Arts and culture jobs

This is a unique opportunity to lead a globally respected organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city's World Heritage Site while promoting its positive role in a dynamic, living city.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive organisational culture, ensuring financial sustainability, effective governance and the successful delivery of strategic objectives. They will serve as the primary spokesperson for the World Heritage Site, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring experience in the culture or heritage sectors, strong communication and interpersonal skills, financial and fundraising knowledge, and a passion for Edinburgh’s historic environment. 

This role presents a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world's most celebrated World Heritage Sites. 

Working closely with the Executive Director, senior team members and trustees, we are looking for an Executive Assistant and Company Secretary who has knowledge and experience of working with senior management and trustees in the arts and/or charitable sector to support the effective governance and leadership of the organisation.

You will be highly organised, diplomatic, and proactive with good attention to detail.

Contract and Hours
Permanent, full or part-time, 1.0 (36.25 hours / 5 days) or 0.8 ( 29 hours / 4 days) per week, 9.15-5.30pm per day, including lunch break. Minimum two days per week are to be worked at Crafts Council office, with requirement to attend all relevant Board and committee meetings and key staff events.

Crafts Council aims to support flexible working and part time arrangements where it is appropriate for the role.

Salary
£28,000 to £34,000 gross per annum based on full-time working, dependent upon experience.

Location
Crafts Council Office and Gallery is based in Islington, London, with some hybrid / home working.

Role to Commence
As soon as possible from May 2025 onwards.

Reporting to
Managed by the Executive Director and supporting the Senior Management Team and Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Company Secretary for board and committee meetings - Organise meetings, planning up to a year in advance and working with trustees to ensure availability
• Prepare papers, ensure that they are issued in a timely manner, draft minutes, keep log of follow up actions
• Support the Executive Director with email and correspondence
• Drafting responses and acting as a first responder, provide personal assistant duties and leadership administration, such as arranging internal and external meetings, travel itineraries and diary management
• Meeting preparation: Prepare agendas, gather necessary materials, and follow up on action items from meetings
• Support the Executive Director in drafting briefing documents, reviewing policy documents and providing succinct summaries
• Project support: Assist with project management tasks, including research, data compilation, and presentation preparation
• Make use of time-saving tools (AI) and ensure that Executive Office is run efficiently and productively
• Support Craft Council Executive team with administration duties, including diary management, presentation design, meeting and travel co-ordination and follow up, processing invoices and expenses
• Support with event management where required, e.g. board and staff away days
• Support the recruitment and induction of new trustees, ensuring that induction packs are up to date and accurate
• Provide administrative support to the Chairs & trustees as required
• Reconcile financial expenditure, such as credit cards, raise purchase orders and code invoices as required
• Be an ambassador for the Crafts Council and represent it at appropriate events
• Be discrete, maintaining confidentiality and being comfortable dealing with a wide range of people

Note: Board related meetings include Trustee meetings (4 per year), Finance Audit & Risk meetings ( 4 - 6 per year), Nominations and Remuneration Committee meetings (x 1 per year) and other Committees and Panels (as required).

General

The postholder will:

• Have a strong commitment to accessibility and social justice, ensuring that we are adhering to best practice

• Assist in developing and maintaining effective teamwork across Crafts Council

• Be flexible within the broad remit of the post

• Continuously seek ways to improve personal, team and business performance

• Attend and participate in Crafts Council performance, development, and training programmes

• Ensure that you comply with all Health and Safety regulations and safe working practice as required by current legislation and the Company’s Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and practices

• Adhere to Crafts Council policies, procedures and code of conduct including in relation to GDPR

• Participate as an active and responsible member of the management team and contribute to the development of Crafts Council policies, strategies, business and operational plans

• Understand the importance of equality and inclusion in the workplace

• Always promote the highest level of customer experience

• Undertake any other duty which may be reasonably allocated

�� Join Storyhouse as our Development Director ��
�� Location: Chester | �� Full-Time, Permanent | �� £55,000 per annum

Are you a dynamic, strategic fundraiser with a passion for the arts and community impact? Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships and driving ambitious income growth? Storyhouse is looking for a visionary Development Director to join our Leadership Team!

At Storyhouse, we're more than a cultural venue — we're a creative community hub, delivering outstanding artistic programmes and vital community initiatives. As Development Director, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping our future by leading and evolving our fundraising strategy to secure a diverse, sustainable income base.

�� Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all fundraising streams: individual giving, major donors, corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations, public sector grants, and legacy giving.
• Develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies, campaigns, and appeals.
• Cultivate strong relationships with donors, funders, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Manage and inspire the Development Team, fostering professional growth and delivering high performance.
• Collaborate closely with our Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to support long-term strategy and business planning.
• Champion Storyhouse’s commitment to access, inclusion, and participation, advocating for our role as a vital cultural institution regionally and nationally.

�� We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a proven track record in senior fundraising roles within arts, culture, heritage, or charity sectors.
• Brings exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and management experience.
• Is adept at crafting compelling cases for support and persuasive funding proposals.
• Can develop creative, innovative approaches to income generation.
• Has experience managing budgets and delivering a strong return on investment.

�� Why Join Us?

At Storyhouse, you'll be part of a passionate team, working in one of the UK’s most exciting cultural organisations, delivering meaningful change in the community while advancing your career in a leadership role. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate and make a real difference.

Join the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as Grants & Trusts Manager and be part of our passionate and dynamic Development department. We are seeking a dedicated individual for a permanent role within our fast-paced, growing team.

In this role you will be responsible for securing income from grant-making trusts and foundations for a variety of exciting projects. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success and growth of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

We are looking for a candidate with a genuine passion for fundraising and a track record of developing and writing successful funding applications to support revenue and capital projects. A positive, flexible attitude and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments are also key qualities we value.

This is a pivotal moment for the Trust as we embark on an ambitious new vision to become a contemporary organisation with global reach and purpose, with Shakespeare at the heart of everything we do.

Applications close on Sunday 27 April 2025. First stage interviews will be held on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit our jobs website.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and building a diverse and representative workforce. Join us and be a part of something truly special.

The Line is looking for an experienced and motivated fundraising professional to join its team.

The Development Coordinator will support the Head of Development (incoming) to reach the organisation's fundraising targets to enable us to deliver our ambitious outdoor exhibition and engagement programmes. The role will include writing funding applications and reporting to funders on existing grants, supporting fundraising activity, undertaking prospect research and maintaining fundraising systems.

The Development Coordinator will deliver practical and essential support to the organisation and would suit someone with a passion for arts and community with imagination, strong writing skills and an ambition to build on existing fundraising experience. If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Please see the job description for full details and responsibilities of this role.

Application deadline and interviews

The closing date for applications is 10am, Tuesday 29th April. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 7th May 2025.

Equal Opportunities

The Line is committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and in all opportunities. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector.

How to apply

• Apply through the application form which requires a cover letter and copy of your CV and contact details of two referees (these will only be contacted with your prior approval)
• Complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (please note this will not be reviewed by the individuals reviewing applications) 

About the Roundhouse:
Roundhouse is an iconic music and arts venue in Camden. Since the 1960s we’ve opened up space for creativity to empower people and communities – day in, night out. We’re on a mission to raise the creative potential of the UK so we give young people and artists the space to experiment, develop skills and be part of incredible moments that go down in history.

The Role

As Director of People and Culture, you’ll be at the heart of shaping Roundhouse culture, inclusion and overall effectiveness. 

Reporting directly to the CEO and an integral part of the Director Group, you’ll lead a People Team of 4 (2 People Partners, 1 Learning & Development Partner and a People Team Coordinator) to ensure an effective and efficient service is provided to our staff. 

From leading EDI initiatives to pay and reward, with a focus on wellbeing and learning & development, you’ll play a crucial role in making the Roundhouse a great place to work. You’ll also ensure that our people systems, payroll and policies are robust, compliant and aligned with best practice.

Contributing at both a strategic and operational level, you’ll drive the Roundhouse’s People & Culture Strategy, ensuring our staff are engaged, supported and empowered.
 

About you:

We’re looking for a strategic leader who is passionate about people, culture, and inclusion. You’ll have extensive experience in senior HR roles, with a proven track record of delivering impactful people strategies.

You will also bring:

• CIPD Chartered or Fellow membership (or equivalent experience).

• Ideally a postgraduate degree holder in human resources or business studies or a similar discipline, or equivalent experience.

• A deep understanding of UK employment law, HR best practice and EDI principles.

• Exceptional leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to drive cultural change.

• A strong grasp of HR systems, payroll, and compliance processes.
   

We welcome applications from people who feel they can bring their own skills, experiences and ideas to the table and empower those around them to do the same. We encourage those currently underrepresented across the cultural sector and all intersections of our diverse society to apply.

The successful candidate must have a current and acceptable DBS check, or be willing to undertake one due to the nature of the role. 

For more information please download the full job description from our website and if you would like to apply, and feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please click “Apply Now” to complete your application by midnight on Sunday 13th April 2025. 
 

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Salary: £108,160.00 per annum 

Application Deadline: Midnight on Sunday 13th April 2025 

Interviews: Tuesday 6th May 2025

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays pro rata. Increasing with length of service

• Pension scheme

• Cycle to Work and Tech Scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Health Cash Plan

• Group Life Assurance

• Staff discount at our bar and café

• Complimentary staff tickets

All personal data submitted to the Roundhouse in the form of personal details forms is used for recruitment purposes and equal opportunities reporting only. By submitting a personal details form, you consent to the Roundhouse retaining your personal data for these purposes. Personal details forms contain your name, address and details relating to your gender, religion and nationality. All forms are anonymised before use. In accordance with GDPR all information submitted by unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within six months. 

Are you passionate about supporting a growing team within a vibrant, creative environment? Harris Hill are seeking an HR & Office Manager to join a dynamic arts and community-focused charity, dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility across multiple venues in London. This is a full-time position for 32 hours a week, spread over 4 days.

In this pivotal role, you will oversee the day-to-day HR and office systems, supporting a diverse and expanding team of 50+ staff. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the smooth running of HR processes, from onboarding and offboarding to maintaining accurate staff records and managing workplace issues. You will be the go-to person for HR queries and provide key support to line managers, ensuring consistent and fair implementation of policies.

Additionally, you will manage internal office systems, streamline workflows, and enhance communication tools to support the growing organisation. Your role will ensure that the organisation’s internal operations remain transparent, efficient, and scalable, keeping the infrastructure aligned with their values of care and respect. You will also be involved in staff wellbeing initiatives, team-building activities, and fostering a positive organisational culture.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in HR coordination and office management, a solid understanding of UK employment law, and excellent organisational and communication skills. You should be comfortable managing multiple tasks and improving internal processes, with a strong commitment to fairness, accessibility, and care in the workplace. Experience in the arts, charity, or not-for-profit sectors is a plus, along with familiarity with HR software and project management tools.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in a growing arts and community organisation, we want to hear from you. To apply, pease submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation.

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.

As the Head of Access & Participation and Student Recruitment you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the outreach and admissions departments, ensuring smooth operations and fostering an effective, positive participation experience for those engaging with our services and a positive and supportive application process for those applying to study with us. This role involves direct line management of the Admissions coordinator and our extensive outreach team as well as collaborating with other departments to uphold academic and company standards. Reporting to Senior Management, you’ll play a crucial role in formulating reports, managing budgets, monitoring performance metrics, whilst also implementing and overseeing collaborative projects and initiatives to achieve our organisational and charitable objectives.

This is a senior role within the organisation and the successful candidate will be a member of the leadership team, demonstrating previous experience in a comparable management role within an academic and / or arts-based setting.

The Head of Access & Participation and Student Recruitment is responsible for managing and enhancing Fourth Monkey’s established accessibility and inclusion initiatives and recruitment goals. Providing quality assurance and strong leadership throughout the process from first engagement to student enrolment, whilst developing and enhancing collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders and partners along the way.

The Head of Access & Participation and Student Recruitment acts as the expert in their field providing a smooth operational and administrative management of the organisations day to day work within this area of specialism.

This role is about driving student success. 

Head of Development & Engagement 

circa £50,000 - £55,000 per annum

Full-time. Permanent 

Based: Hybrid/Victoria Place, Woking 

Please be in touch with Prospectus for further details. 

Are you an ambitious and creative development/fundraising professional? 

Are you passionate about the performing arts and their power to transform opportunities for individuals? 

Do you see the performing arts as a force for cultural and social progress? 

Would you relish the opportunity to develop and grow a new fundraising programme with a focus on scholarships? 

Founded in 1911, our Client has an outstanding reputation for performing arts training and a roster of illustrious alumnx from Noel Coward to Bonnie Langford, Pixie Lott and Layton Williams.  In September 2022 our Client relocated from its three historic sites to one brand new purpose-built campus in central Woking. Bringing its 650 students, 140 staff and Sessional Tutors and 15 courses together under one roof for the very first time was a hugely exciting step and the institution has gone from strength to strength since then. 

