Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager

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 2022, 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 Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager on a fixed-term contract basis. The purpose of the role is to share responsibility for the delivery of ambitious fundraising targets, as a key member of the Development Department. The Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager will have a particular focus on corporate partnerships/sponsorships. Reporting to the Head of Development, the Fundraising & Sponsorship Manager will:

•   Develop the Gallery's corporate partnership programme including retention of current partners and the activation of new partnerships

•   Maintain & create appropriate systems to effectively manage the Gallery's corporate partnerships portfolio

•   Work to ensure that the Head of Development and other colleagues are briefed on and involved in developing relationships

•   Proactively research opportunities, prepare funding proposals and secure financial support for the Gallery's activities, across various departments 

•   Draft partnership agreements and other documentation for review 

•   Ensure high quality, timely and accurate completion of gift acknowledgements, mailings and invitations

•   Liaise with the Corporate Engagement & Events Manager to ensure regular communication is provided to all Corporate Partners, and to collaborate on an events plan for Corporate Partners, including events such as the Director's Dinner

•   Prepare clear and concise reports to funders as required, and work proactively to ensure reports are delivered prior to deadline

•   Analyse and report on cost/benefit of all development activities, providing a business case justification as necessary

•   Maintain accurate records through files/database: accurately record all data and keep a record of all income and expenditure regarding funders

•   Support the Head of Development with the preparation of reports to the Development subcommittee of the Board

•   Liaise closely with all teams within the Gallery, to ensure that all Development activities/events are run within the Gallery's health and safety guidelines and maintain the Gallery's primary purpose as a public cultural institution for the visual arts

•   Complete other fundraising duties, as required

The successful candidate will have: 

•   A third level qualification in a related discipline

•   Previous experience of working within a fundraising or sales environment managing stakeholders in a professional manner

•   Excellent project management skills with a proven ability to implement plans, manage budgets and deliverables within tight deadlines 

•   An ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including strong influencing skills

•   An ability to work independently and on own initiative while being part of a wider team 

•   A willingness to and an interest in motivating and developing others 

•   Excellent organisation, administration and time management skills, with an ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines

•   Exceptional communication skills – written and verbal, with the ability to write compelling copy, articulate clearly and succinctly, and give confident and engaging presentations

•   Ability to thrive in a high pressure supported environment

•   Sound problem solving, judgement and decision making skills

•   Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office) 

•   Previous work experience of using eTapestry fundraising database 

•   Ability to develop a thorough working knowledge of all departments in the Gallery 

•   A positive, flexible and proactive attitude to work 

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 visa; or

(e)   A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a Stamp 4 visa; or

(f)   A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a Stamp 4 visa.

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 Higher Executive Officer (PPC) pay scale €54,764 per annum as per 1 October 2023 pay adjustments.

Duration: Full-time. Fixed-term contract for 16 months. 

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional late evenings and weekends.

Travel: The post may require travel across Ireland and abroad.

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: 8 March 2024 

Interviews will be scheduled in March 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