We are seeking a creative high value fundraiser who will lead the strategic growth and innovation of the Friends and Patrons programmes. Established 6 years ago, the schemes have seen impressive growth and now bring in almost £1million per year. There is still huge potential for development, expansion and innovation.
You will be an ambitious individual with a background in managing mid- and high-value membership schemes. With a focus on stewardship, cultivation events, and collaboration with the rest of the Philanthropy team, you’ll drive engagement and uplift donors.
Introduction from the Director of Development
Since the Hall opened our doors in 1871, it has been home to the world’s leading figures in music, dance, entertainment and conversation. From the Suffragettes to Stormzy, Elgar to Einstein, the Beatles to Bassey… icons have graced our stage. Today is no different, with an astonishing programme of high-profile performances across classical music, rock and pop, national events and the spoken word, creating breathtaking moments and lasting memories for everyone – as well as some unforgettable stewardship opportunities!
What happens on our stages forms a key part of a new and ambitious vision for the Hall that will ensure we remain the home to dreams and determination, contemplation and celebration – bringing people together to lift their spirits and inspire, with nearly 2 million people each year enjoying unforgettable experiences in our spectacular building. The new vision also has at its heart the development of our hugely successful, and expanding, outreach programme, supporting emerging artists and engaging the community.
Finally, we have plans for a significant and pioneering capital programme, impacting on almost every part of the building through an extended programme of work. An appeal to support this will be launching shortly, raising the money to ensure the Hall remains a much-loved venue for both audiences and artists alike long into the future.
We are now seeking to expand our philanthropy team to enable these ambitious plans to become a reality. Successful candidates will be joining a small but dynamic team who are bringing creative thinking, passion and energy to taking the Hall’s philanthropic support to the next level.
Darranda Rowswell
Director of Development
About the role
As Friends and Patrons Manager, you will:
- Lead the strategic development of the Friends and Patrons programme, with a focus on innovation and driving growth
- Oversee the stewardship journeys of Friends and Patrons (£55 to £20,000), with a portfolio of your own donors giving at the higher level
- Responsible for day to day management of the Royal Albert Hall America Patron Scheme
- Work with the Executive Events Manager to deliver an engaging programme of cultivation and recruitment events
- Work closely with the rest of the Philanthropy team to identify opportunities to uplift donors and secure major gifts
- Provide leadership and support to the Friends and Patrons Officer and the Friends and Patrons Coordinator
About you
Ideal skills and experience:
- Demonstrable experience of managing and developing mid and high value patron schemes, donor giving circles or equivalent
- Experience testing and implementing creative fundraising strategies to engage donors with and grow income from membership schemes
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders of all levels
- Line management experience, and keen interest in motivating and developing direct reports
- A creative flare, team player, proactive and ambitious
- Passion for the arts, sciences and the work of the Royal Albert Hall
This role will require occasional evening and weekend work in line with the Hall’s events programme, in particular those attended by your donors and prospects.
Employee benefits include:
- 25 days holiday entitlement, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Employer pension contribution 3%
- Life assurance (6 x annual salary)
- Long term sickness income protection
- Free hot and cold food provided daily in the staff canteen
- Royal Rewards discount shopping scheme
Exclusive Hall benefits include:
- Complimentary staff tickets scheme
- A generous discount in the Hall’s bars and restaurants, and on Hall retail items