As a lynchpin in its strategic vision, our Client is seeking its first Head of Development & Engagement.  The purpose of the role is to deliver a step-change in provision of scholarships and bursaries in support of its aim to build on its rich heritage to become the most inclusive performing arts institution in the UK. 

To succeed in the role, you'll be an ambitious and creative Development professional with the drive and experience to develop and grow our Client's first ever fundraising programme. Through your vision and influencing skills, you'll bring colleagues with you and engage a wide range of potential supporters, from individuals, artists and influencers, as well as charitable trusts and companies.

Your strong grasp of individual philanthropy/major donor and trust and foundation fundraising and your determination to make a long-lasting difference through the impact of your work will be instrumental to your success in the post.  This will be an exciting and career-enhancing role with the opportunity to shape and deliver the case for support and develop inspiring propositions for fundraising as well as cultivation and stewardship plans for this vibrant and exciting institution. 

Along with your fundraising expertise, you'll have a proactive approach and excellent organisational and administrative skills. Naturally, you'll love the performing arts and be willing to get stuck in as part of a small, friendly team and be an all-round communicator - articulate, open, collaborative and a pleasure to work with. 

We look forward to hearing from you if this sounds like a challenge that would inspire you. 

To apply, please submit a CV in the first instance to Femke Vorstman at Prospect Us: . If your experience is suitable you will receive the full job pack and a call or meeting will be arranged to brief you on the role, ensuring you have all of the information needed to formally apply.

The closing date for applications is: Monday 5 May 2025. First-round interviews will take place in w/c 12 May 2025. 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. 

Our Client espouse a business culture where decisions and ideas from all people help them innovate, grow, and create the best environment for their students and staff and ensure they stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion matters at Italia Conti. They foster a working environment where they value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all their employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. They try to embed an inclusive mindset in everything they do. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief. As part of its drive to improve representation within its staff team, our Client would particularly welcome interest from Global Majority and LGBTQI+ applicants. 

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Hybrid (London)

£50,000 | Full-Time, 3 year FTC

Are you an experienced leader passionate about the arts and making a difference in education? Join Art History Link-Up (AHLU) as our Chief Operating Officer (COO), where you’ll take the lead on strategic fundraising and operational excellence to expand our reach and impact.

As COO, you will:

• Build Donor Relationships: Collaborate with the CEO to engage funders, partners, and stakeholders, cultivating relationships that secure vital funding.
• Strategic Leadership: Oversee the implementation of AHLU’s growth strategy, ensuring alignment with our mission of providing free art history education to state school students.
• Operational Excellence: Streamline systems and processes to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, supporting programme delivery and fundraising efforts.
• Support Governance: Ensure compliance with charity regulations, support effective governance practices, and guide organisational development.
• Drive Fundraising Success: Develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies to support AHLU’s growth, focusing on major donors, partnerships, and sustainable revenue streams.

Why Choose Us?

• Collaborative Culture: Partner with a dedicated CEO, a small but passionate team, and inspiring donors to achieve meaningful change.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a growing charity, where you’ll shape strategic initiatives and develop new partnerships in an evolving education landscape.
• Flexibility: Enjoy hybrid working with opportunities to engage with funders and partners in London and beyond.
• Fundraising-Focused Impact: Your work will secure the resources that make free art history education accessible to hundreds of students annually, many from underrepresented backgrounds.

About You

We’re looking for a fundraising-focused leader who:

• Has a proven experience in a senior leadership role – preferably in the charity or education sector
• Is able to manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously, with strong organisational skills
• Possesses strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Can lead strategically while managing operational priorities, ensuring a smooth-running organisation.
• Shares a passion for education and the arts, with a commitment to AHLU’s mission of making art history accessible to all.
• Ideally has experience in fundraising and donor management

About Art History Link-Up

Art History Link-Up is a charity transforming access to art history education for state school students. Since 2016, we’ve taught over 500 students, with many progressing to top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and the Courtauld Institute.

Our work makes a difference: over half our students come from minority ethnic or widening participation backgrounds, and they consistently share how AHLU has opened doors to the visual arts and future career opportunities.

