THE MERCHANT'S HOUSE (MARLBOROUGH) TRUST
Trustee: Philanthropy and Fundraising
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Help Secure the Future of One of Wiltshire's Most Remarkable Historic Houses
The Merchant's House Trust is seeking an experienced and well-connected individual to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of one of the UK's finest 17th-century town houses.
As we enter an exciting new phase of development, we are looking for a Trustee who can provide strategic leadership in philanthropy and fundraising, helping us build long-term financial resilience while preserving an irreplaceable part of our nation's heritage.
This is an opportunity to use your expertise to make a lasting impact.
About The Merchant's House
The Merchant's House is a nationally significant 17th-century historic house in the heart of Marlborough. Through conservation, learning, exhibitions, events and community engagement, we tell the story of everyday life in the 1600s while inspiring thousands of visitors each year.
The Trust has ambitious plans for the future, including growing philanthropy, expanding community engagement, increasing commercial income and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
The Role
As Trustee – Philanthropy & Fundraising, you will provide strategic advice, challenge and support to the Board and Trust Manager, helping us strengthen and diversify our income.
Rather than managing day-to-day fundraising activity, you will help us think strategically, open doors, build relationships and develop opportunities that might otherwise be beyond our reach.
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You will help ensure that fundraising is embedded within the organisation's long-term strategy and that we continue to build a culture of philanthropy across all aspects of our work.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Has
- Significant senior-level fundraising or philanthropy experience.
- A proven track record of securing major gifts, grants or corporate partnerships
- Experience of developing relationships with trusts, foundations, philanthropists or senior corporate decision-makers.
- The confidence to advise, mentor and support senior leaders and trustees.
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- A passion for heritage, culture or the charitable sector (experience within heritage is welcome but not essential).
We would particularly welcome applications from current or former:
- Director of Fundraising
- Director of Development
- Director of Philanthropy
- Head of Major Giving
- Trusts & Foundations Director
- Charity Chief Executive with significant fundraising responsibility
What You Will Contribute
Working alongside fellow Trustees, you will:
- Provide strategic oversight of fundraising and philanthropy.
- Help shape our long-term fundraising strategy.
- Identify and introduce potential supporters, partners and funders where appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador for The Merchant's House.
- Support the development of major donor, corporate partnership and legacy giving programmes.
- Challenge and support the Board in making informed strategic decisions.
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Time Commitment
- Six Board meetings each year.
- Participation in relevant committee meetings where appropriate.
- Quarterly meeting or call with the Chair and Trust Manager.
- Attendance at key fundraising, cultivation and supporter events where possible.
This is a voluntary position, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Why Join Us?
The Merchant's House is at a pivotal moment in its history. We have an ambitious Board, a growing public profile, increasing visitor numbers and exciting plans for the future.
We have a clear strategy to diversify income through philanthropy, major giving, corporate partnerships, legacies and sustainable commercial growth. We are now seeking someone who can help us turn that ambition into reality.
If you are looking for a trustee role where your expertise can genuinely shape the future of an important heritage charity, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send a brief covering letter outlining your interest in the role, together with a CV or LinkedIn profile.
Informal conversations with the Chair or Trust Manager are welcomed prior to application.
Successful applicants will be invited to meet members of the Board, observe a Board meeting and, subject to mutual agreement, be formally appointed as a Trustee.
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