Arts culture heritage jobs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Location: Deal, Kent (hybrid)

Salary: £ 50,000 FTE pa, pro rata at 0.6 FTE

Closing date for expressions of interest: 30 April 2025

Deal Music & Arts (DMA) aims to bring the best in arts and culture to Deal and the wider Dover District of East Kent. Our purpose is to create opportunities for local people and visitors to engage with the highest quality of music and the arts as audiences, learners and performers.

Founded in 1982, DMA has evolved from a summer festival to a year-round organisation that now delivers both the annual Festival and a range of learning & participation programmes to encourage creative engagement in the community of East Kent. Deal Music and Arts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment.

Working in collaboration with the DMA Artistic Director who is responsible for the artistic excellence of the Festival, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight to deliver DMA’s mission and objectives as set out in its Five Year Plan , and ensure the organisation’s financial viability. This is an exciting opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping DMA’s future and its positive contribution to the local community.

All applicants will need to complete an application form.

DMA is an equal opportunities employer.

For more details, contact us by with your expression of interest and to receive further details from us, by 30 April 2025

Deal Music and Arts Limited

Registered Charity no 1100003

Company Limited by Guarantee no 4833202

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced Director of Operations/Deputy Director to oversee the day-to-day management of the Institute. This senior leadership role will be pivotal in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the organisation, aligning operational strategies with our mission and values. The Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring that all deadlines are met, overseeing human resources, operational systems, external contracts, policy development, financial management and ensuring that the Institute's guiding principle of "changing the lens" is embedded throughout our programmes and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in operational management within the arts or cultural sector, with a passion for supporting Black arts and heritage. The role requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, the ability to manage effectively cross-functional teams and to liaise with artists, programming partners and funders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Human Resources and Staff Management
• Operational Leadership and Strategy
• Fundraising and Stakeholder
• Policy, Governance and Compliance
• Financial Management
• Reporting and Evaluation

We’re recruiting for a Development Manager!

The Mill is a small scale multi-art form venue with big ambitions. Situated in the North Oxfordshire market town of Banbury, it is the focus of cultural life as the only public arts and performance venue in the Cherwell District.

Our 237-seat theatre plays host to high quality professional theatre, dance, comedy and music productions, whilst supporting opportunities for local community arts organisations to work and perform in a professional space. Our studio facilities offer a packed creative learning and participation programme focusing on both the visual and performing arts, covering everything from jewellery making to yoga, watercolour painting to creative writing and much more in between. In addition our café/bar and gallery area offers opportunities for local artists to exhibit and sell their work. Increasingly we are working outside of our building and in partnership with a wide range of artists and organisations both in Banbury and Bicester to ensure that all in our communities can experience the evidential health and wellbeing benefits of seeing and taking part in professionally led creative and cultural activities.

Following a successful application to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, The Mill has been a NPO since April 2023. The successful candidate will join the organisation at an exciting time in our development, and will play a key role in enabling us to secure the funding required to fulfil our future vision:

With your support we will be a truly exemplar, vibrant, indispensable Arts Centre of which Banbury is rightly proud;

Relevant to all our communities through a diverse programme which celebrates both taking part in and seeing first class arts and entertainment experiences made possible by the capital development of fit for future facilities that match our ambition.

The Development Manager will lead on delivery of The Mill Arts Centre’s fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on establishing new income streams through relationship-based fundraising including through the prospecting and stewardship of high-net worth individuals, companies and legacies.

You will develop and implement strategies to recruit and cultivate new supporters and oversee the stewardship of current relationships with care, with a focus on building new income streams from mid and major gifts.

Post: Development Manager
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Contract: Permanent, 0.5FTE (20 hours per week – schedule to be discussed)
Salary: £35,548.80 FTE (£17,774.40)
Holidays: 22 days per year FTE (11 days pro rata at 0.5FTE) plus public holidays
Place of work: The Mill Arts Centre plus occasional offsite meetings and events

Working closely with the CEO and other core staff, the General Manager role is pivotal within the company structure.  The General Manager will focus primarily on the areas of HR, Governance, Finance and Health & Safety. Further responsibilities include administering office & project employment contracts, and other general duties that will ensure the company runs efficiently and meets its legal responsibilities.  It is a mixed and varied role, with both a high level of autonomy and responsibility. 

