Special Project & Ambassador Engagement Lead - National Portrait Gallery

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- National Portrait Gallery

Special Project and Ambassador Engagement Lead
Salary:£55,282.00 per annum

Contract:

Full time/12 months FTC
Role

Purpose:

The role will lead the development and delivery of the Gallery’s flagship annual fundraising event, the Portrait Gala, alongside a programme of high-profile events and Gallery ambassador engagement. With a focus on generating sustainable fundraising income, building long-term relationships with major donors and influential stakeholders, and identifying new opportunities for support, the postholder will play a key role in advancing the Gallery’s strategic objectives.

Working collaboratively across the Gallery, they will deliver exceptional events that strengthen relationships and generate fundraising and engagement opportunities.

Key Accountabilities:

Portrait Gala strategy and delivery: Lead the development and delivery of a sustainable strategy for the Gallery's flagship annual fundraising event, maximising income through ticket sales, donations, auctions, sponsorship and other opportunities, with a target of generating over £1 million annually, while ensuring the event delivers an exceptional experience for supporters and enhances the Gallery's reputation.

Gallery ambassadors and stakeholder engagement: Develop and deliver a strategic programme of ambassador and stakeholder engagement, cultivating relationships with major donors, Trustees, artists, collectors, corporate partners and other influential individuals to support fundraising, increase advocacy and advance the Gallery's strategic objectives.

High-profile events: Contribute to the planning and delivery of a wider programme of strategically important events, including acquisition unveilings, Trustee events and donor cultivation and stewardship activities, ensuring each event supports the Gallery's fundraising and relationship‑building objectives and is delivered to a consistently high standard that reflects the Gallery's values and reputation.

Fundraising and income generation: Identify and develop opportunities to grow sustainable income streams and deliver against fundraising targets.

Cross-organisational collaboration: Work collaboratively across the Gallery to coordinate activity and maximise fundraising and engagement opportunities.

Financial and operational management: Oversee event budgets, expenditure and supplier relationships, ensuring resources are managed effectively, income targets are achieved and events deliver value for the Gallery.

Strategic planning and decision‑making: Exercise sound judgement to prioritise opportunities, manage risks and develop practical solutions, escalating significant financial, strategic or reputational matters where appropriate.

Flexible event support: Represent the Gallery at relevant meetings, networking activities and events, including occasional evening commitments, to support fundraising and stakeholder engagement objectives.

The above list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role

• Significant experience in event management, strategic planning and income generation, ideally within an arts, charity, public sector, heritage or similarly high‑profile organisation.
• Proven experience of developing sustainable income streams and delivering against ambitious fundraising and financial targets.
• Experience of leading and delivering high‑profile or strategically important events, managing multiple stakeholders, suppliers, budgets and competing priorities.
• Demon…