About DSPCA

Our vision is Is a country where all animals, domestic or wild, are treated with compassion and respect. Established in 1840, the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is a leading animal welfare organisation dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals and preventing cruelty. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need, as well as to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.

The charity currently resides on a beautiful 32 acre site based at the foothill of the Dublin mountains on the Mount Venus Road in Rathfarnham. The areas on public view include the dog and cat rehoming centres, stables, small animal areas, perimeter walk and pet memorial garden. Our shop based in the main shelter reception sells a full range of pet supplies, pet food, pet accessories and DSPCA Merchandise.

We provide a number of services including animal rescue and rehoming, a mobile veterinary clinic, provision of doggy day care and a pet hotel, dog training and a memorial garden. You can learn more about the DSPCA and the services we provide here

Our Purpose

We exist uniquely to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick, injured and cruelly treated animals. We are committed to making it socially unacceptable to mistreat any animal.

Our team of inspectors works closely with Government Agencies and Authorities to help strengthen the law on animal welfare in Ireland and influence decision making. Through our education services, we impact over 150,000 people each year and focus on promoting kindness and empathy towards animals.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Our Mission is to promote and protect the welfare of all animals.

Our Vision Is a country where all animals, domestic or wild, are treated with compassion and respect.

Our values underpin all of our work;

•      Animals and their welfare are at the heart of everything we do.

•      We value and respect our staff, volunteers and supporters.

•      We promote and welcome social inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

•      We are committed to making it socially unacceptable to mistreat an animal.

•      We advocate continuously to strengthen the law on animal welfare.

•      We work towards a sustainable animal population through our range of neutering programmes.

•      We act ethically, transparently and adhere to the highest level of corporate governance and financial reporting.

About the role

The DSPCA is seeking a passionate and experienced person to lead the Fundraising and Communications function to support its important work as a leading, change-making organisation. Reporting to the CEO and working as part of the leadership team, this newly created role presents a unique opportunity to lead on delivering the fundraising strategy, developing future strategic goals and leading the continued growth and profile of the organisation. This is an exceptional opportunity to have a real impact in this highly respected and impactful organisation.  

1.     POSITION IN ORGANISATION

• Reports into: CEO
• Line Manages: 6 - Corporate Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager, Community Fundraising Manager, IG & Legacy Manager, Brand and Marketing Strategy Manager, Corporate & IG Executive, Data & CRM Manager.

2.    MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

The Director of Fundraising & Communications will lead a dynamic team of professionals in implementing a new and ambitious fundraising strategy. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing innovative fundraising and marketing initiatives to drive revenue growth and increase the organisation's impact and financial sustainability. This role requires strategic thinking, commercial focus, team leadership, and a passion for advancing the mission of the DSPCA.

The role will also play a key role in driving brand awareness, to raise the profile of the organisation in the marketplace and build key relationships with our stakeholders.

3.    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and lead on all fundraising strategies to achieve income and expenditure targets.
• Provide visionary leadership to the Fundraising & Communications team, fostering a collaborative & results-driven culture.
• Review and develop the portfolio and programme plans to deliver the best possible impact from supporter funding through effective, innovative and sustainable funding strategies.
• Developing business cases for new areas of fundraising investment potential for DSPCA to drive growth and trial new channels.

Team Management and Development

• Lead and inspire a team of professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support.
• Drive growth in the team by identifying talent, recruiting, and training new team members.
•  

Fundraising and Communications

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of diverse fundraising campaigns, across all income streams that deliver a sustainable uplift in funds for the Society.
• Ensure campaigns are integrated across multiple channels, including digital, direct mail, and events.
• Develop the digital fundraising plan and working closely with colleagues to drive website optimisation, donor journeys and social media presence.
• Drive brand awareness, positioning and communication for fundraising purposes.
• Further developing the organisation's fundraising ethos and growth mindset through effective relationship building, communication and collaboration.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Implement strategies to recognise and retain donors, ensuring a positive donor experience.

Budget Management, Data and Reporting

• Effective budget management of all fundraising costs and expenditure budgets ensuring all activity is implemented within defined budgets and cost ratios.
• Utilise data analytics to measure the effectiveness of fundraising and marketing initiatives
• Developing a fundraising reporting framework for regular updates to senior management and the Board on campaign performance, return on investment and other KPIs, building a robust case for further investment in fundraising.

About You

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

·      Minimum 5 years fundraising experience at a senior management level

·      Strategic leader with considerable experience and proven results having led successful fundraising operations.

·      Excellent people management skills with the ability to foster a culture of innovation and development

·      Strong analytical, planning and budgeting skills with a focus on return on investment.

·      Experience in creation & delivery of fundraising strategy, budget and operational planning.

·      Literate in digital marketing with demonstrated experience in digital fundraising.

·      Experience in writing compelling business cases & follow through.

·      Demonstrable success across a range of fundraising income steams

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

·      An enthusiastic and proactive team member with the ability to work collaboratively.

·      An aptitude to work autonomously and be a self-starter.

·      Ability to view change positively and problem solve in a creative and positive way.

·      Leadership, tenacity, and strong stakeholder management skills.

·      Commitment to the aims and values of the DSPCA

·      Emotionally resilient to sensitive information

Terms and Benefits

·      Full time (35 hours per week)

·      Permanent role

·      €70,000 per annum

·      Hybrid: Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin office with some home working

·     24 days annual leave

·      We also offer some brilliant benefits including family and pet-friendly policies, and training to support your development.

How to Apply

The recruitment process is being managed exclusively on behalf of the DSPCA Ireland by Mantra Strategy. 

We are wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. We warmly welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone and are flexible in how we receive information. If you would like to apply via a different format or let us know how we can support you to be the best you can be.

Informal enquiries in confidence are welcomed by Suzanne Mulholland on +353 86 600 1039.

The closing date is Sunday 31^st March 2024. Please submit your CV and cover letter to suzanne@mantrastrategy.ie