Fundraising Manager - RSCDS

BTA; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A Scottish cultural organisation is seeking a passionate and creative Fundraising Manager to coordinate and manage multiple income streams. This role involves cultivating relationships with supporters and leading fundraising efforts for key projects. The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising and a strong ability to communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders. This position offers hybrid working options, competitive salary, and a chance to contribute to preserving Scottish culture.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement of 20 days plus public holidays

Company pension

Employee assistance programme

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in a fundraising lead role.
• Demonstrable success in securing income across a range of activities.
• Experience developing innovative fundraising or marketing campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage fundraising across multiple income streams.
• Develop a Legacy funding programme for the Society.
• Build relationships with high profile and high net worth individuals.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Creative thinking

Job description

Position: Fundraising Manager

Location: Edinburgh / Hybrid (c. 2 days per week office based)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Direct Report: Publications and Membership Officer

Salary: £34,240

Contract Type: Permanent / 36 Hours per week

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) is seeking a passionate, creative, and driven Fundraising Manager to play a key role in growing and diversifying the organisation’s income. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser to make a real impact — strengthening our supporter base, cultivating new relationships, and helping to ensure the future sustainability of Scottish Country Dance for generations to come.

About RSCDS

For over a century, the RSCDS has been dedicated to promoting and developing Scottish Country Dance in Scotland and around the world. Through teaching, events, and outreach programmes, they bring people together to experience the joy and community of Scottish dance.

The Society’s work spans generations and continents — from inspiring young dancers to connecting international branches through shared learning and celebration. Guided by values of tradition, inclusion, and creativity, they are committed to ensuring that Scottish Country Dance continues to flourish in a changing world.

What will you do as Fundraising Manager?

You will coordinate and manage fundraising across multiple income streams, including major donors, legacies, regular giving, trusts, and corporate support. You will also lead income generation for key projects and appeals, ensuring our fundraising products are engaging and effective. Key responsibilities include:

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage fundraising across multiple income streams including major donor and regular giving.
• Develop a Legacy funding programme to encourage and facilitate legacy gifts to the Society.
• Attend annual RSCDS events to build relationships with members.
• Build relationships with high profile and high net worth individuals as potential supporters of the organisation.
• Lead fundraising and income generation for key projects including specific fundraising appeals and the development of effective and appropriate fundraising products.
• Write funding applications to charitable trusts and foundations to secure funding for new projects and youth initiatives.
• Prepare reports and give presentations on fundraising progress to the Executive Team and the Management Board.
• Support the Youth Services Committee, acting as liaison between the committee and the staff team, attending quarterly meetings with the Committee or convenor.
• Work collaboratively with the RSCDS staff team, particularly with regards to marketing and communicating the fundraising strategy.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks or projects allocated by the Chief Operating Officer.

What does RSCDS need from you?

Experience

• At least two years’ experience in a fundraising lead role, in one or more of the following areas: Major Donors, Legacies, Community Fundraising, or Trusts.
• Alternatively, two years’ experience generating income through partnerships, sponsorship, membership services or corporate sales.
• Demonstrable success in securing income across a range of activities.
• Experience developing innovative and targeted fundraising or marketing campaigns.
• Understanding of data protection and risk management in a fundraising context.
• Experience writing successful trust applications and engaging major donors (desirable).
• Experience using data, IT systems, and research to support fundraising growth (desirable).
• Experience delivering supporter or fundraising events (desirable).

Key Skills and Attributes

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills — both written and verbal.
• Able to work autonomously, prioritising a varied workload with initiative and attention to detail.
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach with a willingness to innovate and take measured risks.
• Strong relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to engage donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Empathy with and understanding of the RSCDS’s aims and values, with the ability to work sensitively with members and volunteers.
• Team player who fosters cooperation and open communication.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Confident presenting to stakeholders, supporters, and board members (desirable).
• Ability to contribute to areas of strategic importance (desirable).

What is in it for you?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a historic and forward‑thinking organisation with a global community of passionate supporters. As Fundraising Manager, you will:

• Receive annual leave entitlement of 20 days plus public holidays and an additional 3 days at Christmas. Entitlement increases by one additional day for each year of service up to a maximum of 27 days.
• Obtain staff benefits including a company pension, an employee assistance programme and learning and development opportunities.
• Work in a flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Contribute directly to preserving and promoting Scottish culture and dance traditions for future generations.

Please email us at [e-mail] to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

Closing date: Monday 10th November at Midnight

Interview date: W/C Monday 17th November in Edinburgh

This search is being conducted for RSCDS by BTA. Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.