It’s an exciting time to be joining the Leeds Castle team as we start work on an ambitious new strategy. Our Chief Executive, Helen Bonser-Wilton (formerly Mary Rose and National Trust) and incoming Chair of Trustees, Ros Kerslake, (formerly Chief Executive at National Lottery Heritage Fund) bring great knowledge & experience to support us setting up Fundraising for the first time at Leeds Castle.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge and experience of fundraising, with a clear record of funding achievement. Working with the Head of Brand, Marketing & Fundraising, you will define a compelling Case for Support and prioritised Fundraising Strategy for Leeds Castle, setting up systems and processes, researching approaches and building the pipeline of applications.

The successful candidate will be resilient and highly motivated, an excellent writer with a strong attention to detail. They will be a good researcher and relationship builder, keen to secure great financial results to support our ambitions.

The Brand, Marketing and Fundraising Department is newly created and consists of passionate, creative people, committed to Leeds Castle being the best heritage visitor attraction in the South & offering all guests a high quality and engaging experience.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• A demonstrable personal track record of consistent income generation through Trusts, Foundations and Major Grant Funders.
• Experience of researching prospects, building good relationships, monitoring pipeline of opportunities and writing compelling bids that secure funding.
• A sound understanding of fundraising techniques, Case for Support, monitoring and reporting on successful bids to funders.
• Experience of legacy programmes and building relationships with donors.
• High level of determination and resilience to achieve exceptional results.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, good attention to detail, good listener, persuasive.
• Finance and budget literate, able to work with finance teams in support of applications and to monitor progress against fundraising budgets.
• Good relationship builder, able to recognise where organizational plans can be amended to match funders needs, good influencing skills.
• Good IT skills, including Powerpoint, spreadsheets & databases.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Positive, pragmatic “can do” approach & a good sense of humour.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. To identify priority funders, donors and potential legators through careful research, identifying clearly their interests and needs.
2. To establish good relationships with potential funders, stewarding the relationship through every stage, including visits.
3. To maintain and regularly update pipeline, providing forecasts of likely income.
4. To build and maintain good relationships with all key Foundation stakeholders, giving clear advice on how to make projects meet funders’ criteria.
5. Once funding is secured, lead on reporting on progress and spend, ensuring that all funder requirements are met.