The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Cultivation and Engagement Manager to join our Development department, leading on the delivery of a dynamic events programme for our prospects and donors.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Cultivation and Engagement Manager is part of the Development team of the British Academy. The role will lead and manage the creation, curation and delivery of our fundraising events programme, ensuring that we effectively engage with our prospect and donor groups.

You will be someone who thrives on delivering specialised events that vary in format – from small dinners and drink receptions, to large scale gala events organised in collaboration with other teams. You will be responsible for an established events programme, which is evolving as we prepare to re-open our building after a major programme of building work. There will be scope to rethink and shape new events to best serve our fundraising audiences.

Attention to detail is key – our audiences expect events that are both intellectually stimulating and seamlessly delivered, with a personal touch.

Critical to the role will be an ability to communicate effectively with the Academy’s prospects and donors. The post holder will also need to build relationships across the Academy’s Research, Policy, Communications and Front of House teams, to ensure successful delivery of development events.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Planning

• Work closely with the Development Team to plan and deliver a fundraising events programme that spans Development only events, events with other groups with the British Academy and delivery events -typically planning for an events cycle 12-18 months in advance.

• In collaboration with the Development Team, create bespoke engagement opportunities that will introduce prospects to the British Academy and its work and align with fundraising priorities.

• Manage engagement activities for a highly specialised reward and recognition programme in coordination with the Stewardship Manager.

• Deliver tailored events for specific donor groups, enabling the lead fundraisers and Senior Academy staff to strengthen donor relationships.

• Liaise with Teams across the organisation to create engagement opportunities that leverage existing activity, ensuring that prospective donors to the Academy are inspired by the British Academy’s work.

 Communications

• Be the outward face of the Team with our high profile stakeholders and to maintain excellent communications with our prospects and donors.

• Curate invitation lists for each event which include stakeholders, subject experts and development guests, and manage the entire communications process around the event from initial ‘Saves The Date’ emails through to post event follow-up.

• Create briefings for our internal use, including Senior Academy staff, including an outline the event’s purpose, running order, speaking notes and guest profiles. Manage a verbal briefing pre-event and ensure that all internal stakeholders are provided with information about event logistics.

• Manage post-event review including collating feedback from internal staff and incorporating it into bespoke follow up communications.

• Manage shared mailboxes for event purposes and ensure that correspondence is logged on the CRM database.

 Programme Delivery

• Manage all aspects of the event on the day, including venue hire and room set up, and ensuring that guests are greeted by Academy staff on arrival.

• Manage relationships with third party service providers (catering, florists, photographers, etc.).

• Liaise with Teams across the Academy to ensure a coordinated approach for each event which meets the expectations of donors.

 Resources

• Manage the Development events budget for programme activities ensuring that expenses match projections.

• Responsible for processing invoices for activities, organising travel and expenses claims and compiling financial reports. 

 General

• Support the Development Team in producing fundraising research (e.g., prospect research, background briefings, event bios).

• Update the CRM, ensuring that it is kept up to date and to input data as required.

• Carry out such other duties as may be reasonably be requested to support the work of the Development department.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Communications; 10-11 Venue Hire.

External

• Donors; Prospects; Senior volunteers; Fellows.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

An effective communicator who treats all colleagues fairly and equally, with openness, empathy and respect:

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to deal effectively, efficiently, and appropriately with donors, prospects and key stakeholders.

• Excellent knowledge and experience of event logistics and ‘on the day’ event delivery

• Knowledge of CRMs and their function within a Development office

• Knowledge of the fundraising environment in the UK

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives:

• Proven ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload taking the initiative, often working to conflicting deadlines

• Manages own time and resources effectively in order to achieve own, team and organisational objectives

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input

• Evaluates and manages risks effectively

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible. 

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach:

• Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead, referring to the appropriate level where necessary

• Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

• Copes with the unexpected

• Handles difficult situations calmly, with sensitivity and respect

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions:

• Can think outside direct area of expertise and ownership to contribute to the wider strategic aims of the organisation

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Right to work in the UK

• Will need to work outside of normal working hours

• To support other areas of fundraising by attending cultivation events as required

• Other duties as may be reasonably required by the Director of Development

BRITISH ACADEMY WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview, which may incorporate a task component.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for week commencing 11 December 2023 but this may be subject to change.