Prospect Research Manager

Salary: £28,223   

Part-time – 32 hours per week

Permanent role

Hybrid (2 days in the office)

Working pattern: Monday to Friday (depending on preferred days)

Role Purpose:

In June 2023 the Gallery reopened after three years of closure to complete a major transformation of the building. This has created a brand new entrance, improved the collection galleries, developed a new state of the art Learning Centre, refurbished the East Wing to return it to a public space, installed new interpretation, and updated the Gallery’s facilities. This transformation was made possible by a £35.5m capital project, Inspiring People, which garnered support from both new and existing major donors, Patrons, Trusts and Foundations, as well as a major public appeal.

With the Gallery reopened, new spaces and facilities creating more opportunities, and following the fundraising success of the capital project, we are now looking for a Prospect Research Manager to support the Development team in maximising income growth at this crucial and exciting time for the Gallery.

Working closely with colleagues across the team, including the Director of Development, Head of Individual Giving, Campaign Manager, and Philanthropy Manager, the post holder will play an important role in the team's success by supporting an insight-led approach to fundraising and the acquisition of new donors. The Prospect Research Manager will identify potential new major donors and Patrons, analyse current giving groups and opportunities to increase contributions from these supporters, undertake data mapping of key stakeholder networks, compile due diligence profiles, drive prospect pipelines, and create research profiles for events. An integral member of the Development Team, the Prospect Research Manager will report to the Head of Individual Giving and play a vital role in ensuring a strategic approach is taken to building our portfolio of prospective supporters.

A motivated self-starter, the post holder will have a keen interest in what inspires philanthropists to give, think laterally when identifying potential and existing supporters for different projects, be diligent in their attention to detail, and knowledgeable about trends in philanthropic giving.

Key Accountabilities:

•  With a strategic focus on Individual Giving, research and identify prospective new major donors, trusts, foundations and corporates for the Gallery’s fundraising priorities, projects and campaigns, and new Patrons to aid growth in this area

•  Research current Gallery supporters to help identify opportunities for further giving among groups such as Patrons, key advocates, senior stakeholders, campaign donors, and Members

•  Take ownership and drive forward a new prospecting process, including network mapping to expand the portfolio of potential funders that the team can approach for support, and the creation of clear pipelines for projects and strategic objectives

•  Work with senior colleagues, including the Head of Governance, to ensure the Gallery follows robust due diligence processes for gifts and that this is adopted throughout the Gallery 

•  Compile accurate due diligence profiles for senior colleagues and the Ethics Advisory Committee, working with the Communications team and using the most effective research tools available to identify potential risks

•  Compile exact research profiles and biographical briefings for key meetings and events at the Gallery, including large fundraising galas

•  Maintain a good knowledge of key fundraising priorities at the Gallery, the exhibitions programme, and project activity across departments

•  Work closely with the Data and Commercial Insights Analyst to identify new prospective supporters by assessing the different groups engaging with the Gallery

•  Keep up-to-date with giving trends and environmental changes that may impact prospective donors and ethical fundraising, and ensure these are communicated to colleagues throughout the department and wider Gallery to aid decision making

Information Management

•  Using Tessitura, create and manage a dynamic system that analyses and monitors the number of prospects across each pipeline

•  Create clear visualisations of the status of prospects for reporting to the Fundraising Working Group

•  Maintain accurate research profiles, updating the team and prospect pipelines on changes to information so that Tessitura users can see a clear and accurate picture of prospective supporters

•  Ensure that Data Protection legislation and guidance is adhered to in all aspects of recording data and sharing information in research profiles

Other

•  Be agile in responding to queries and requests from team members across the Development Department and requests for notes from the Director’s office

The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role
Key Experience, Skills and Criteria:

Essential

•  Substantial research experience in a related field, preferably gained within the arts or museum sector

•  Knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts and the philanthropists who support them

•  Proactive approach to and good knowledge of environmental changes and challenges that could impact the acceptance of gifts

•  Experience of working with official research platforms such as Factiva

•  Experience of working with CRM and fundraising databases

Desirable

•  Experience of, and an empathy with, working within the not-for-profit cultural and heritage sector in the UK

Skills and Attributes

•  Innovative and creative approach to research methodologies and identifying prospective supporters

•  Proactive and ambitious with a professional and flexible approach to work

•  Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills when presenting research findings

•  Excellent writing skills with the ability to succinctly convey important and sometimes sensitive information

•  Outstanding organisational and time management skills

•  Proven ability to work on own initiative and as a team member

Other

•  A strong commitment to equality and diversity with the ability to balance differing needs

•  Keen interest in the mission and purpose of the National Portrait Gallery and building its relevance for contemporary audiences, and in the long-term success and development of the Gallery

•  The post is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Generous pension scheme
• 27 days annual leave allowance, in addition to bank holidays
• Interest free season ticket and bicycle loans
• Rental deposit scheme
• Membership of the Civil Service Sports & Leisure club
• Access to independent, low cost healthcare schemes
• Employee assistance programme
• Free entry to many UK museums, galleries and exhibitions
• Staff discounts on purchases in online shop
• Professional & personal development opportunities

Closing date for returned applications is 9:00am on Friday 26 January 2024.
First round interviews will take place on Thursday 1 February 2024.
Second Round interviews will take place on Tuesday 6 February 2024.

Please indicate on your form if you will be unable to make these dates.

We are committed to the employment and development of disabled people. When assessing and shortlisting our candidate pool for interviews, we are committed to removing any bias through our process to ensure all individuals with a disability are included. To be invited to the interview stage, you must show through your application that you meet the minimum criteria and/or the desirable skills required for the role. If you tell us that you have a disability we can make reasonable adjustments at interview, and, if you join us, to your work arrangements.