The Fettes Foundation
Job Description for the Foundation Director
Introduction
Fettes College is situated on a 90 acre campus in the heart of Edinburgh and enjoys a reputation as one of the UK’s leading co-educational boarding schools. Founded in 1870, the College educates 750 boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 18 years old. The Fettes Foundation is a Scottish registered charity; its purpose is to raise funds for the benefit of Fettes College. The Fettes Foundation is a well-established development office which was set up 16 years ago and has successfully raised over £13million. The significant funds raised to date have been primarily for capital projects, most recently a new classroom block, art school and music school, and the College’s Endowment, in order to provide means-tested bursaries. The Foundation is also named as the beneficiary of number of significant legacy gifts.
The Fettes Foundation
The Fettes Foundation is overseen by a board of Trustees comprising Old Fettesians as well as parents of children who attend or have attended Fettes. The Board meets at least once a year. Reporting to the Headmaster, while working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Governors of the College, the Bursar and the Senior Management Team, the Foundation Director is responsible for the day to day management and general direction and promotion of fundraising by the Foundation.
The Foundation currently employs 4 staff and is engaged in a multitude of activities:
· The Major Gifts programme has helped to fund the £8 million Westwoods Sports Centre in 2002 and the £10 million Fettes North building project due to be completed in early 2016. The identification, cultivation and stewardship of the Foundation’s major donor and prospect work is vital to the preparation of the next major capital and endowment campaign to begin within the next 3-4years.
· The Annual Fund raises money for means-tested bursaries, school trips and tours, and small facility projects that are not included in the College’s budget. The Annual Fund reaches donors through direct mail campaign, a biennial telephone campaign and is increasing the use of digital communication.
· The Legacy programme is incorporated into all of the work and messages of the Foundation with some significant bequests pledged.
· The Careers Partnership Programme was launched in 2013 to engage with Old Fettesians and parents to offer career advice and possible internship opportunities for current 6th form pupils and recent leavers.
· The Foundation hosts donor stewardship and fundraising events throughout the year.
· The recently launched Cricket Pavilion restoration campaign aims to raise £700k by mid-2016 from a broad base of supporters along with major gifts.
The Old Fettesian Association (OFA)
The OFA office, staffed by a full time Coordinator, coexists with the Fettes Foundation. While the latter’s primary purpose is to raise funds and the former’s to raise friends, it is agreed that their efforts are mutually inclusive.
The OFA/Foundation Office exists to foster contact amongst former pupils and supporters of the school and to support the national and international network of the OFA and the many social events it helps to organise. The OFA office is aided by the volunteer Committee of the OFA which meets twice a year. This team is responsible for producing the annual Newsletter, organising and attending social events and managing the website.
Foundation Director’s Key Responsibilities
· To oversee all the activities of the Foundation, including the Major Gifts, Legacy, Annual Fund and Career Partnership programmes.
· To work closely with the Foundation’s Trustees, prepare the annual budget and the annual reports to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and to arrange the annual meeting and other meetings of the Trustees.
· To report to the Headmaster, while working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Governors of the College, the Bursar and the Senior Management Team.
· To maintain personal awareness of external fundraising developments and initiatives through recognised professional development training, and attendance at external conferences and seminars.
· To develop and maintain effective relationships with Old Fettesians, past and current parents, staff and friends of Fettes College, keeping all constituents aware of the work and intentions of the Foundation.
· To develop and implement the College’s fundraising strategy and report on progress against targets.
· To maintain an effective working relationship with the Old Fettesian Association.
PersonSpecification
· Ability to represent Fettes College externally to high profile individuals and major donors
· A strategic thinker with strong analytical and project management skills
· Extensive experience of major donor fundraising
· Strong communication and networking skills, sound judgment and discretion
· Leadership and management skills to ensure the Development team play a full and integrated part of College life
· A cooperative team player with the ability to maintain and develop productive and long‐term working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
· An understanding of financial management and an ability to manage budgets
· Knowledge of the legislation and regulations relating to fundraising and charity law
· Robust and innovative, having high standards, integrity and a sense of humour
Terms and Conditions
· An excellent remuneration package
· This is a full‐time position and includes weekend and evening work as needed
· Some overseas travel will be required
July 2014