Head of Development

Do you believe that stories told through theatre, TV and film have the power to change people’s lives? Do you want to play a leading role in the future of one of the world’s leading drama schools by galvanising philanthropic giving and developing transformational relationships with donors, alumni and funders? This is the role for you! Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering up with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in their search for a new Head of Development.

Title: Head of Development

Hours: Full time, permanent. Flexible working hours available

Salary: £50,000

Location: At least 2 days per week in Bristol, with options of hybrid / remote working

Closing date: Monday 9th September 8pm

Interviews will be in person on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September 2024. 2nd stage interviews are scheduled for the week beginning the 16th September 2024

Why the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School?

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is an arts and education charity that exists to enable talented individuals, no matter their background or age, to come together and train with inspiring world leading practitioners to become the storytellers, creators and makers of tomorrow. Everything they work on begins and ends with a script, a story. They change lives - and their graduates change your lives through the theatre, film, radio and TV you enjoy. Based in Bristol, with a network of alumni, teachers and partners across the world, they exist to enable talented people, no matter their background or age, to come together and train with inspiring teachers to become the storytellers of tomorrow.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is a busy and vibrant drama school with experienced and committed tutors and talented students. The Head of Development role is an essential factor in the future prosperity of the Theatre School. All our staff are dedicated, hard-working and supportive of each other at all times. They are accepting and welcoming to everyone and are innate problem solvers and enablers.

What this role entails?

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School history is rooted in philanthropy and the altruism of their alumni, notably Julian Slade whose royalties of his much-loved musical Salad Days helped in purchasing their buildings at Downside Road. In recent years, however, fundraising and alumni engagement has lain dormant - only 1% of income in 2023-4 was generated by fundraising and philanthropy.

·        The Head of Development needs to secure £1.5m across the fundraising mix by summer 2025 and further ambitious sums in subsequent years

·        Fostering active philanthropic relationships with high profile alumni and high net worth individuals to deliver transformational gifts and legacy pledges.

·        Delivering on the ambitious, purpose-driven fundraising strategy

·        Fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and city.

·        Agreeing with the Principal and Board of Trustees appropriate KPIs through which the implementation of the fundraising strategy can be reviewed and monitored

·        Cultivating the donor prospect pool to realise its potential and achieve the School’s strategic ambitions.

To be successful in this role:

·        A deep understanding of the fundraising mix, with specific expertise in major gift and legacy relationships

·        Proven track record of income generation of seven figure targets per year

·        Highly personable, with purpose and commitment at your core, you are adept at holding valuable relationships with care and clarity.

·        You are passionate about the transformational power of philanthropy and enjoy having in-person conversations that result in high value gifts.

To apply for this role and for further details, including a job description and person specification, please email Hannah at Harris Hill via the apply button.

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.