Head of Development

(Specified Purpose Contract)

The National Gallery of Ireland ('the Gallery') is Ireland's major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising almost 17,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution's extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 180 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2023, the Gallery received numerous awards and accreditations. These included the Triple Lock Standard, which recognises Irish charities that have achieved excellence in governance, financial reporting, transparency and ethical fundraising.

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Head of Development on a specified purpose contract. The successful candidate is responsible for leading a team of professional fundraisers and achieving our annual fundraising objectives. The successful candidate is also responsible for coordinating our relationships with the Friends of The National Gallery of Ireland, International Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland and the American Friends of the Gallery. Crucially, the role involves implementing and enhancing the Gallery's Development Plan (2025-28) and achieving our objectives with purpose-driven fundraising campaigns.

Reporting to the Head of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement or his / her nominated deputy, the Head of Development will:

• Lead the Development Department of the National Gallery of Ireland
• Proactively work with the Director of the Gallery, the Head of Audience Development and Stakeholder Engagement and members of the Gallery's Executive Leadership Team
• Prepare annual plans and budgets which ensure the retention and development of our fundraising revenue streams. This includes annual action plans for:
• Individual Giving – focusing on single/once-off gifts, regular gifts and legacy gifts
• Corporate Partners & Sponsorship – focusing on multi-annual partnerships through our Corporate Partner Programme and securing new sponsors for priority projects
• Grants, Trusts and Foundations – focusing on identifying priority projects and ensuring the annual calendar of grant application deadlines is met
• Prepare for, oversee and coordinate an extensive calendar of meetings and events involving the Gallery's Development Committee, Executive Committee of the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland, the American Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland and the International Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland
• Successfully create and deliver purpose-driven proposals, presentations events and experiences, which increase our fundraising revenue
• Develop our mid & major level gift propositions and a new legacy giving strategy, which ensures a clear transition plan is identified to upgrade our existing friends, patrons and other donors
• Oversee our database (e-tapestry) and make qualified recommendations related to data management
• Develop database processes and procedures, which enhance our data capture
• Recommend and implement donor care policies in line with new data protection legislation
• Research and identify new leads (individual, corporate, trusts and foundations) and deliver a donor-focused service to all supporters
• Proactively work with colleagues throughout the Gallery to research, articulate and secure funding for priority projects 
• Complete other duties as and when required

The successful candidate will have:

• A third level qualification in business, marketing, fundraising and / or sales
• Experience and proven results in developing and implementing individual giving plans and/or fundraising plans, which recruit, inspire and retain individual donors, corporate partners and grants
• A proven ability to work on collaborative projects, which deliver results within targets, while working on their own initiative, and as part of an effective fundraising team
• Strong knowledge of budgets and experience of reporting financial performance against targets
• Strong experience of working with fundraising databases (preferably e-tapestry), audience segmentation and use of data analytics
• Strong knowledge of the regulatory environment for fundraising including data protection, tax incentives, fundraising codes of practice and regulations
• Excellent people management skills with a proven ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve results to a consistent high standard.
• A positive attitude and proactive approach to work
• Enthusiasm for working in a cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment
• A willingness to partake in and enhance their own professional development
• A well-established, professional network in Ireland, the United Kingdom and/or the United States of America

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(a)      A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b)      A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c)       A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d)      A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 4* or a Stamp 5 visa;

* Please note that a 50 TEU visa, which is a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is acceptable as a Stamp 4 equivalent.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

Grade and Salary: Salary is in accordance with point 1 of the Assistant Principal (PPC) pay scale €78,303 per annum as per 1 June 2024 pay adjustments.

Duration: Specified Purpose Contract of 13 months. 

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, the successful candidate must be flexible and available to work occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends (as required).

Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.   

Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

How to apply: Please upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 27 August 2024

Interviews will be scheduled in September 2024.  

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and Inclusion we recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer