ARVON Head of Development Information Pack October 2017
October 2017 Dear Applicant Thank you very much for responding to our recent advertisement seeking to recruit our new Head of Development. I am delighted to provide you with some information about Arvon, our work and the role itself. Arvon is a thriving and ambitious arts charity, celebrated for its unique ability to discover and develop the writer in everyone. A flagship of excellence, it has been described by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy as the single most important organisation for sharing and exploring creative writing in the UK. Arvon produces an annual programme of residential creative writing courses at three historic houses in Shropshire, Devon and Yorkshire. Tutored by leading authors, the week-long courses offer a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from the distractions of everyday life. A third of Arvon s residential weeks are with schools, young people and disadvantaged adult groups, many of which have taken advantage of our grant scheme. The Head of Development will establish the Development strategy to enable Arvon s ambitious plans as outlined in the business plan. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will advise the Chief Executive on new thinking and trends in the world of charity development that may be to Arvon s advantage. You will report to the Director of Finance and Resources. It is an exciting time to join Arvon as we celebrate our 50 th anniversary in 2018. The documents accompanying this letter give you more information about the activities of the organization. You are also strongly advised to visit our website and to look at our brochure for 2017 at www.arvon.org In the Information Pack you will find 1. Advertisement 2. Job Description and Person Specification 3. Details of how to apply and the timetable 4. Arvon staff organisation chart 5. Arvon s vision and values We welcome your application for Head of Development. If you have any questions about the role or the organisation, please call Ruth Borthwick, the Chief Executive and Artistic Director, or Richard Haseldine, the Director of Finance and Resources, on 020 7324 2554. Applications, consisting of a completed application form, an up-to-date CV and a personal statement, should be sent to Yvette Blackwood by 12 noon on Tuesday 21 November. We will be holding interviews on Monday 27 November. We look forward to hearing from you. With all best wishes Ruth Borthwick Chief Executive and Artistic Director Arvon
Job Description and Person Specification Job title: Head of Development Reports to: Director of Finance and Resources Location: The post-holder will be expected to work primarily in Arvon s National Office, Free Word Centre, Farringdon, London EC1R 3GA Salary: 40,000-42,000 p.a. Hours: 37.5 hours per week Purpose of the role: To raise money from trusts and foundations, individuals and other sources to meet Arvon s vision as home of creative writing in the UK Scope of the Role: To lead on all aspects of Arvon s development programme, including strategy and delivery To foster a culture at Arvon that understands and exploits opportunities for fundraising To provide effective leadership and line management of the Development team - a full-time Development Officer and a part-time Development Administrator (0.6) Principal Duties: Strategy: Create and establish the development strategy, to enable Arvon s ambitious plans as outlined in the business plan Play an active role in the strategic development of the organisation as a member of the SMT Advise Chief Executive on new thinking and trends in the world of charity development that may be to Arvon s advantage Development: Working closely with the CE, identify and prioritise Arvon s fundraising goals, across both capital and revenue budgets Devise and direct the implementation of supporter journey programmes Plan, implement and attend a programme of effective fundraising initiatives and activities Establish face to face relationships with key major prospects with a view to turning them into supporters Oversee all aspects of individual giving activity, including database development and management Write, or contribute to the writing of, more complex trust applications Promote a culture of regular giving from alumnae Establish and grow an active network of loyal supporters to increase Arvon s income Develop and launch a long-sighted legacy programme Work closely with the Chair, Trustees and senior volunteers to achieve Arvon s fundraising goals Organise and report on volunteer committees when required Attend and report to Arvon s Board of Trustees when required Support CE at individual prospect meetings when required Communications: Work closely with the Head of Communications and Digital, to ensure the most appropriate messages are being conveyed to the right audiences Maintain close liaison with all public, private and commercial supporters to ensure that they are informed and aware of Arvon s activities
