Position: Business Development and Fundraising Manager
Reporting to: The CEO
Contract: Fixed-term position for 3 years
Salary: €50,347
Location: Dublin (some travel may be necessary)
About Gaisce – The President’s Award
Gaisce – The President’s Award is a three-tiered personal development programme for young people aged 15 to 25 to dream big and fulfil their potential. Combining self-directed challenges and structured supervision by a trained adult volunteer (President Award Leaders, or PALs), young people set and achieve a series of goals in the areas of personal skill, physical recreation, community involvement and adventure. Gaisce is the most prestigious award programme for young people in Ireland. The patron of Gaisce is the President of Ireland and the programme is a challenge directly from the President to all young people in Ireland.
More than 22,000 young people register to do their Gaisce award each year and there are an estimated 300,000 awardees. Gaisce has a relatively small staff team (less than 15) with participants supported by more than 1,500 active PALs. This year, Gaisce celebrates its 30th anniversary. For more information about Gaisce, please visit www.gaisce.org.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the purpose of the role will be to develop and implement an organisational business development and fundraising strategy that optimising existing sources of funding and identifies new sources, towards achieving set targets.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and implement an ambitious but achievable organisational business development and fundraising strategy that complements the strategic priorities of the organisation as set out in the strategic plan.
Optimise existing sources of funding and identify new sources of revenue, particularly through the following channels:
Sponsorship opportunities (including events);
Corporate partnerships;
Philanthropic and EU funding opportunities.
Define a sponsor and stakeholder development plan, setting sponsorship targets for the needs of the organisation.
Plan and manage events calendar incorporating key events for sponsors and award ceremonies.
Build strong links with the corporate sector and major donors (in line with strategic priorities).
Ensure annual targets are met by overseeing all fundraising activities/functions and managing expenditure.
Develop and implement a business development/fundraising policy for the organisation, in line with legislation, regulation and best practice.
Measure, evaluate and report on business development/fundraising activities.
Work closely with the Communications Manager to ensure quality, authentic communications and the values of Gaisce are at the heart of business development / fundraising efforts.
Oversee relevant fundraising management systems and ensure the database of contacts/supporters grows and is well-managed and utilised in line with fundraising plans and targets.
Create opportunities for awardee- / volunteer-led fundraising activities and ensure effective and professional delivery.
Maintain and develop relationships with current/new donors and supporters.
Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time, commensurate with the nature of the post.
Act in the best interest of Gaisce and in line with the vision and mission of the organisation.
Person Specification
Skills and Experience (Essential)
Minimum 3 years business development/fundraising experience working with sponsors and fundraising.
Exceptional demonstrable stakeholder management experience.
Demonstrable ability in achieving/exceeding set financial targets/goals.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Proven ability to be persuasive and influence.
Excellent project management and strong analytical skills.
Strong knowledge and experience of the C&V sector.
Experience of developing/delivering innovative revenue raising strategies in a relevant / comparable organisation.
Competence in managing fundraising information systems / databases.
Good knowledge of the voluntary, philanthropic and corporate sectors.
Skills and Experience (Desirable)
Experience working with technology (CRM).
Knowledge of related fields (marketing, new media, branding).
Understanding of the role of online media in business development / fundraising.
Experiencing in managing people and/or voluntary fundraising committees.
Qualifications: Appropriate 3rd level qualification / diploma.
Personal Attributes
Commitment to empowering young people to fulfil their potential.
Extremely well organised with great attention to detail.
Results-focused, used to driving performance and delivering results.
Dynamic and passionate self-starter.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including persuasion, diplomacy, networking and negotiation.
Key Relationships: Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Gaisce team and may supervise the work of volunteers/interns.
Terms
This is a 3-year fixed term appointment with a 6-month probationary period. There is a fixed salary of €50,347. The appointment is covered by the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and membership of the scheme will be compulsory for the successful candidate. There is a holiday entitlement of 25 days in the first year, excluding public holidays.
Application
Applications should be submitted by email with the subject line ‘Business Development / Fundraising Manager Application’ to recruitment@gaisce.ie and to arrive by 5pm on Sunday 29th March (late applications will not be considered). Applications should include a letter outlining suitability for the post clearly indicating how the qualification requirements, skills and experience are met. The letter should be accompanied by a CV (2-pages). It should include the names of two referees that have recent professional dealings with the applicant, which are relevant to the role. Referees will not be contacted without the written permission of the candidate. Queries can be addressed to the same email address.
All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification.
Gaisce, Gradam an Uachtaráin – the President’s Award is committed to best practice and operates on the basis of equal opportunities. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Appointment will be based solely on merit and canvassing will disqualify.