Volunteer Board-level Business Development Specialist

What will you be doing?

You will take a key role in enabling us to achieve our goals of becoming a major heritage attraction both locally and nationally, a respected reference point for industrial history, and an active and popular community asset.  You will be making a major contribution to our ongoing programme of business improvement, including monitoring and developing our project management system and helping us improve our operational processes and governance. Additionally, you will be involved with: Museum Sector Networking – liaising and networking with other museums and heritage organisations to foster cooperation and the exchange of ideas.  Being the principal point of contact for a wide range of professional and commercial organisations. Regional Networking – monitoring  and liaising with local and regional government organisations and local business groups on matters of potential benefit, such as funding opportunities. Audience Research – taking the lead on audience research and analysis, with a view to helping us learn much more about our visitors and potential audiences. Industry & Academic Relations - forging and maintaining strong links with companies, industry groups and the academic community. Fundraising Strategy Development - working with other Board members to develop a comprehensive and effective fundraising strategy.  Communications Strategy Development – making input into the development of a communications strategy including media relations, and relations with the public, particularly through the effective use of social media. Benchmarking – developing a benchmarking programme against the activities of other institutions especially those regarded as leaders in their field. Helping develop our plans for expansion, both of visitor numbers and of geographical presence. 

What are we looking for?

          Ideally, we are looking for someone who can offer:

A strategic approach to business analysis and planning. A sound background in developing and improving medium-sized businesses, possibly in the voluntary sector.

 Experience, or an awareness of, the industrial heritage sector. Project planning and management experience. Some background in audience research. An awareness of the particular challenges and opportunities presented by working in an organisation managed and staffed by volunteers. Excellent communications and organisational skills. The ability to work closely with a wide range of colleagues and external agencies in order to best achieve the objectives of the organisation.

What difference will you make?

This is a key Board-level position.  You will be making a major contribution both to the way we run our business, and how we best serve the needs of our visitors and the general community. In return, we offer you the opportunity to play a key role in an enthusiastic and ambitious organisation which seeks to continue to develop its active engagement with visitors, volunteers, members, and the wider community. We encourage and support volunteer education and development, so you will have the opportunity to enhance your existing skills where appropriate.