Strategic Relations Manager

Job description Background …….

For over a century the Whitechapel Gallery has premiered world- class artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger.

With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist commissions, collection displays, historic archives, education resources, inspiring art courses, dining room and bookshop, the newly expanded Gallery is open all year round, so there is always something free to see.

The Gallery is a touchstone for contemporary art internationally, plays a central role in London’s cultural landscape and is pivotal to the continued growth of the world’s most vibrant contemporary art quarter.

Role

The Strategic Relations Manager is responsible for raising funds from charitable trusts and foundations, and local, national and international statutory sources such as councils, cultural institutes and overseas foundations. The post builds and maintains productive relationships with external stakeholders and statutory funders in order to achieve the Whitechapel Gallery’s ambitions. The Strategic Relationship Manager works closely with the Head of Development, Managing Director and Director in maintaining relations with Arts Council England, the Gallery’s core funder, and in particular managing the process to fulfill reporting requirements.

The Strategic Relations Manager is part of the Development Team, which also comprises Head of Development, Individual Development Manager, Development Manager, Corporate Development Manager, Senior Development Events Officer, Development Events Co-coordinator and HLF Trainee

Accountability

The Strategic Relations Manager is line managed by the Head of Development. Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising

 Lead fundraising for projects and programmes from statutory and international bodies, keeping informed about new opportunities and funding sources and identifying relevant areas of Gallery activity that could be eligible for funding.  Lead on drafting cases for support, proposals and reports for the Whitechapel Gallery programme of exhibitions and projects.  Work in partnership with the Development Manager to raise funds from charitable trusts and foundations for the Whitechapel Gallery exhibitions programme.  Support success in other areas of Development activity by identifying ways in which local/national Gallery stakeholders can contribute to fundraising and events activities. In particular, working with the Corporate Development Manager to engage local businesses and developers in the Gallery’s corporate giving schemes.

Local and national Government relations

 Monitor the external political and policy environment, ensuring the Gallery’s senior management team are briefed on important trends and policy developments.  Identify and advise how the Gallery can contribute to relevant debates, consultations and events, representing the Gallery as required.  Advise and assist the Director, senior and other staff as appropriate on policy questions, supporting and contributing to the Gallery’s response to policy changes.  Support the Director and senior management in forming and maintaining relationships with MPs, Government departments and committees, local councillors and council bodies and other statutory and strategic bodies.  Represent the Gallery at forums, conferences, meetings and networking events.

Other local and national stakeholders

 Support the Head of Development, Managing Director and Director in managing the Gallery’s relationship with Arts Council England. In particular, oversee the compiling of the annual submission narrative and other reports as required.  Identify and represent the Gallery to local and national stakeholders and stakeholder groupings whose activities complement/influence the Gallery and who could help to achieve the Gallery’s ambitions.  Support the Director and Senior Management in maintaining relationships between the Gallery and professional and umbrella bodies to further Gallery objectives.

Other responsibilities

 Other duties reasonably required by the Head of Development.

Person specification

Essential:

 Strong interest and empathy with the activities and policies of the Whitechapel Gallery.

 Degree or equivalent experience.

 Demonstrable experience in securing funding from statutory and philanthropic sources, and stewarding relationships with these supporters.

 Demonstrable experience in writing and putting together complex and compelling proposals, budgets and reports.

 Demonstrable experience in a policy and stakeholder management role and a track record of effectively managing stakeholders and influencing negotiations and outcomes.

 Experience of representing an organisation at conferences, events and other relevant arenas.

 Confident, diplomatic and proactive networker, communicator and influencer.

 Able to manage time and prioritise across a range of activities in order to meet deadlines.

 Proactive, results-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and within a team to shared goals and strict deadlines.

 Experience in/knowledge of contemporary visual arts, ideas and culture.

 IT literate.

Desirable:

 Experience in using Raisers’ Edge or other contact relationship management databases.

 A good knowledge of modern and contemporary art.

Conditions of Work

 Permanent contract : Full Time  Hours of work: 9.30am – 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, plus some occasional weekend and evening work, which will be compensated by time off in lieu.  Starting salary: £28,000  The period of notice is 2 months in writing on either side, 2 weeks during probation period  Probation period: 6 months

In addition, the benefits you are eligible to receive are, subject to availability:

 25 days annual holiday (pro rata for part-time staff).  Option of 4.5% of your gross salary provided as employers’ pension contribution  Discount from Whitechapel Gallery bookshop  Discount from the Whitechapel Gallery Café/Bar and Dining Room  Discounts on editions (one per edition) and publications  Training opportunities  Annual research/travel grant of £200 (pro rata equivalent for part time staff)  Option to participate in the Busy Bees Childcare Voucher scheme.