Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Head of Development Events

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Salary in the region of £42,000 - £45,000

38 days’ holiday | Defined contribution pension scheme | Hybrid working

For over 120 years, RADA has stood at the forefront of dramatic arts training, nurturing generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape the worlds of theatre, film and television. Access and diversity are at the heart of who we are, and we are deeply committed to ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can experience our training, uplifting the greatest range of voices and perspectives.

This is an exciting time to join us. We are developing a new vision and strategy for RADA, building on its existing successes to redefine training in the dramatic arts for the 21st century, with a focus on key themes: training and student experience, growth, industry, and international dialogue and engagement. In addition to our vocational training aims, we are building on our foundational strengths to expand our income streams through life changing work aligned with our core pedagogy, and ethos. We aim to co-create with industry and other stakeholders to build on our reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in our field.

We are seeking an experienced fundraising events professional to join our Development team at a pivotal point in our journey. As Head of Development Events, you will play a key role in driving RADA’s future fundraising growth by developing special events to cultivate and steward individual supporters, corporate partners, trusts, and graduates. The role will lead the programming and operational delivery of an annual programme of events to support strategic priorities, including income generation, public programmes, industry connections, graduates and student engagement, and royal patronage events.

The ideal candidate will be able to deal confidently and professionally with some of the most senior and successful creative people internally and externally. You will take a collaborative approach to event planning and work with Development colleagues to help them successfully deliver the new multi-year fundraising campaign strategy. Your ability to work at both strategic and operational levels will be key to your success.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of dramatic arts training, and to make a lasting difference through life-changing work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit the Richmond Assocaites website for more information.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

We are taking positive action by guaranteeing an interview to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and/or who self-identifies as D/deaf or disabled, and has experience as a development department lead or deputy lead in the cultural and Higher Education sectors. If you regard yourself as having these characteristics, please state so clearly on your supporting statement.

 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 09:00 ON FRIDAY 19th JUNE 2026.

Ripon Cathedral is a magnificent building in the heart of the stunning rural region of North Yorkshire. It is a place of mission and worship which welcomes over 100,000 visitors every year.

The cathedral plays a key role as a major events venue and tourist attraction in the city. However, their dedicated team also work in partnership with other local charities to support the community, providing a range of educational programmes and activities.

We are looking for a Fundraising Manager to join their ambitious team, could this be you?

The Role

This new role of Fundraising Manager is a key part of the ongoing work to implement the Cathedral’s strategic plan. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will be vital in securing sustainable funds to support the Cathedral’s ambitious plans for growth. Main responsibilities include:

• Creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy
• Leading and developing the existing Patrons Programme
• Developing a pipeline to secure grant funding from trusts and foundations
• Introducing and leading a new culture of legacy giving
• Increasing the average donation per visitor and growing individual giving

The Person

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies that deliver financial growth. You will have experience in one or more of the following income streams; Trust and Foundations, Major Donor/ Patrons and/or Legacy Fundraising. You should be experienced in working to targets and managing budgets and possess a sound knowledge of fundraising regulations and legislation and GDPR.

We are looking for someone with exceptional communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders. You should also be able to write compelling communications, including applications and proposals.

Previous line management experience is desirable, but most importantly, you should be collaborative, ambitious, and resilient, ready to drive projects forward. This is a diverse role with huge potential to build on historic success and shape the future of Ripon Cathedral!

Please note that this is a permanent role, however we are open to discussing interim options which may be considered for the right candidate. 

Why Ripon Cathedral?

Ripon Cathedral has a rich history stretching back almost fourteen centuries. Its development and growth over the last decade have been remarkable, and there are ambitious plans for the future.

The team is forward-thinking and committed to a wide variety of projects,  from installing solar panels on the Cathedral roof to continuing to support the excellent Cathedral Choir and providing opportunities for young people to benefit from musical training.

This is an opportunity to join a team that is friendly, collaborative, and aspirational.

The Cathedral offers a generous holiday allowance and a range of other benefits, including staff discounts.

If this sounds like the type of role and charity that could suit the next phase of your career, then please get in touch. To register your interest please apply here, or for more information contact Charlie, Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons.

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Leanne or Jen who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief, gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.