ABOUT US

Over the last two years Alibi, a South West-based Arts organisation since the early 80s, has been through a period of transition which has seen it reinvent itself as a venue for children and young people, welcoming 1000s of families, school children and members of our community through its doors. Our vision is of

“A place where all children can explore their creativity and imagination, in a world where everyone understands the importance of creativity and imagination to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

In 2024 we threw open the doors of our base, Emmanuel Hall, an old Church Hall in the heart of St Thomas in Exeter. The building has been reimagined into a Centre for the Imagination for Children and Young People and over the last 12 months we’ve hosted performances, workshops, live music and an actual live, immersive, pine tree forest…

Our Mission is to create playful, safe and inclusive spaces where children can explore their creativity and discover themselves and the world in imaginative ways. Through live performances, engaging experiences and hands-on activities, we provide families, schools and communities with creative ways to inspire and empower their children and young people. We’re here to celebrate the power of imagination and champion the importance of creativity in children’s lives. 

We work closely with schools, both locally and throughout the South West, and are committed to ensuring we reach all children regardless of their means and possibilities.

Since the beginning of 2024 Emmanuel Hall has become the home of the St Thomas Library and of Zero Mile CIC, who are taking over the outside spaces and transforming them into community growing areas.

This is a really exciting time in the development of Alibi as we move closer to unleashing the full potential of our glorious old Church Hall. The successful candidate will be joining a small, busy and dedicated team striving to make something extraordinary happen in the city.

Theatre Alibi is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We want Alibi to be a rewarding and enjoyable place to work where people are treated with respect, valued for who they are and the contribution they make irrespective of age, disability, race, gender, religion or belief, caring responsibilities or sexual orientation. 

Alibi is committed to increasing the diversity of our creative programme, workforce and audiences to ensure the quality and impact of our work. As part of this commitment, we particularly welcome applications for employment from individuals currently under-represented in our organisation and the wider sector. This includes people from the Global Majority specifically the African diaspora; South, East, and South East Asian diaspora; the Middle East and North Africa; people with disabilities including neurodivergence; people from the LGBTQIA+ community; and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

We operate flexible working arrangements to allow for caring responsibilities and any other time constraints you may be experiencing.

THE COMPANY

Our small and resourceful team is led by the Chief Executive Officer who reports into our Board of Trustees. We work with numerous freelancers, visiting companies and artists to deliver work in Emmanuel Hall and in schools across Devon.

We have developed a collaborative way of working where choices and decisions are openly discussed within the team, and where learning from our experiences and having a dynamic approach to change is celebrated.

TO APPLY please send a CV and covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining your experience and keeping in mind the Job Description below.

Closing date for applications is 9am Wednesday 12th May. Interviews will take place at Emmanuel Hall or via zoom on the 19th May. Please state in your email whether there might be any previous engagements that might make these interview dates difficult for you. We’ll let you know whether or not you’ll be offered an interview by the 13th May.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Reports to: CEO

Line Management of: Contractors as required

Place of work: Emmanuel Hall, St Thomas

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance 

· Prepare financial management information including regular cash flow forecasts, reports, budgets, grant claims and management accounts for project managers, CEO, Board of Trustees and funders

· Ensure all statutory financial and other records, compliances and related inspections are met on time and records kept with regard to PAYE, NI, VAT, Companies House, Charities Commission, insurance, pension provision, audit requirements and annual reports

· Working closely with the CEO, prepare project and annual budgets, liaising with relevant staff

· Provide support and guidance to all budget holders for the effective management of budgets

· Maintain all financial systems and records for the organisation, including financial administration relating to general ledger, audit trails, Theatre Tax Relief, banking, petty cash management, staff expense claims and credit control

Building & Operations 

· Ensure appropriate licensing and insurance is in place

· Organise the supply of utilities to Emmanuel Hall

· Manage delivery of IT tech support contract and others as required

· Management of contractors and suppliers e.g. cleaner, electrician, waste collection

· Management of supplies necessary for smooth running of the building e.g. hand towels, stationery, cleaning products

· Management of general maintenance

Health & Safety

· Support the CEO in creating and implementing the Health & Safety Policy

· Co-ordinate Health & Safety administration, including monitoring, reporting and training

· Ensure H&S information is communicated to all staff, project staff, users and visitors as appropriate

· Undertake training and responsibilities such as Deputy Safeguarding Officer, first aider etc as required

