Commitment:
Attend Committee meetings (mainly online) not less than eight times a year. During peak donation seasons, Committee members may need to meet with the CEO and Head of Development individually between meetings. It is a requirement of ongoing membership of the Committee that a member attend not less than 2/3rds of all meetings in a calendar year.
Purpose of the Committee:
The Development & Marketing Committee supports Helium in building strong relationships, raising critical funds, and increasing public awareness of the organisation’s mission to empower children living with long-term health conditions through creativity.
Primary Purpose:
To support the board and executive leadership team in developing and implementing strategies that increase funding, donor engagement and public awareness ensuring the organisation has the resources and visibility to deliver on its mission.
Key Responsibilities of the Development and Marketing Committee
Fundraising and Development
- Partner with the CEO and Development team to advise on and support the implementation of an integrated fundraising strategy (e.g. grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy).
- Support the design and execution of an annual fundraising strategy.
Identify, cultivate, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
Encourage and model board-wide engagement in fundraising (“give and get”). - Collaborate with staff on donor events and campaigns.
- Monitor and evaluate development performance against targets, offering strategic input and accountability.
Marketing & Communication
- Advise on branding, storytelling, and public messaging.
- Review and support marketing materials, newsletters, social media, and PR strategies.
- Help expand public and media visibility of the organization and its impact.
Events & Campaigns
- Support signature events, peer-to-peer fundraisers, or awareness campaigns.
- Leverage personal/professional networks to enhance participation and sponsorship.
Oversight & Strategy
- Partner with staff to monitor development and marketing performance metrics (e.g., donor growth, campaign ROI).
- Monitor trends and best practices in fundraising, digital engagement, and nonprofit marketing.
Ambassadorship
- Act as an ambassador for Helium by promoting the organisation’s work and impact.
- Support the cultivation of relationships with potential supporters, collaborators, and stakeholders.
Board-Staff Strategic Partnership
- Provide a forum for the Board and staff to jointly explore opportunities and challenges related to development and marketing.
- Align committee initiatives with organisational strategy and governance priorities.
- Foster a culture of shared ownership, transparency, and mutual learning between Board and staff.
- Help establish a ‘give, ask and advocacy culture across the board.
- Ensure the committee serves as a space for generative thinking and innovation in how Helium engages its supporters and audience.
Current Membership
Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board. The Committee shall be made up of at least nine members: two Board members, three independent advisers, the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Executive, and Development Coordinator.