, 5pm

If you have any access needs relevant to your application, please contact Peter.