JOB SPECIFICATION

Director of Funding and Development

Job title:	Director of Funding and Development
Reporting to:	Director of Funding and Development
Location:	Central London (80%) and Portsmouth (20%), UK
Travel:	Regular UK and overseas
Hours:	Full time (37.5 hours per week)
Holiday:	25 days + statutory holidays
Salary range:	£50,000 - £60,000 p.a.

Purpose

To lead a major expansion in funding and development activities to ensure growing and sustained financial support for the charity's research and education activities around the world.

Description

Working closely with, and reporting to, the Chief Executive, you will lead fundraising, communication and public relations activities to maximise sustained financial support for the charity's activities in the UK and overseas.

You will develop a thorough understanding of the organisation's work, operating plans and strategy. You will lead donor relationship management, community fundraising, trusts and foundations grants, corporate fundraising and sponsorship and high net worth individual gift solicitations.

You will bring expertise and experience and will quickly start to deliver demonstrable results. You will lead a growing and enthusiastic team, offering clear guidance and motivation.

You will have a thorough understanding of ethical standards in fundraising, including in particular the codes of conduct and policy documents published by the Institute of Fundraising. You will maintain the highest standards of honesty and confidentiality in all aspects of your work.

Duties and responsibilities

Leading fundraising, communications and public relations activities to maximise sustained financial support for the charity's activities
Nurturing donor relationships and ongoing communication with the charity's supporters
Leading the formulation and development of strategy and plans for future funding and development to meet the wider strategic goals of the organisation
Leading the development and implementation of a US fundraising plan and guiding the development of an effective fundraising team at our new associated nonprofit, Down Syndrome Education USA
Leading the development and implementation of a European fundraising plan
Preparing and overseeing project proposals and applications for grants
Developing proposals, relationships and opportunities to secure sustained growth in corporate support through sponsorship, gifts in kind and volunteering
Developing proposals, relationships and opportunities to deliver sustained growth in income from major gifts
Managing fundraising events, providing advice and guidance for volunteers and managing hosted/sponsored events
Providing current and accurate information about the charity's fundraising and promotional activities through the web site, promotional materials, newsletters, training events and exhibitions
Ensuring the appropriate monitoring and accounting of donated funds, in accordance with donor and wider regulatory requirements
Ensuring the accurate updating and maintenance of donor and donation records
Reporting to the Board of Trustees

Knowledge and skills

Essential

Commitment to the charity's mission
Previous experience or other involvement in disability or mental health issues, children, education and/or international development
Honesty and openness
Motivated, determination, excellent self-discipline and high ambitions
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to express yourself succinctly and clearly in conversation and in writing to people of all ages, of all abilities and from all backgrounds
Training and extensive experience in marketing, public relations and fundraising
A thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory issues relevant to fundraising activities and a clear appreciation of recognised best practice standards in fundraising
Competence with information technology, including effective use of Windows (XP or Vista), Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel
Familiarity with Internet technologies
Excellent time management and self organisation skills

Desirable

Foreign language skills
US fundraising experience
European fundraising experience
Experience in donor relationship management, events fundraising, scientific research funding and/or overseas fundraising
Experience with databases, accounting and/or fundraising IT systems

Further information

For further information, please email jobs@downsed.org

Application

To apply, please send a detailed CV to jobs@downsed.org to arrive by 17:00 GMT on Friday 1 August 2008.