Director of Fundraising

We are looking for a talented, experienced, motivated fundraiser to join us in building Amal at this exciting time in its young life.  Working closely with the CEO, the postholder will create Amal’s fundraising capability, developing and implementing the strategy, structure, processes and relationships needed to support Amal’s growth and the fulfilment of its mission.  They will build a small Development team over the next three years.

About Amal
Amal is the only UK funder taking a multi-arts approach to increasing understanding of Britain’s Muslim communities among others and to fostering a stronger sense of belonging in the UK among our Muslim communities.We work for increased Muslim participation in creative activities, richer encounters between communities, more authentic representation and the celebration of our Muslim communities and their contributions to British society.  Amal means “hope” in Arabic.  We offer a radical kind of hope that the UK, despite the divisions of recent times, can build ever more harmonious relations between its communities. 

Amal is not endowed and needs to fundraise to support our grants, other activities and core costs.  Fundraising has been done to date by the CEO who will work closely with the new Director of Fundraising to build a high-quality fundraising operation and meet challenging funding targets.

If you care about creating a fairer society, this is a wonderful opportunity to play a pivotal role in building an organisation dedicated to tackling structural inequalities in creative ways.

Job purpose

• To create, develop, implement and lead an ambitious, sustainable, diversified, long-term fundraising strategy and capability that maximises support for Amal’s work and reputation. 

Responsibilities

1. Leadership
a)     To play a part in the overall leadership of Amal.
b)     To ensure a commitment to fundraising among the entire team and Board.
c)     To represent Amal externally at events and meetings.
d)     To remain up to date with best practice in fundraising and its regulation.

2. Strategy and planning
a)     To develop and lead a four-year fundraising strategy to achieve agreed stretch targets for all income streams, focusing on high-level givers, whether trusts and foundations, major donors, corporates or local/statutory authorities.
b)     To devise and implement detailed annual implementation plans.
c)     To define the level and timing of human and other resources required to deliver the agreed plans and make the case to the CEO and Board for this investment.

3. Fundraising proposition
a)      To review and develop Amal’s case for support.
b)      To work with Trustees and the CEO to develop a Major Donor Supporters Council.

4.Growing the donor pool and portfolio
a)     To develop a prospect pipeline that balances immediate needs with longer term relationship development.
b)     To submit strong fundraising applications and proposals within a timeframe that meets Amal’s funding needs.
c)     To identify and develop engagement opportunities for existing and potential supporters.

5.Stewardship
a)     To build enduring relationships of trust with existing and new funders, through excellent stewardship.
b)     To ensure that all requirements stipulated by donors are fulfilled to a high standard.

6.Systems
a) To develop and implement processes and tools to manage prospects and donors at each stage of the solicitation cycle.
b)     To develop and maintain a fundraising database ensuring compliance with GDPR.

7.Financial and risk management
a) To develop and manage budgets for fundraising activity.
b) To identify key risks to income and reputation, ensuring that mitigation controls are in place.

Person specification

A.Knowledge, skills and experience

a)     Substantial, senior and demonstrable fundraising experience, including of strategic planning, managing the donor cycle from identification through to stewardship and meeting five and six figure gift targets.
b)     Strong experience of building and managing at least two of the following four income streams (trusts and foundations, major donors, local and statutory authorities and corporates).
c)     Excellent communications and presentation skills, in person and in writing.
d)     Strong relationship building skills with a wide range of people.
e)     Excellent organisation and administration skills.
f)      Experience of office IT systems, maintaining a database and keeping accurate records.

B. Attributes

g)      A love of fundraising.
h)      A commitment to combating structural inequalities in UK society and to Amal’s values of social justice, compassion and conviviality.
i)      An interest in high-quality arts and cultural activity as an effective means of promoting understanding and belonging.
j)      An interest in or desire to learn about the situation of the UK’s Muslim communities.
k)     An adaptable approach including the flexibility to undertake all fundraising tasks until the team grows.
l)     An authoritative personal presence.
m)     A “can do” attitude, enthusiasm, creativity and energy.
n)     An ability to listen openly and reflectively to all stakeholders, build rapport and influence.
o)     Integrity and discretion.

Other benefits

• Employer’s pension contribution of 6% of salary.
• 25 days’ holiday in addition to bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements including working from home part of the week.

More about Amal

Amal started life as a programme of the Saïd Foundation.  In August 2020 it embarked on an exciting new phase, becoming an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission.  Building on the community, skills and learning we have developed, and with the support of generous donors, we are now relaunching with Amal Connects, our new cornerstone programme.  This will enable us to deepen the engagement of Muslim communities in creative activity and with cultural organisations by facilitating the co-creation of projects in our hub locations, first Birmingham and Bradford, later London.