Head of Fundraising

Throughout our existence we have depended upon philanthropy to fulfil our mission to nurture and educate the world's brightest young string players and pianists. The role of Head of Fundraising therefore plays a vital role in building sustainable voluntary income through major gifts, trusts, individual giving and legacies. The successful candidate will hold their own donor portfolio and line manage a small, dedicated team, working collaboratively to help embed a wider culture of giving across the school.Job Specification / Key Areas of ResponsibilityFundraising and Development StrategySupport the Director of Development to implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.Actively contribute towards a sound financial management plan to include budgets, forecasts, timely reporting and other necessary financial information.Leadership and ManagementLine-manage the Grants Manager (Trusts & Foundations), Development Executive and Development Assistant (currently 2 days/week), ensuring best
practice, and professional development.Collaborate with the Head of Marketing and the wider Marketing Team effectively.Build and maintain good relations with all members of the School community, ensuring an appropriate flow of relevant information to all parties, both internally and externally.Delivery and OperationsDonor Acquisition, Development and StewardshipWork closely with the Director of Development on the identification, cultivation and stewardship of Major Donors.Devise and implement effective mid-level giving programmes.Identify fundable elements of YMS's work; source and create cases for support and funding bids.Ensure best practice in donor acquisition and donor recruitment, leading to high donor retention levels and a sustained increase in the school's donor base.Ensure exceptional stewardship of our current donors (major and regular) through implementing a donor-centric approach and developing appropriate and creative ways to ensure their continued engagement with the
School's strategic priorities.Oversee management of Friends, and Alumni relationships as part of the donor and legacy pipeline.Ensure that donors are thanked appropriately and that all donations are acknowledged accordingly.Legacy and In Memoriam FundraisingShape, plan and deliver a legacy strategy for the School.Manage the School's legacy society (The 1963 Society) and devise and manage appropriate supporter journeys and accompanying communications plans for pledgers.Liaise with executors and manage the administration of all legacies received by the School, in collaboration with the Bursary.EventsOrganise high-quality cultivation and stewardship events working collaboratively across departments.Reporting and AccountabilityAttend meetings of the Development Committee and provide written and oral updates on current progress and pipelines.Ensure that all fundraising systems, including the database, record-keeping and reporting are up to date and fit for purpose.Produce reports to measure
performance against objectives and budgets.General ResponsibilitiesLead on implementation of compliance and best practice in fundraising.Lead operationally on fundraising systems and implementation of new software and SOPs.Understand and support the mission and strategic aims of the Yehudi Menuhin School.Be aware of and abide by all Yehudi Menuhin School policies and procedures.Undertake other duties as may be reasonably requested of your post.Person SpecificationDemonstrable breadth and depth of fundraising experience, including delivering income growth and achieving targets, preferably gained in the arts or education sector.Proven success securing and stewarding major donors and high-value supporters.Experience of implementing fundraising strategies through effective systems and processes.Proven experience of effectively line managing and developing staff.Excellent relationship-building skills, with the, ability to engage donors, trustees, colleagues and senior