JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Development Assistant, Patrons

Division: Development

Department: Patrons

Salary: £21,500 - £23,000 per annum

Reporting to: Senior Development Manager, Young Patrons’ Circle

Background

As the world’s leading Museum of art, design and performance, the V&A enriches people's lives by promoting
the practice of design and increasing knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the designed world.

The scope of the V&A is impressive and the Development department is critical in enabling the Museum to
realise its ambitions. In the last 15 years Development have raised over £184 million for the V&A’s extensive
programme of capital redevelopment, FuturePlan. In parallel, Development are successfully ensuring that
revenue fundraising meets challenging annual targets.

Purpose of job

The Patrons team, are responsible for the V&A’s two patrons’ schemes; the Director’s Circle and the Young
Patron’s Circle which generate vital unrestricted funds for the Museum each year. In return for their support,
patrons enjoy exclusive benefits including access to a vibrant events programme. Events range from behind-
the scenes tours and close-up viewings of objects with expert curators, to studio trips and visits to private
homes and collections.

Primarily supporting the Young Patrons’ Circle, the Development Assistant is a new position in the team and
will provide the essential administration and organisational support needed to deliver this exciting
programme for individuals between the ages of 20 and 40.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team within successful Development department. The ideal
candidate will be extremely well-organised, have first-rate administrative skills and be capable of assisting
with a varied programme of events.
Main responsibilities
1. Administration

▪ Ensure the efficient delivery of membership benefits including mailings, invitations and
acknowledgements.
▪ Efficiently and accurately maintain records on patrons and prospective patrons on the Development
database.
▪ Create event guest lists using the Development database and Excel with confidence and accuracy.
▪ Draft and prepare renewal reminders and thank you notes in a timely manner.
▪ Assist with the production of e-newsletters and all other correspondence and mailings.
▪ Ensure archiving and files are well managed and kept up to date.
▪ Work with large volumes of sensitive data in accordance with Data Protection legislation.

2. Events

▪ Support the delivery of an inspiring events programme including out–of–hours tours and visits and
external trips, by assisting with the planning and scheduling of events, (including transport, room
bookings, catering and security) and ensuring smooth running on the day.
▪ Take event booking and respond to RSVPs.
▪ Prepare briefings and event programmes for senior staff, curators and colleagues.
▪ Assist with post event follow-up in a timely manner.
▪ Record event attendance on the Development database.

3. Donor care and supporting prospecting

▪ Answer website enquiries and any queries from patrons in a professional and timely manner.
▪ Help plan special events for prospective members.
▪ Effectively track the cultivation of prospective patrons on the Development database.

4. Other Responsibilities

▪ Develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues across the Museum.
▪ Provide general assistance where required with the work of the Development Team.
▪ Attend Young Patrons’ Circle events outside normal working hours.
▪ Assist and attend Director’s Circle events as required.
▪ Work within the Department’s guidelines for instance, following procedures for IT help requests,
record keeping and data protection.
▪ Be committed to health and safety and ensure familiarity with all of the Museum's health and safety
policies and procedures.
▪ Be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all Museum security procedures and
ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on museum premises.
▪ Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive
working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively
contributing to developments that support the museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and
diversity.
▪ Carry out ad hoc duties as requested by appropriate managers within your department.
PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential requirements
• Outstanding organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Highly professional demeanour and excellent written skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills and maturity to work with international, high-level donors
• Willingness and ability to work outside usual office hours
• Good time management with the ability to prioritise
• Interest in fundraising
• Well-presented with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Excel
• Interest in the arts and culture

Desirable requirements
▪ Familiarity with a fundraising or equivalent database
▪ Enthusiasm for the V&A and its mission

OTHER INFORMATION

Hours/Salary:
This is a full time permanent position
Net working hours (i.e. excluding meal breaks) are 36 per week.
The salary for this role will be £21,500 - £23,000. Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.

Annual leave:
28 days plus 8 days public holidays

Pension benefits:
You will be auto enrolled into the Museum’s Group Personal Pension Scheme and have the
opportunity on completion of Probation to an enhanced pension provision, including an employer
contribution of 10%.

Other benefits:
Non-contributory life assurance policy (to value of 4 x annual salary)
An interest free season ticket or bicycle loan is available after three months.
Free entrance to all the major museums and exhibitions in London as well as many others.
Subsidised staff restaurant
Discounts on purchases in V&A shops
Childcare Voucher Scheme
Application process:
Please apply online via the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs

If you are having technical difficulties applying online, please use the online chat functionality which can
be found on the bottom right hand side of the form. Alternatively, you can contact Vacancy Filler directly
on 01509 236434, and quote the role reference number and your application number (if known). Please
note, Vacancy Filler are contactable, Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.

If you have any queries regarding the role and/or the V&A’s recruitment process, you can email us –
hr@vam.ac.uk or telephone us on 020 7942 2937 (Working hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm).

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23 July 2018

Interview expenses will not be paid unless there is a prior agreement.