Objectspace is the leading public gallery in Aotearoa dedicated to the fields of craft, design and architecture. It delivers an annual national programme of exhibitions alongside extensive public programming, publishing and wider services to the craft/object sector. Objectspace is looking for an individual to fill the key role of Business Development Manager. This position will play a crucial role in Objectspace’s development team, stewarding the gallery's extensive supporter community and helping the organisation sustain and grow revenue through sponsorship and philanthropy. The successful candidate will be an expert administrator and communicator. 

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Primary functions

- The administration of all giving, including database management, administrating payments, rollovers and reporting
- Effective and sustained stewarding of individual donors and commercial partners
- Contributing to prospecting for new giving and philanthropic engagement
- Developing and leading an annual calendar of development events 

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Key accountabilities and tasks

To support the delivery of the Objectspace annual revenue plan, driving and tracking revenue goals assisted by the development team.

Revenue administration 

- Administrate all giving including invoicing, gift requests, receipts and renewals effectively and on deadline
- Administrate all late payments effectively and on deadline
- Own reporting systems that make tracking progress efficient and shareable
- Report monthly on pipeline, leads, closed gifts and work with the development team to adjust strategy accordingly to achieve KPIs
- Integrate and manage database software effectively
- Contract major gift agreements and commercial partnerships
- Track all donor information, conversations, milestones and benefits in databases efficiently
- Prepare a quarterly report for the Objectspace Board

Revenue development 

- Achieve monthly targets for successfully booking meetings for new leads for the Objectspace Director and Giving Consultant
- Work with the Objectspace team to generate prospects monthly, attracting and nurturing new giving relationships – facilitating annual regular giving, major gifts and other revenue generating initiatives
- Provide support to revenue generation campaigns such as Weekly Objects
- Make follow ups after major donor recruitment events to close off gifts

Engagement and stewardship of givers

- Be the key contact for individual givers
- Lead development events with support from the Public Programme Manager
- Attendance at all Objectspace supporter events, openings and relevant public programmes  
- Ensure delivery of all promised benefits for donors
- Work with the development team to ensure all communications, events and benefits are aligned to the brands and goals of relevant partners and stakeholders
- Contribute to developing a pipeline of givers who may be able to give again, at a higher rate

Product knowledge

- To understand in principle the exhibitions and programme delivered by Objectspace and to keep up with trends in design, architecture and craft
- To be able to talk with authority about the Objectspace programme

Working within a team 

- To help foster within the Objectspace team the importance of giving relationships and building a culture of philanthropy
- To manage-up efficiently – keeping the Giving Consultant and Objectspace Director regularly informed in a timely manner and drive workflow
- To work effectively and efficiently within the development team
- Share success (and setbacks) openly and often with the Objectspace team

Innovation   

- Contribute ideas and innovation to the development team, that are creative and increase efficiency
- Research and contribute new ways to enable giving and engagement to Objectspace
- Ensure Objectspace’s giving processes are innovative, changing and growing givers in New Zealand
- Commit to ongoing learning around giving, philanthropy and fundraising, including through literature and case-studies

Sponsorship Management

- To attend pitch meetings to support the shaping of partnership agreements
- Contract all sponsor agreements
- Manage the delivery of all contracted benefits
- Ensure timely invoicing of sponsorships 

 Other Duties 

- Undertake shared responsibility for front-of-house break cover
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required to ensure that Objectspace achieves its organisational objectives 

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Person specification and key skills

- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Effective relationship builder who thrives off making new connections
- Ability to relate to a wide range of people
- Ability to communicate sensitively and in culturally appropriate ways
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi, and be committed to working within bicultural and multi-cultural frameworks
- Excellent ability to write to a high standard with a strong attention to detail, with a proven track record of adapting effectively to different audiences
- Advanced computer literacy including all aspects of Microsoft Office
- Ability to work nimbly and positively as part of a small dynamic team
- Strong attention to detail and strong organisational skills
- Has a high level of literary in the areas of visual arts, craft, design and architecture
- Commitment to continuous improvement of systems processes and practices
- High levels of tact, maintaining confidences as well as social and ethical standards, including a demonstrated commitment to keeping sensitive information confidential
- Ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure
- Ability to discuss finances and commercial opportunities with businesses as well as high net worth individuals
- Ability to work unsupervised and to excel with autonomy in your role
- Has a flexible and positive attitude with an ability to work well within a small team, and shared office environment

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This position is 30 hours per week and located in Auckland with domestic travel sometimes required.

Please submit your application to info@objectspace.org.nz by 5pm Friday 31 January, 2025.