Governance

· Provide an effective Company Secretary function

· Organise Board and sub-committee meetings, co-ordinating, minuting and drafting reports as required

· Support the Board to ensure governance and Charity Commission requirements are met

Human Resources

· Provide effective and efficient human resource systems to support the delivery of the organisation’s objectives, including administering payroll, managing pension schemes and monitoring hours and absence etc

· Contribute to pay strategy working closely with the CEO

· Issue contracts for all project staff

· Keep up to date with all relevant employment legislation

· Responsible for personnel related paperwork, including project staff allowances, holiday pay, and preparing payslips

Team Responsibilities 

· Keep Alibi’s vision and values at the heart of everything you do

· Contribute to making Alibi an inclusive and welcoming organisation to work for, visit and engage with

· Contribute ideas to the Sustainability Strategy and consider more environmentally friendly ways of working across the organisation

· Contribute ideas to the business plan and feed your thoughts and perspective into organisational planning

· Keep up to date with developments in areas related to your role and seek out inspiration

· Represent and advocate for Alibi, taking part in promotional activity when appropriate

· Maintain a flexible, collaborative and hands on approach to your work

· Support events and performances as necessary and contribute to the smooth running of the building

· Adhere to company policies, systems and procedures – especially in the areas of H&S and financial management

 WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

You'll have experience as a General Manger, though this may not be within the Arts Industry. You’ll be happy managing your own workload within a small and fast-paced team.

Essential Skills & Experience

· Confident using Outlook and Microsoft Office programmes

· Confident managing your own workload and prioritising tasks

· Experience of setting, managing and reporting against budgets

· Experience managing financial admin e.g. invoicing, petty cash

· Experience of managing HR

· Experience of drawing up contracts

· Knowledge of Health & Safety and how it relates to our activity

· Strong interpersonal skills and able to build rapport and communicate clearly with a variety of people, e.g. general public, children, freelancers, volunteers, teachers, donors etc.

· Excellent planning and organisational skills

· Is happy and effective working as part of a small, close-knit team

· Able to adapt to a dynamic environment, using initiative and pitching in when needed

Desirable Skills & Experience

· Previous experience in an arts organisation and/or in the charity sector and/or working with children

· Experience of managing funding income and charitable giving

· Experience using Xero

· Experience managing a building

· Knowledge of Charity Commission and Companies House requirements

· Experience of managing payroll

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Salary £30,000 pro rata,

Fixed term 9 month contract, with the intention to extend funding dependent.

Start date is flexible.

The post is for three days (24 hours) a week.  However, sometimes we’ll need you to work flexibly to meet the needs of the programme of activity – including occasional evening and weekend work.  Equally, we’re happy to discuss flexible ways of working to accommodate caring responsibilities etc.

You’ll be based at our home, Emmanuel Hall, but we’re open to a hybrid working pattern.

You’ll be entitled to 28 days annual leave pro-rata, including bank holidays, as well as other statutory entitlements such as sick leave and pension contributions.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.

Title: Director of Finance & Operations

Location: London (hybrid working – minimum two days a week in the office)

Art Fund is seeking a strategic and collaborative Director of Finance & Operations to join its Senior Management Team and help shape the future of the UK’s cultural landscape.

Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art. With over 142,000 members and a network of 900 museums, galleries, and historic places across the UK, it is a pioneering and independent voice in the cultural sector enriching collections, growing audiences, and advocating for the vital role museums play in society.

This role comes at an exciting and transformative time for the organisation. As Art Fund progresses through the final stages of its 2022/27 strategy and prepares for the next chapter, the Director of Finance and & Operations will play a critical leadership role in helping the organisation scale its impact, drive operational excellence, and support long-term growth.

The opportunity

The Director of Finance and & Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across the following key areas: finance, people, governance, legal, facilities, and risk. They will lead a multidisciplinary internal services team and work closely with the Director, Senior Management Team, and Board of Trustees.

Major priorities will include embedding a new finance system, supporting the successful delivery of a cross-organisational CRM implementation, and the next five-year strategy and financial plan.

This position requires a qualified accountant with strong strategic planning and commercial acumen, ideally with experience supporting income growth and business innovation in a complex, values-driven organisation. They will be a natural relationship builder with excellent interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.

While prior experience in the arts, heritage, or charity sectors is welcome, it’ is not essential. What matters most is a genuine passion for Art Fund’s mission to make art and culture accessible to all.

