Head of Fundraising

Chickenshed is a pioneering and inclusive company that makes beautiful and inspirational theatre. We bring together people of all ages and from all backgrounds to produce outstanding theatre that entertains, inspires, challenges and informs both audiences and participants alike.  Our vision is a society that enables everyone to flourish, and Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Performance is at the heart of everything that we do, and brings together all aspects of the company. Our work uses the stage to celebrate diversity and performance as a vehicle to communicate with audiences and tackle topical social issues.

Chickenshed runs children’s and youth theatres for over 900 young people, working to every individual's strengths, finding the creative environment that will enable them to flourish.  Our Education team operate three nationally accredited education courses, bringing young people from all social and economic backgrounds, cultures and abilities together to study creatively alongside each other.  Chickenshed engages in community outreach projects benefiting over 15,000 young people every year in venues ranging from primary schools and young offender centres, to mainstream and special schools and has established a growing network of ‘sheds’ across the UK, Europe and America.

As Head of Fundraising (HoF), you will provide strategic leadership and management to ensure the effective generation of charitable income for the organisation. Leading a team of five, with three direct reports, you will be responsible for driving and managing the charity’s key income streams – including Events, Trusts and Foundations, Corporate Partnerships, and Individual Giving – collectively generating approximately £1.6 million annually, which represents about 40% of the charity's total revenue.  This role is crucial to building the charity's long-term sustainability, with a focus on exploring innovative fundraising opportunities.