Staff and Financial Management: Ensure that the work of the Development team is delivered to a high standard and meets deadlines Produce regular reports for Arvon s Trustees and committees when required Take responsibility for financial management of the development budget, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Resources, to ensure operating within agreed budgets General: Visit Arvon s writing houses on Arvon business when required Ensure that Arvon s policies are observed in every area of the work Person specification: Three years experience as a senior fundraiser in the charity sector An understanding of and affinity with Arvon s values Passion for working in the arts or education Experience of developing and implementing a fundraising strategy Experience of successfully motivating and managing a team to achieve agreed targets Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors and funders Proven track record of raising funds from individual givers at the highest level of engagement Proven track record of raising funds from trusts and foundations Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, confidence, and the maturity to liaise with a wide range of people, including key potential donors, Trustees and VIPs Excellent communicator with impeccable writing skills Strong organisational and administrative abilities with close attention to detail Knowledge of Gift Aid and UK tax law related to donor giving Ability to travel to Arvon centres regularly, and to work occasional evenings and weekends Professional qualification in Arts Fundraising or the Certificate in Fundraising Management (Institute of Fundraising) Arvon is committed to openness and equality of opportunity in every activity, from the way we employ staff to the way we deliver services. Arvon expects board members, managers, employees and contractors to ensure that every individual with whom we come into contact is treated with dignity and respect. Additional terms and conditions Holiday: 25 days per annum, plus Bank Holidays Pension: 5% employer contribution Probation period: 3 months
How to apply and timetable How to apply: please send your completed application form and CV together with a personal statement explaining why you are interested, how you meet the Person Specification and what you will bring to the position of Head of Development for Arvon to: yvette.blackwood@arvon.org, or by post addressed to: Yvette Blackwood Arvon Free Word Centre 60 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3GA Please also submit a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and Criminal Record Form. Recruitment timetable: Please ensure that you will be able to meet the application deadline and date for interview. If you have any concerns about this, please do let us know: Tuesday 21 November 2017, midday: closing date for applications Monday 27 November 2017: interviews at Arvon We look forward to hearing from you and to receiving your application.
Arvon staff organisation chart
Arvon s vision and values OUR VISION We believe creative writing can change lives for the better. Creative writing allows us to harness our imagination and find our voice. It creates new possibilities, new ideas, new futures. It unlocks our potential, our empathy and our hope. And we re keen to share this opportunity for transformation with as many people as possible. WHAT WE DO We produce residential and city-based creative writing courses and retreats for schools, groups and individuals, led by highly respected authors. Founded in 1968, we now have three writers centres, in Devon, Shropshire and Yorkshire, and offer courses across a wide range of genres. We offer a home for the imagination, where anyone, regardless of writing experience, can step away from their normal routine, immerse themselves in the creative process, be inspired by experienced writers and release their imaginative potential. OUR VALUES Inclusive: We believe everyone is creative. We create a space that is open to all, where anyone, regardless of writing experience, feels welcome and included as part of a community of writers. Inspiring: Step away from the routine, be inspired by writers and our beautiful places and release your imaginative potential. Arvon is a place for contemplation, challenge and going beyond what you thought you were capable of achieving. Supportive: Creative writing is a craft that can be learnt, through guidance from experts, and through the peer support that comes from creative friendships with fellow writers. At Arvon, writers teach writers, and everyone encourages each other to become a better writer. Transformative: Immersing yourself in creative writing nourishes the imagination, can deepen the connection to self and to the world, and can lead to dramatic change and progress. EQUALITY Arvon recognises the importance of understanding and removing barriers to engagement in the arts. Our national diversity is to be celebrated and this belief is reflected throughout all of Arvon s work and the belief that everyone can benefit from the transformative power of writing. Our definition of diversity encompasses race, ethnicity, faith, disability, age, gender, sexuality, class and economic disadvantage, and any social or institutional barriers that prevent people from creating, participating in or enjoying literature and the arts. We celebrate diversity, exploring all the artistic and creative opportunities it offers. We welcome applications from a diverse mix of people. Please download and complete the separate Application Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and Criminal Record Monitoring Form here. The monitoring forms won t form part of the decision-making process for this role, but will enable us to monitor who is engaging with our vacancies and where we might want to take action to address underrepresentation in the future.