The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is a non-profit institution based in Geneva which champions contemporary craftspeople worldwide with the aim of promoting a more human, inclusive and sustainable future. The Foundation seeks to highlight the connections between craft, the wider arts and the design world. Its mission is to both celebrate and preserve craftsmanship and its diversity of makers, materials and techniques, by increasing craft’s everyday recognition and its viability as a professional path for the next generations. From engaging educational programmes to its signature digital project the Homo Faber Guide and international exhibition the Homo Faber Event, the Foundation is fostering a cultural movement centered on master artisans.
Head of Fundraising (80% - 100%)
CONTEXT
“Joining the Michelangelo Foundation means sharing its mission and its profound values. It means working with commitment to promote and perpetuate the work of hundreds of women and men who with dedication, knowledge and sacrifice, have decided to devote their lives to creativity and to human savoir-faire”. Based in Geneva, we are recruiting a “Head of Fundraising”, whose main objective will be to increase the financial resources of the Michelangelo Foundation, by pursuing and internationally expanding its programs on a short- and long-term basis, building a winning fundraising unit and nurturing a cross-cutting fundraising mindset within the Foundation. The hired candidate will be expected to explore national and global funding opportunities from high-profile individuals, companies, trusts & foundations and institutional public donors.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT?
Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will be responsible for:
Strategic Planning
1. Design, implement and monitor a comprehensive fundraising strategy and a multi-year plan to develop and grow philanthropic support from a variety of donor sources
2. Develop strategic relationships within the philanthropy and business communities to increase visibility of the Michelangelo Foundation and to foster financial support and networking potential
3. Whenever required, in a senior leadership role, provide input into the development of the Michelangelo Foundation’s strategy
4. Cultivate and strengthen existing donor/partner relationships and manage donor accounts
5. Develop a gift acceptance policy and due diligence process and have them endorsed by the Executive Team and Board. Develop them as needed
6. Research, maintain, and develop a local and international portfolio of individuals, foundations, corporate and institutional prospects who have the capacity and inclination for supporting Michelangelo Foundation programs
7. Work with the Executive Team and members of the Board to leverage Michelangelo Foundation networks to secure new contacts, influencers, and funders
8. Actively pursue prospects by using multiple techniques including one-on-one meetings, events, and other touchpoints
9. Ensure consistency of messaging in all fundraising communications. Lead in preparing/supervising fundraising content and materials to ensure that the information is accurate, up to date and reflects Michelangelo Foundation values and mission
Budgets and monitors fundraising results
1. Achieve the KPI’s defined for FY26 and for Homo Faber Biennial in FY27
2. Forecast revenue and project fundraising expenses for the multi-year plan
3. Design standards for fundraising success, with monitoring indicators to measure and identify areas of success and opportunity
4. Take accountability for the delivery of the plan to agreed objectives and activities, with regular reporting and updates to the Management Team
Creates conditions for smooth operational processes
1. Develop and/or identifies systems for donor tracking and gift processing
2. Contribute to the necessary financial reconciliation between philanthropy and finance
3. Manage internal approval process to produce fundraising proposals and materials.
Management of one Fundraising Assistant to be hired
HOW WILL YOU EXPERIENCE SUCCESS WITH US?
The successful candidate will demonstrate alignment with the Foundation values and goals.
Knowledge
1. Master’s degree in business/marketing/communication related field
2. In-depth knowledge of philanthropy environment and techniques
3. In-depth knowledge of luxury and fine crafts related business
Experience
1. 12+ years of management working experience with a demonstrable record of fundraising success securing high-value gifts with various donor sources
2. Track record of building, implementing, and delivering significant strategic programs in a senior leadership role
3. Proven record of line-managing a successful fundraising team
4. Experience with reporting and budgeting
5. Proficient experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite and donor relationship management tools/database
6. Transversal project management or cross function working experience
Skills
1. Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills, including representing the organization at events and in front of high-profile donors
2. Organization skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize projects while working to a deadline, or in a fast-paced environment
3. In possession of an analytical mind-set, with the ability to solve problems
4. Professional demeanor and strong work ethic
5. Self-motivation with the capability to work independently
6. Team player. Proven ability to work supportively and effectively within and across teams and build good working relationships
7. Innovative and strategic thinker. Intellectually curious to ensure strategy evolves to maintain momentum and maximise impact
8. French and English fluent, Italian is a plus
9. Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally
WHAT MAKES OUR FOUNDATION DIFFERENT?
At the Michelangelo Foundation we work hard but with a collaborative spirit, putting our common mission before our personal ambitions. At the Michelangelo Foundation there are no private gardens, but a large field to be ploughed and sown together. Being creative, open-minded and dynamic is a prerequisite for working with us, to share a constant dialogue that always focuses on achieving our common goals.
YOUR JOURNEY WITH US
1. If your application is selected, our Talent Acquisition Partner will reach out to you shortly for an introductory call.
2. As a next step, you will have interviews with the direct manager, and any relevant internal stakeholder. Also, you will have a final discussion with our HR Business Partner.
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