Development Officer

Job Advert

Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) is an exciting, ambitious arts centre which offers a wide array of free exhibitions, theatre, music, cinema and comedy performances as well as creative learning and participation activities. Well-loved and well used, it’s a relaxed friendly place attracting a diverse mix of visitors. As well as MAC our work also extends outside of the venue across the city to community settings to inspire new audiences to experience high-quality art experiences.

The Development Officer works closely with the Director of Development to support all areas of MAC Development activity including fundraising to audiences, donor events, researching grants and developing fundraising campaigns.

Membership Scheme

• Accurately record correspondence, steward relationships and identify new members;
• Reach yearly targets to grow the scheme year-on-year; working with MarComms to promote the membership to all visitors and audiences;
• Deliver member events throughout the year, both as part of existing benefits and cultivation events for prospects;
• Manage the administration of the Membership scheme and its benefits.

Individual Giving

• Support the administration and promotion of Individual Giving campaigns including Name a Seat, Every Child, Legacy Giving and one-off fundraising campaigns;
• Acknowledge, thank and record all donations and Gift Aid;
• Support the Director of Development to produce fundraising materials;
• Record Individual Giving progress across all funds;

Trusts and Foundations

• Identify and apply to small – medium sized grants, working with colleagues across the organisation to write informed and accurate applications for the visual arts programme, learning activities, community programme and capital projects.

Corporate

• Assist the Director of Development to deliver a range of Corporate/Sponsorship benefits;
• Research prospective corporate opportunities and packages that can be tailored to specific partners/events suitable for MAC.

Comms & Marketing

• Manage communications for all donors and supporters;
• Keep up-to-date with developments in fundraising and technologies in the charity and arts sector;
• Lead the promotion of Individual Giving Opportunities to visitors and audiences in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team;
• Ensure all records of donors are up to date and comply with data protection regulation;
• Support the marketing team with funding success stories.

Other

• Deliver fundraising training workshops for Sales & Events and CSA teams
• Identify opportunities for other departments at MAC to engage with fundraising/Membership initiatives
• Work creatively and collaboratively with other members of the MAC team, specifically our Outreach, Learning and Community Project Managers, to identify and update on funding projects.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

All staff are expected to further, promote, and ensure the implementation of, the equal opportunities policies of MAC.

Note

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities and duties of the post holder. It is not meant to be, nor is it, an exhaustive list of specific responsibilities and duties. The post holder will be expected to undertake any other duties which could reasonably be expected as being within the remit of the post and which arise out of changes in legislation, regulations, orders, rules and working practices, methods and procedures and reviews, as directed from time to time.

Whilst we recognise the development of AI in the modern workplace, we would encourage you to take the time to complete your application without the use of AI; no generative AI tool can create the personal touch that you can inject into your own application.

This is a full-time 37.5 hours per week post. Weekend and evening work may be required.

Person Specification

A person specification describes the areas of knowledge, skills and experience a person should possess in order to take up the post.

Essential

• First-class written and verbal communication skills.
• Good numeracy, budgeting and analytical skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of fundraising.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate with people from all backgrounds at an individual level and in group situations, including excellent networking skills.
• Experience in administration and event planning.
• IT confident and literate with Microsoft Office/Teams knowledge.

Desirable

• Experience in a Fundraising, Advocacy or Communications/Marketing environment.
• Track record in fundraising and stewardship.
• Experience of ‘Making an Ask’.
• Experience of raising money at events.
• Experience of using a database.
• Experience of working in/ interest in the arts.

Skills
Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following qualities:

• Creative flair and a good visual sense.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent team working skills.
• The ability to take the lead on specific projects.
• Flexible and adaptable approach, including being available for some weekend/evening commitments.

Online Information Session

If you’d like to find out more, we invite you to join members of our marketing team for an online information session Monday 27 January at 6pm. They will talk about the role, what a work week may entail and other events and duties the role will engage with. At the end of the session, there will be an opportunity for questions.

Sign Up for Our Online Information Session Here

Deadline

All applications must be received no later than Monday 10 February 2025, 12pm midday

Late applications will not be considered.

Short-listing

Shortlisted candidates will be informed at the latest by Tuesday 11 February 2025

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on Monday 17 February / Tuesday 18 February 2025