Exciting Opportunity: Business Development Consultant for Shared Reading at Derby Book Festival

Do you have a flair for strategy, a passion for community impact, and the skills to drive sustainable growth? We’re looking for a dynamic Business Development Consultant to join our Shared Reading project and help shape its future working alongside our Strategic lead.

Shared Reading Business Development Brief

Our community programme Shared Reading needs to source new funding from July 2026. 

We are inviting experienced business development consultants and funding experts in the charity and social investment world to help us continue with our Derby-wide reading programme.  

This paid commission will operate in three phases with phase one starting in February 2025. 

Deliverables, timeframes and fees for phase one are as follows: 

Purpose of the contract

The aim of this commission is to develop a strategy to raise significant funds for Shared Reading to be presented to trustees and directors of Derby Book Festival. You will develop income generation strategies for long-term sustainability with an agreed timeline. Specifically: 

1. Leverage the existing research by Shared Reading to identify and secure funding sources that align with the organisation’s mission.
2. Explore and engage in key networking opportunities to raise the profile of Shared Reading and build strategic partnerships.
3. Identify new funding avenues, including partnerships, commissioning opportunities and grants, across the East Midlands.
4. Identify and forge meaningful relationships with local and regional businesses with CSR initiatives that align with Shared Reading's objectives.
5. Explore and design a comprehensive strategy for generating sustainable income streams to ensure the project's self-funding.
6. Develop a detailed strategic plan aimed at achieving income independence by July 2026, integrating the above objectives.
    

Phase 1 Outputs required are: 

1. A detailed research summary report to be completed by 30th March 2025, that identifies:
   1. evaluation of the current financial position of Shared Reading
   2. opportunities through new funding streams, partnerships, campaigns, fundraising, grants and commissioning opportunities throughout the East Midlands and,
   3. events, seminars, talks, conferences and businesses seeking to invest in local charities/not for profit projects that would be suitable for the Shared Reading Strategic Lead to present to.
       

Phase 1 of the commissions must be completed within 8 weeks (February-April), requiring two working days per week at a daily rate of £250.

Key Skills Required of the Business Development Consultant:

The consultant will be required to demonstrate skills and experience in the following: 

1. UnderstandIng the context of community projects and funding options available to them
2. A strong track record of business development and income achieved from businesses to support the charity sector including the Derby area 
3. A good understanding of the economy, culture and heritage of the local area and specialist areas
4. Creativity and entrepreneurial flair 
5. Excellent communicator, team player, good interpersonal skills and ability to understand and articulate Shared Reading’s unique service. 
6. Ability to understand business research and development of income generation models to create a business plan in support of funding applications alongside income generation~
    

How to Apply

Email your interest to Rose Braisby at rose@derbybookfestival.co.uk and we’ll send you an information pack about Shared Reading alongside details on how to apply. 

Deadline for application: Friday, 17th January 2025. Please register your interest in good time to ensure you have time to apply for this role.

Interviews will take place on 28th and 31st January 2025.

Following the successful completion of phase 1, you will be invited to apply for phases 2 and 3 of the business development tender.

If you have any questions or would like a chat prior to applying for this role, please contact Shared Reading Strategic Lead, Rose Braisby: rose@derbybookfestival.co.uk