Candidate profile

Art Fund is looking for an individual who can demonstrate:

• Proven success in strategic leadership and financial management
• Strong experience of business planning and income generation
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• A commitment to data-led decision-making and continuous improvement
• Deep understanding of organisational governance, risk, and compliance
• Outstanding team leadership and the ability to foster a positive, values-based workplace culture

What Art Fund offers

Art Fund offers a rewarding working environment, a beautiful canal-side office in King’s Cross, and a compelling benefits package, including:

• 27 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Free National Art Pass (with a plus one)
• Art Allowance and Art Time to support cultural engagement
• Private healthcare cashback plan
• Flexible hybrid working and home office equipment allowance

Art Fund is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Allen Lane is acting as an employment agency advisor for The Art Fund on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit Allen Lane website or reach out to Rosemary Pini at Allen Lane.

Timeline:

• Closing date: Wednesday 14th May
• Shortlisting: 28th May
• First interviews: Week commencing 2nd June
• Final Stage Interviews: Week Commencing 9th June and 16th June

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and the Global Majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.

The role:

This is a key role within the Executive Leadership team, with accountability for Finance, Procurement and IT at the Globe. You will work collaboratively with the CEO and Executive leadership team to drive strong business as usual delivery, and provide provide balanced insight to Executive Leadership Team and the Senior Leadership Group so that they can take responsibility for questioning routines and rituals, and for streamlining processes that improve efficiency.

The Finance Director is the lead on the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and is a key part of other relevant committees. You will also attend and report at Board meetings, developing strong working relationships with Board members, the Artistic Director, Executive Leadership members, members of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG), the Finance and Procurement team, the Globe’s IT contractor, and colleagues throughout the Globe.

The skills:

· Chartered Accountant.

· Extensive Director level business experience in a complex organisation.

· A strategic thinker with entrepreneurial instincts

· Demonstrable experience in managing contracts.

· Experience within the charities sector including understanding of the relevant accounting, taxation and other regulatory requirements this presents.

· Empathy with the work, aims and mission of the Globe including an appreciation of the balance between the charitable purpose and commercial imperatives.

· An effective and flexible leadership and management style with demonstrable ability to inspire, motivate, coach and develop a team.

· Credibility and authority to work effectively and liaise internally with senior staff and externally with Trustees and other stakeholders.

· An excellent negotiator and influencer with string emotional intelligence and good communication skills.

· Analytical problem-solving ability with the appetite and energy to evaluate, challenge and change the status quo.

· Experience in financial and risk compliance and governance issues.

· Accessible and inclusive report writing and presentation skills demonstrated as a part of Board level reporting.

· Positive, determined, pragmatic, and resilient – able to inspire confidence and respect.

· The ability to work flexibly in a creative, fast-moving environment and understand the importance of artistic risk taking and to respond positively to it.

· Experience in, or a personal interest in the arts, heritage/museum, or creative industries.

· Experience of managing IT contracts or IT staff.

The team:

The Finance Department provides timely and accurate financial information to key stakeholders while protecting Shakespeare’s Globe assets and ensures compliance with laws and regulations in relation to financial and taxation matters. Serving as a key partner on topics requiring economic, financial and value for money inputs and expertise, the Finance Department manages Accounting and Financial Reporting, Tax, Banking Relationships, Procurement, Financial Risk Management, Contracts, Management Reporting, and external audit partners

Shakespeare’s Globe:

We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

About Us:

Leith Theatre Trust is looking for an experienced and driven Capital Fundraising Consultant to help lead one of Edinburgh’s most exciting cultural projects and support the Trust's second round application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in bringing an iconic building back to life for the people of Leith, Edinburgh and beyond. 

Leith Theatre first opened in 1932 as a gift to the people of Leith. After decades of disrepair and a successful campaign to save it from private redevelopment in the mid-2000s, Leith Theatre Trust have been working to secure its future as a valuable contributor to Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.  

The plan is to refurbish the category B listed building and create an innovative mid-size music and performance space, inspiring wide engagement and, ahead of its 100-year anniversary in 2032, finally fulfill its original premise as in inclusive civic centre of arts, culture and community.  

About You:

The Trust is seeking a consultant to update and deliver the capital fundraising strategy. The candidate must have a proven track record of delivering successful capital campaigns and bring the drive and ambition to support this transformational project in the heart of Leith. Working with the Executive Team, you will lead the campaign to raise circa £5.5 million for the first phase of capital works, due to begin in 2027.