We’re expanding our programmes and piloting new qualifications in collaboration with prestigious institutions, including the Courtauld and Waddesdon Manor. Join us at this exciting stage as we move towards our 10th anniversary and continue to grow our impact.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to lead with a focus on fundraising and operational excellence, apply today. Together, we’ll create a future where every young person can explore and benefit from art history.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

If you’re ready to lead with a focus on fundraising and operational excellence, apply today. Together, we’ll create a future where every young person can explore and benefit from art history.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Join an inspiring organisation committed to social justice within the arts and beyond, advocating for equality and the right to artistic expression, as their new Communications Coordinator. The arts organisation is a cultural and social initiative that supports the arts and communities to thrive. Join them in their East London office’s, in a part-time (either 3 or 4 day week) permanent role.

As Communications Coordinator you will implement and deliver a brand-new communications strategy, ensuring the smooth and timely publishing of engaging content across digital and printed channels. You will have the opportunity to travel to different sites across London to gather and consolidate content and then share it either on their website, through online media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pixelfed, Bluesky) or creating and putting up posters to strengthen audience engagement.

Your essential experience:

- Experience managing social media, websites and newsletters.

- Strong copywriting and proofreading skills.

- Competency using Mailchimp or similar.

- Familiarity with CMS platforms and social media schedulers.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

I’m looking for a proactive and highly organised candidate who will take ownership of the organisation’s communications. You will be passionate about the work they do, love writing content and seeking opportunities to for content sharing. You’ll join an amazing team, and a growing organisation. You’ll work alongside a graphic designer, and work closely with the founding director.

- Location- Woolwich, London (with travel across London)

- Salary- £28,000-£30,000 for 4 days, or £21,000-£22,500 for 3 days

- Part-time, 3 or 4 day week, Permanent

For more information, please apply now! Firm closing date 9am Friday 11^th April.

Interviews to take place w/c 21^st April.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We’re looking for someone with proven experience in digital content leadership, team management, and strategic content decision-making using data insights. 

In this key role, you will commission, develop and manage our digital content delivery, overseeing a talented team of producers and videographers working closely with internal teams and external partners.

You will ensure that our content – ranging from films for social media, podcasts, online events, audio guides, website content and more – engages diverse audiences, supports commercial goals, and aligns with the Gallery’s mission. 

The ideal candidate will be an experienced content professional with a strong background in digital storytelling, team leadership, and experience of managing a broad content programme.

If you have a passion for the arts and digital innovation, we’d love to hear from you!

Head of Development & Engagement 

£50,000 per annum

Full-time. Permanent 

Based: Hybrid/Victoria Place, Woking 

Are you an ambitious and creative development/fundraising professional? 

Are you passionate about the performing arts and their power to transform opportunities for individuals? 

Do you see the performing arts as a force for cultural and social progress? 

Would you relish the opportunity to develop and grow a new fundraising programme with a focus on scholarships? 

Founded in 1911, our Client has an outstanding reputation for performing arts training and a roster of illustrious alumnx from Noel Coward to Bonnie Langford, Pixie Lott and Layton Williams.  In September 2022 our Client relocated from its three historic sites to one brand new purpose-built campus in central Woking. Bringing its 650 students, 140 staff and Sessional Tutors and 15 courses together under one roof for the very first time was a hugely exciting step and the institution has gone from strength to strength since then. 

As a lynchpin in its strategic vision, our Client is seeking its first Head of Development & Engagement.  The purpose of the role is to deliver a step-change in provision of scholarships and bursaries in support of its aim to build on its rich heritage to become the most inclusive performing arts institution in the UK. 

To succeed in the role, you'll be an ambitious and creative Development professional with the drive and experience to develop and grow our Client's first ever fundraising programme. Through your vision and influencing skills, you'll bring colleagues with you and engage a wide range of potential supporters, from individuals, artists and influencers, as well as charitable trusts and companies.

Your strong grasp of individual philanthropy/major donor and trust and foundation fundraising and your determination to make a long-lasting difference through the impact of your work will be instrumental to your success in the post.  This will be an exciting and career-enhancing role with the opportunity to shape and deliver the case for support and develop inspiring propositions for fundraising as well as cultivation and stewardship plans for this vibrant and exciting institution. 

Along with your fundraising expertise, you'll have a proactive approach and excellent organisational and administrative skills. Naturally, you'll love the performing arts and be willing to get stuck in as part of a small, friendly team and be an all-round communicator - articulate, open, collaborative and a pleasure to work with. 

We look forward to hearing from you if this sounds like a challenge that would inspire you. 

To apply, please submit a CV in the first instance to Femke Vorstman at Prospect Us. If your experience is suitable you will receive the full job pack and a call or meeting will be arranged to brief you on the role, ensuring you have all of the information needed to formally apply.

