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Key responsibilities

Strategic

Refine and implement DCD’s development strategy to increase fundraised income from £350,000 to £500,000 by April 2026.

Work with the Executive Director to develop DCD’s business plan to deliver the charity’s strategic objectives, generate new revenue streams and establish a financially resilient business model.

Cultivate a development mindset across the organisation to embed a fundraising culture that enables the sustainable development of the charity and its programmes.

Work with the Executive Director identify, engage and expand DCD’s network of individual and Trusts & Foundation prospects who have the greatest propensity to support its mission.

Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of DCD’s specific place within the sector and build peer networks across the cultural sector to solicit joint funding applications as appropriate.

Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage DCD’s relationship with Arts Council England and reporting as applicable.

Working closely with DCD’s Marketing and Communications Manager, develop a compelling narrative and case for support and ensure this is widely communicated to the charity’s staff, volunteers and external stakeholders.

Individual Giving

With support from the Executive Director, Trustees and Development Council, identify potential donors and develop personalised giving journeys to solicit regular gifts which reflect each donor’s interest.

Lead on tailored fundraising campaigns to publicly raise the profile of DCD, increase and diversify the donor portfolio and develop a robust individual giving pipeline.

Create a varied and engaging stewardship programme for donors, increasing their loyalty and encouraging them to introduce new donors to the work of DCD.;

Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to engage with DCD’s international alumni network, establishing regular giving and legacy prospects.

Establish a legacy giving programme from core supporters and alumni.

Create an innovative annual programme of intimate stewardship and larger fundraising events in line with DCD’s development strategy.

Trusts and Foundations

Oversee the development of and be accountable for the continued growth and retention of Trusts and Foundation grants, to support DCD’s activity and core costs.

Research and identify prospective funders and most appropriate approaches, creating compelling and tailored proposals to match their specifications in line with DCD needs, in order to maximise giving and secure multi-year gifts.

Chief relationship manager for Trusts and Foundations, providing the highest level of donor care, keeping trusts updated on the progress of their project and any developments within DCD, meeting their grant terms and submitting timely reports.

Work closely with Executive Director and Programme Managers to be fully cognisant of current and emerging services and projects and where possible create attractive funding packages around these.

Maintain a comprehensive schedule of individual trust requirements, prioritising workload around these.

Compliance and Reporting

Ensure all necessary systems, policies and procedures are in place to enable fundraising to be carried out efficiently, effectively and in a coordinated manner.

Be responsible for monitoring progress against targets and reporting to the Board, Audit & Risk Committee and Development Council on a quarterly basis.

In consultation with the Executive Director and Trustees review and refine the current terms of reference and co-establish clear objectives for the Development Council.

Ensure evaluation requirements are integrated into funded programmes from the outset and that reports are clear, concise, accurate and submitted to funders in a timely manner.

Ensure complete records of donors and prospects are captured accurately and tagged appropriately on the CRM system.

Maintain high standards in financial processes and record-keeping, including the administration of Gift Aid declarations, processing of payments and GDPR compliant records of personal data.

Maintain excellent knowledge of charitable and art sector fundraising trends, regulation and compliance, disseminating information to staff and Trustees as appropriate.

Other

Adopt a creative, open mindset to explore new avenues of income streams and set fundraising targets and development expenditure with the Executive Director.

Develop Corporate Partnerships with companies, who share DCD’s values, exploring mutually beneficial partnership through bespoke projects i.e. mentors, advice services or work placements as appropriate (This work is anticipated to commence in April 2026).

Maintain a high profile for DCD by attending key events, including evening and networking functions, to identify new opportunities and build relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Collaborate with the Executive Director and Marketing and Communications Manager to develop advocacy papers and communications to government, funders and decision makers.

Refine and work within DCD’s Ethical Fundraising Policy and government guidelines at all times, ensuring gifts are processed in accordance with charities SORP and conducting due diligence on a potential donors as required.