Organisation: Belfast TradFest & Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music
Location: Belfast/Hybrid
Reports to: Artistic Director & Festival Producer
Contract: Part-time Freelance (2/3 days per week)
Salary: £34,000 per annum. pro rata.
About Us
Belfast TradFest & Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music was established in 2017 to celebrate and promote traditional music, song, dance & culture in the heart of Belfast. With a diverse program of concerts, workshops, and educational initiatives, we bring together world-class artists, students, and audiences to celebrate the rich traditions of these islands. As our organisation grows, we seek an ambitious and dynamic Fundraising & Development Manager to secure sustainable funding and strengthen our impact and reach.
Role Overview
The Fundraising & Development Manager will drive the financial growth and sustainability of our organisation. This role will involve developing and implementing a fundraising strategy, securing grants, sponsorships & partnerships, cultivating a new donor programme, and exploring new revenue streams to support our aims.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy and Implementation
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with our aims & goals.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including individual giving, corporate sponsorship, trusts, foundations, and public grants.
- Work closely with the Artistic Director, Festival Producer and Board of Directors to meet annual income targets.
2. Grant Writing and Management
- Research and apply for relevant grants from local, national, and international funding bodies. Current funders and partners include Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism NI, Dormant Accounts, Foras na Gaeilge..
- Write compelling funding proposals, ensuring alignment with funders’ priorities and Belfast TradFest’s strategy & aims.
- Effectively manage multiple funding deadlines to ensure no key opportunities are missed
- Manage grant post project reporting and compliance, maintaining strong relationships with funding bodies.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships
- Identify, approach, and secure partnerships with corporate sponsors.
- Maintain and service relationship with current sponsors and partners which include Ulster University, Maritime Belfast, CQ Bid, Belfast One Bid, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, IMRO etc..
- Develop tailored sponsorship packages and build long-term relationships with new business partners.
4. Bursary Programme, Donor Programme and Individual Giving
- Work with the Chair of the board of Trustees and the Artistic Director to grow and manage the Summer School Bursary Programme. Building and managing a portfolio of individual donors, organisations, foundations & institutions.
- Design and implement a new donor program.
- Develop innovative campaigns to increase individual giving, including digital and community fundraising initiatives.
5. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Marketing Officer to align fundraising with organisational activities.
- Represent the organisation at networking events, building relationships with key stakeholders.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Track and report on fundraising performance against targets.
- Maintain accurate records of donors, sponsors, and funders.
- Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Proven track record in fundraising, development, or a similar role.
- Experience securing funding through grants, sponsorships, or individual giving.
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling funding proposals.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of the cultural or non-profit sector, preferably within the arts.
Desirable Criteria
- Familiarity with traditional/folk/acoustic music, dance, and culture.
- Experience in donor database management (e.g., Salesforce or equivalent).
- Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
- Creativity in developing new fundraising initiatives and events.
To apply
Read the full Job Description and and how to apply at the Belfast TradFest website below.
Fundraising & Development Manager
Please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role, and examples of previous fundraising successes to info@belfasttradfest.com by Friday 6th December 2024
Deadline for receipt of applications is: Friday 6th December 2024