The closing date for applications is: Monday 5 May 2025. First-round interviews will take place in w/c 12 May 2025. 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. 

Our Client espouse a business culture where decisions and ideas from all people help them innovate, grow, and create the best environment for their students and staff and ensure they stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion matters at the organisation. They foster a working environment where they value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all their employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. They try to embed an inclusive mindset in everything they do. 

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief. As part of its drive to improve representation within its staff team, our Client would particularly welcome interest from Global Majority and LGBTQI+ applicants. 

Ex Cathedra is a world-class ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. Thanks to a recent donation, we are excited to create this new role for a skilled fundraiser to join our team to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities. You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

We believe that the benefits of singing are for everyone, and seek to reach and engage as many people as possible through outstanding vocal experiences. We do this by exploring, commissioning and performing the finest choral music, nurturing young singers, and delivering an extensive, inspirational learning and wellbeing offer for participants of all ages – engaging 80,000+ people every year in a range of venues, schools, hospitals and communities, including through our acclaimed Singing Schools and Singing Medicine projects.

It is an exciting time to join us and shape this new role. Over the next 5 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we already have an established individual giving scheme which we hope you will help us grow.

Find the full application pack on our website. The following is extracted:

Key responsibilities

The Individual Giving Manager will contribute towards Ex Cathedra’s ongoing sustainability and success by maximising philanthropic income:

Strategy and research

• build, maintain and continually seek to expand a pipeline of prospects capable of making gifts at a high 4-, 5- and 6-figure level, making sure that all progress is tracked, monitored and reviewed on a routine basis

• explore our existing data to identify major gift prospects, working in line with data protection law and fundraising regulations

Individual giving

• work closely with the General Manager and Individual Giving Officer to further develop and implement strategies that will increase major gifts and legacy donations to Ex Cathedra, dovetailing with the Trusts and Foundations consultant where appropriate

• arrange and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors to help build and progress meaningful relationships through regular dialogue

• use their judgement to involve the artistic director, trustees and colleagues where most beneficial/advantageous

• align prospective donors with high-value funding opportunities for the performance programme, education and participation work, or area of greatest need according to the interests of the donor

• promote and encourage giving towards the establishment of an Endowment Fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the organisation

• meet agreed targets for activity (i.e. number of prospect meetings and solicitations) and income generation (i.e. funds raised)

• personally manage the portfolio of higher level donors and prospective donors.

Communications

• manage the delivery of specific appeals to prospects and donors

• work with the General Manager and freelance designer to devise and produce materials in support of Ex Cathedra’s fundraising aims

• create and refresh inspiring copy for inclusion in print, on our website and other relevant materials

Other

• record and maintain progress, ensuring that income can be projected as accurately as possible, liaising with the Finance Manager as appropriate

• carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the General Manager

About you

You will be a skilled fundraiser, able to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors, capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities.

You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience

• demonstrable experience in a similar role

• direct experience of securing gifts and donations at 4- and 5-figure level from individuals by initiating, building and stewarding relationships

• experience of developing engaging and attractive gift opportunities; and scoping, developing and articulating fundraising projects

• experience of working in a target-driven environment

Knowledge

• knowledge of the principles of major gift fundraising and Donor Relations (including stewardship)

• knowledge of the Arts and/or Charity funding landscape and UK philanthropic trends

• knowledge and understanding of donor motivations, and how to align philanthropic interests with organisational priorities

• a sound working knowledge of data protection legislation and national fundraising best practice

Skills and abilities

• good organisation and planning skills, with an ability to prioritise the things that matter most

• excellent communication skills with an ability to persuade and influence with tact and diplomacy

• an ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders

• an ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences

• an ability to think both creatively and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals

• good listening skills

Attributes and attitudes

• a strong team player, who enjoys building and maintaining productive relationships with others

• pro-active, results-oriented and ambitious, with a determination to succeed and improve

• resilient, focused, tenacious and confident

• a creative thinker, with a keen interest in trying new approaches to bring about enduring, positive change

• a willingness to work outside normal hours and travel when required

• a genuine affinity and passion for music and the Arts, and their transformational power

How to apply

Full details on how to apply can be found in the Application Pack, which is available from our website. We welcome informal, pre-application conversations, and details on how to arrange this with Peter Trethewey, General Manager, are also set out in the pack.

Application deadline: Thursday 1 May, 5pm

If you have any access needs relevant to your application, please contact Peter.