Development Manager

The Jenner Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Manager to join our team during a pivotal phase of growth and development, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of a globally significant heritage site.

Development Manager

Location: Dr Jenner’s House, Church Lane, Berkeley, Gloucestershire
Reports to: Museum Director
Employment Type: Permanent
Hours: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Salary: £28,000 Pro Rata (£35,000 FTE)
We support flexible and hybrid working arrangements and are happy to discuss what this could look like.

About Dr Jenner’s House

Dr Jenner’s House, The Chantry, is a site of profound global historical significance, recognized as the birthplace of vaccination. It was here that Edward Jenner, a country doctor and enlightenment figure, conducted his groundbreaking work in the 1790s, leading to the world's first vaccine and a medical breakthrough that forever changed humanity.

The Jenner Trust, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number 1158316), is dedicated to preserving this unique heritage. We operate the museum, provide educational facilities exploring the history and impact of vaccination, and manage a one-acre site encompassing two Grade II* listed structures (The Chantry and Temple of Vaccinia), along with the Cyder House, which serves as our offices and conference centre. We welcome over 4,000 visitors annually and host a variety of school visits, events, and conferences. We are a small team of staff supported by a passionate volunteer team who care for the site and welcome our guests.

This is an exceptionally exciting period for our organisation. We have recently been honoured as a "2024 Place of Science" by the Royal Society, our UNESCO World Heritage Status bid is progressing, and we are delighted to have been successful in obtaining a substantial grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to expand our team and initiate crucial restoration work on the site. With a new Chairman, a strong team of Trustees, a newly appointed Museum Director and Duty Manager, and a growing base of dedicated volunteers, we are poised for significant growth and impact.

The Opportunity

The Jenner Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Manager to join our team during a pivotal phase of growth and development, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of a globally significant heritage site.

Working collaboratively in a small team with the Museum Director, Chairman, and Trustees, you will be instrumental in driving our fundraising efforts, securing vital income, and building sustainable relationships that will ensure the long-term preservation and educational outreach of Dr Jenner’s House. A key focus will be on developing and implementing a robust capital fundraising strategy and cultivating major grant giving organisations and individual donors.

This role is funded for 18 months through the NLHF and is critical to achieving our ambitious longer-term goals, leading up to the international celebrations around the 50th anniversary of smallpox eradication in 2030 and beyond. Although there will be a requirement to be present in the Museum at certain times, we are open to discussions on hybrid or flexible working arrangements for this post.

Key Responsibilities

As our Development Manager, you will:

Strategy & Leadership:

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the museum’s comprehensive Fundraising Strategy, establishing clear action plans, KPIs, and targets.
• Establish and facilitate a Fundraising Leadership Group comprising Trustees, staff, volunteers, and external consultants to leverage expertise and resources for fundraising activities.
• Ensure the Fundraising Strategy incorporates ongoing work with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, particularly for the restoration of the Temple of Vaccinia and The Chantry.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:

• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with new and existing individual donors, high-net-worth individuals, corporates, and foundations to build a robust pipeline of future support.
• Drive a proactive stewardship programme for all potential and existing donors, ensuring exceptional donor care and fostering sustained engagement.
• Support the development and delivery of the museum’s patron schemes in close collaboration with the Chairman of the Trustees.

Income Generation & Grant Management:

• Identify and review new avenues for potential capital and revenue grant funding opportunities (unrestricted and restricted).
• Lead and coordinate compelling grant funding applications to a diverse range of potential funding bodies, including NGOs, Trusts, Foundations, philanthropists, and local authorities.
• Inspire new and existing supporters to join the museum’s membership and/or donor schemes, significantly increasing the museum’s income (both revenue and capital) to meet agreed targets.
• Ensure grant-funded projects are appropriately managed, and all requisite monitoring and evaluation reports are submitted to funding bodies on time.

Communications & Engagement:

• Produce engaging copy and content for newsletters and assist with external communications, including social media, press releases, and other PR and marketing opportunities, to promote fundraising initiatives.
• Organise and manage fundraising and donor cultivation events, ranging from low-level individual giving activities to major high-level events, especially plans for the 50th anniversary of the eradication of smallpox in 2030.

With such a small staff team we are looking for a candidate who is able to work collaboratively and to support other staff and Trustees in securing the future for the Trust.

Skills and Experience

Dr Jenner’s House is committed to being an inclusive employer and would welcome applications from those who, although may not meet all our preferred criteria, can demonstrate equivalent experience or skills.

Essential:

• Proven experience and in-depth knowledge of fundraising within the heritage or not-for-profit sector.
• Demonstrable track record of successfully working with Trustees, senior stakeholders, partners, mid and high-level benefactors, and external consultants on fundraising initiatives.
• Proven success in leading capital appeals.
• Direct experience in organising and delivering successful fundraising and donor cultivation events.
• Practical experience in implementing effective donor care and stewardship strategies.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and build rapport with diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• High level of computer literacy, proficient in relevant software and databases.

Desirable:

• Experience with National Lottery Heritage Fund applications and reporting.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic & Energetic: A proactive and positive approach to fundraising challenges.
• Adaptable & Reliable: Ability to thrive in a small, dynamic team environment and take initiative.
• Team Player: Happy to collaborate and contribute across various organisational activities.
• Problem-Solver: Possesses good initiative and sound judgment to make appropriate decisions and resolve issues independently.
• Committed: A genuine passion for heritage, education, science, and the mission of Dr Jenner’s House.

General Information

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and outcomes of the role and may be updated periodically to reflect evolving organisational needs. Other reasonable duties required for the safe and successful running of the museum may be required by your line manager at times. All duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Dr Jenner Trust policies and procedures, within applicable legislation, and with due regard for the needs of our visitors and the diverse community we serve.

Dr Jenner's House is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the rich tapestry of our global heritage. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.