Development Manager Vacancy

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Manager to strengthen the fundraising and development team.

The Gardens are in a period of change and have recently secured a Round 1 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant towards a £14m capital project. The project aims to restore the historic glasshouses, upgrade site infrastructure and displays and improve the visitor experience for all.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) are keen to see applications from people of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to representing the diverse nature of the city. The Gardens look forward to receiving applications from all suitable candidates and will conduct inclusive recruitment processes based on attitude, experience, and qualifications. BBG are also committed to ensuring that no-one invited to interview should be excluded due to financial circumstances and will reimburse anyone attending interview (related costs must be supported by receipts) if required.

About the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Opened in 1832, Birmingham Botanical Gardens (registered charity number 528981) is one of just two independent charitable botanical gardens in the UK.

Spread across 15 acres, just one mile from Birmingham City Centre, BBG consists of over 7,000 formally documented plants, making it the largest and most diverse botanic collection in central England.

BBG’s heritage is woven into Birmingham’s history – once the most important manufacturing town in the world – and the site welcomes over 180,000 visitors each year.

As well as the gardens, which are a green sanctuary within the city, the charity also provides a unique educational resource for learning about plants, conservation, and the environment. We welcome visits from nurseries, schools, and colleges, as well as organised groups, and run adult courses and workshops in photography, nature, wildlife, heritage, and culture.

As an independent charity, we rely on the support of visitors, supporters, donors, and grants, as well as generating income from our trading arm, hosting weddings and special events. This support ensures that we can deliver our key charitable objectives, maintaining our Victorian glasshouses and our 15-acres of wonderful gardens, and developing educational projects for the Birmingham community.

A diverse botanical world that enhances all our lives: our mission is to support plant biodiversity and an understanding of its importance to the natural environment through conservation, education, engagement, and enjoyment.

Your role as a Development Manager

The new postholder will work with the Development Director and part time Systems Develop- ment Officer. The new post includes management of any staff and volunteers working to support the development function. The post-holder is responsible to the Development Director in raising the funds to deliver the Major project in the Development and Delivery phases of the Heritage Fund project and beyond and growing the day-to-day fundraising operation at BBG.

Key responsibilities

  • Achieve income and performance targets in accordance with BBG’s agreed Fundraising Strategy and business needs, as directed by the Development Director.
  • Responsible for managing BBG’s development/fundraising function data, ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of data and information on BBG’s new Spektrix CRM system in compliance with wider BBG requirements and the Data Protection Act.
  • Raise funding from trusts, grants, and sponsors and support campaigns for fundraising from individuals, especially major donors, to meet the targets of the Major project, as agreed.
  • Work with Horticultural, Commercial and Education teams, and other staff to determine projects and outcomes, maximising opportunities for raising funds to support core functions as well as projects.
  • Manage and oversee funding contracts with trusts, grant givers etc, including payment schedules, reporting, and monitoring compliance with any conditions of funding.
  • Responsible for high quality stewarding of all donors and supporters, ensuring BBG’s reputation as an exemplary charity is maintained. Respectful approach and manner in all fundraising. Developing a culture of giving in the charity.
  • Responsible for research and cultivating funding prospects and submitting high quality well-researched applications, securing new supporters and interest within the wider strategy.
  • Work with Marketing team to manage all fundraising messaging and communications, including digital, print and press coverage, all in accordance with fundraising regulation. Liaise with BBG Finance staff to ensure reporting meets BBG’s wider business and charitable requirements.
  • Prepare and deliver a legacy giving campaign to support long-term giving at BBG.
  • Responsible for organising relevant cultivation events/activities, including private visits to the Gardens, special thanks and stewardship delivery outcomes, talks, events, tours and hospitality.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of new developments, legislation, and industry codes of practice on fundraising. Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Data Protection Act and Fundraising Regulator Codes of Conduct and Best Practice.
  • The post includes line management of any staff and volunteers working to support the development and fundraising function at BBG. The Systems Development Officer works one day per week.
  • The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and the postholder will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by their changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Contract Type: Fixed Term 18 Months (With a view to extend permanently)
Salary: £27,000 Per Annum (FTE £33,700)

Please click here to download the PDF for further details and person specification. 

To apply: Please send your CV and covering letter to jobs@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.
Closing date: 23 March 2023
Interviews will take place week commencing 3 April 2023