OVERVIEW
The National Concert Hall (NCH) has the ambition to be one of the world’s great centres for music, a centre which will be a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere.

The NCH is entering an exciting period of change and development, with a multi-million capital redevelopment programme for its Earlsfort Terrace site in the planning stage and a process underway to transfer of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra to its remit.
The NCH’s annual funding comes from a mix of its own activities, a grant from the state through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

This income derives from sponsorship, philanthropic donations, trusts and foundations individual and corporate supporters and from fundraising events and activities. The NCH has well-developed programmes for sponsors, corporate members, patrons, donors and Friends.

Emerging from the long hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic affords the organisation an opportunity to re-think its ambitious fundraising goals. The Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy will work closely with the CEO and the Board of the National Concert Hall to implement a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy (2020-2025) for its annual programmes in line with the company’s overall mission and Strategic Plan (2021-2025).

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROLE
This is a full-time, fixed term contract and the position holder reports to the CEO and manages 3 direct reports.

The main purpose of the role:

• To be responsible for achieving the National Concert Hall’s annual fundraising goals and for cultivating and managing relationships with sponsors and donors.
• To maximise annual contributed income from all private and corporate sources, including major gift giving, corporate sponsorship, trusts and foundations, individual philanthropy and through fundraising events, in support of the National Concert Hall’s ongoing programming, Learning & Participation and operational needs.

Main responsibilities:
INDIVIDUAL GIVING & PHILANTHROPY
• To manage and grow all membership schemes, including Friends and Individual Patrons.
• To devise and implement new membership schemes and loyalty programmes schemes to increase individual giving and broaden the supporter base.
• To grow the Hall’s individual patron and major donor base, both in Ireland and internationally.
• To devise and manage an annual giving campaign and cultivate major gifts, including legacy giving.
• To instigate and manage a programme of fundraising events from inception through to completion.
• To ensure excellent management and stewardship of all relationships within the fundraising area

CORPORATE SUPPORT & SPONSORSHIP
• To develop and implement plans to attract major corporate sponsorship to the NCH in support of its programme and Learning & Participation activities.
• To develop and implement a sponsorship strategy for the National Symphony Orchestra.
• To increase corporate engagement and income, including through the Corporate Members scheme.
Trusts & Foundations

• To identify and implement specific strategies to build income and maintain strong relationships with Trusts and Foundations both in Ireland and internationally
• To work with the Head of Learning & Participation to identify and develop projects for support from such Trusts and Foundations
• To work with the Head of Programme Planning to identify and develop projects for support from such Trusts and Foundations

OTHER KEY TASKS:
• To work closely with the CEO, and senior management team in creating and implementing key strategies for developing fundraising sources that support the NCH’s portfolio of projects in the areas of artistic excellence, Learning & Participation and audience development.
• To direct the production of proposals, grant applications and all necessary materials for corporate sponsorship, philanthropic and foundation giving.
• Working closely with the Head of Marketing and Communications, to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and public affairs strategy for fundraising and sponsorship and to ensure good stewardship of sponsors and donors
• To ensure fulfilment of sponsorship commitments and coordinate with other departments to guarantee timely delivery of benefits and proper recognition to sponsors and donors and to co-ordinate marketing and PR reports for sponsors and co-ordinate feedback from sponsors internally.
• To develop and manage Board fundraising capacity.
• To attend networking and business events outside the NCH where prospects may be identified.
• To host sponsor/networking events and other business development initiatives.
• To utilise online marketing to support donor and sponsor acquisition.
• To implement and manage a CRM system specific to donor management and development.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• To report to the CEO as a member of the Senior Management Team
• To liaise closely with all other areas of the business (including Finance, Marketing and Communications, Operations, Learning and Participation, and Box Office) to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the department
• To liaise with the Board or relevant sub-committees as appropriate
• To be the point of contact for all major sponsors and donors

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
• To meet financial targets for all projects undertaken
• To create and implement an annual development plan and strategy
• To set and regularly monitor an annual budget in line with departmental expenditure and anticipated income
• To produce monthly analysis of key statistics for purposes of tracking, monitoring results and improving performance
• To manage sponsorship guidelines of the NCH and update as necessary
• To lead, supervise, motivate and appraise staff members and ensure all objectives are met on time and on budget.
• To advise on staffing requirements and assist with recruitment
• To liaise closely with Head of Learning & Participation, Head of Programme Planning and NSO management regarding project opportunities
• To carry out any other duties that may be required of the role

ORGANISATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• To maintain the NCH’s high standard of customer care across all areas of
organisational activity
• To use IT and digital applications to service the post’s administrative needs
• To work towards the achievement of the NCH’s organisational goals
• As the post-holder may be the first point of contact for many external organisations and individuals, he/she is expected to remain up to date with, and aware of, developments within the NCH and its work.
• As the post requires handling, processing and recording of restricted information, confidentiality is required at all times.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
• Meeting income targets for corporate and donated income
• Achieving sustained annual growth in overall revenue
• Broadening industry sectors where sponsorship and new members are sourced
• Increasing donor base particularly in major gift giving, both in Ireland and internationally
• Sound people & business management of the fundraising department

PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Ambitious, target driven and competent at delivering in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated passion for fundraising and building relationships
• Interest in music and the cultural sector
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and oral) and listening skills
• An excellent team player, flexible and adaptable
• A third level qualification relevant to the role
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising
• Good initiative with an eye for detail
• Well-developed organisational skills

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROLE
• This is a fulltime Fixed Term Contract of Employment (Maternity Leave Cover)
• The Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy reports to the CEO and manages 3 direct reports.
• The National Concert Hall is located in Dublin 2/city centre.
• This role will be based at the NCH itself.

Pay: The Assistant Principal salary scale applies (rates effective from 1 July 2021) as follows:
€69,659 | €72,268 | €74,871 | €77,483| €80,090 | €81,593 | €84,225 (LSI 1)* | €86,865 (LSI 2)*

Candidates should note the NCH complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and guidelines on Public Sector pay and conditions of employment and entry level will be at Point 1 of this Grade.

The annual leave entitlement is 30 days pro-rata per year.

Outside working hours: The successful candidate must be flexible and available to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends (as required).

How to apply: Applicants should submit one attachment containing a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae by email, outlining how they meet the required criteria to: [email protected]

Closing Date for Applications: 12th October 2021

It is important to note that the NCH are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community or any other characteristic protected by the Equality Act.