This role plays a key part in the team responsible for managing and delivering the repair and presentation of the Gallery’s building fabric. The role involves the line management of staff, consultants, and term maintenance contractors, and reports directly to the Head of Department.

The successful candidate must be self-motivated and able to work collaboratively within a team, while also communicating effectively with a wide range of departments and colleagues. It is essential that all planned works are carefully coordinated to minimise disruption and remain fully compliant with all regulations.

This post offers the successful candidate to bring innovation and experience together with a systematic approach to problem solving, to achieve the most efficient and cost effective methodology of undertaking work within an historic building, with an emphasis on protecting the nations collection of European art. 

This role plays a key part in the planning and delivery of capital projects programme across the Estate, by supporting the Deputy Head of Building & Facilities. The post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the project programme, including project managing the larger and more complex capital projects. 

The successful candidate will be a highly skilled project manager with experience planning and delivering projects within the historic environment, cultural sector, and on sites open to the public. They will have a strong background in working as part of a wider estates team, with a solid understanding of estates management, project planning, and delivery.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and able to demonstrate a proven track record of successfully managing and delivering multiple projects simultaneously.

This post offers the successful candidate to bring innovation and experience together with a systematic approach to problem solving to achieve the most efficient and cost effective methodology of undertaking work within an historic building, with an emphasis on protecting the nations collection of European art.

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. 

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. 

Oxford Playhouse is one of the country’s leading regional theatres and the only not-for-profit mid-scale venue in Oxfordshire. The theatre is at the heart of cultural life in the city and region, with a wonderfully rich heritage of live performance, drama, dance, music and comedy. It also produces mid-scale and studio productions, including a hugely popular pantomime which plays to audiences of over 40,000 each year.

As well as being a home for inspirational performance, The Playhouse is an active charity with artistic, social and educational aims. Through its Open House programme, a dynamic and wide-ranging outreach project, The Playhouse opens access for theatregoing and creative learning opportunities for thousands of people every year. It works closely with schools across the county to support literacy, distributes 2,500 free tickets to community groups, and works with partners including Age UK to deliver inclusive programmes for older people.

The Playhouse is immensely grateful to all those who support the organisation - its core funders Arts Council England, University of Oxford, St John’s College Oxford, and Oxford City Council - as well as many charitable trusts, foundations, businesses, individuals and audience members. This support underpins the work of Oxford Playhouse in presenting and producing world-class theatre on our stages; offering inspiring creative opportunities to young people and the next generation of artists; and enriching people’s lives and communities through the arts.

Oxford Playhouse is looking for a dynamic leader with a passion for the cultural sector, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in fundraising and donor relations to join the organisation as its Development Director. If you are an experienced fundraiser who can drive positive change, we’d love to receive your application.

Working closely with our newly strengthened governance team, and the Artistic Director and CEO Mike Tweddle (appointed 2023) and Executive Director Marianne Jacques, this is an exciting time to be joining The Playhouse, helping to shape the development strategy for the organisation, lead our fundraising plans around a capital project to make our building fully accessible and welcoming to all.

For full details visit Oxford Playhouse website. 

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.

A dynamic and forward-thinking performing arts organisation in Central London is seeking a General Manager to support its growth and operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team at a pivotal time, playing a key role in driving the organisation’s mission and ensuring its smooth day-to-day running.

Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid working available | Salary: £40,000

As General Manager, you will:

• Lead on organisational finance processes, including budgeting, cashflow, payroll, and reporting.
• Oversee and streamline operational systems, HR, and governance frameworks.
• Line manage a small operational team and support the broader staff’s wellbeing and professional development.
• Ensure legal, insurance, and policy compliance across all activities.
• Support reporting to Boards and statutory bodies, coordinating calendars and documentation.
• Be a key player in planning, internal communication, and external stakeholder liaison.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrable experience in administration and operational leadership.
• Strong finance and budget management skills.
• A background in HR or line management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities with clarity and empathy.
• A genuine passion for the arts and inclusive, values-led leadership.

 Experience within the arts, charity or non-profit sector is advantageous, as is familiarity with platforms such as Ticketsolve and Sage 50 Payroll, but not essential.

 For more information please submit your CV to .

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 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.