Artist development programme manager jobs

The Development Manager is a new key role working closely with the Director to expand our fundraising and development activity, supporting artists and our charitable mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation with opportunities to shape our future development strategy and make a meaningful impact.

Development Manager 
Hybrid – London / Remote
Term: June 2026 – April 2028 (22 months), with possible extension 
Hours: 0.6 FTE (3 days per week)
Salary Band: £30,000–£35,000 FTE (pro rata)

For full details and how to apply, please read the Role Description via the website

About the Role

The Arts Foundation is seeking an energetic and experienced Development Manager to join its small, high-impact team. This is a key role supporting the Director in expanding the charity's fundraising and development activities and producing a series of high-quality events in support of artists and the Foundation's charitable aims and objectives. The post holder will be responsible for:

● Leading on prospect research, pipeline management, and the production of high-quality funding proposals and applications

● Stewarding and growing the Arts Foundation's portfolio of trust and foundation funders, donors, patrons and corporate sponsors

● Coordinating individual giving and legacy giving programmes, and developing an alumni programme.

● Setting up and overseeing a CRM system and maintaining accurate records

● Planning and delivering fundraising and other associated events

This is a central role that calls for someone who combines exceptional written communication and relationship-building skills with meticulous project and event management ability, and who is equally comfortable working independently and as part of a small collaborative team.

About Us

The Arts Foundation is a registered charity that supports individual artists and creatives in the UK with unconditional financial fellowships of £20,000 through the Arts Foundation Futures Awards. Since it was founded in 1993, the Arts Foundation has awarded over £2 million to the most promising artists in the UK at a pivotal moment in their careers to enable them to concentrate on their creative development, experiment, and realise their artistic potential. Our Fellows include leading figures across disciplines, and we are proud to champion artists shaping the future of the arts.

Deadline: 9am, Thursday 30 April 2026
Interviews: Week of 11 May 2026 (in person, West London)

Please note all applicants must have the right to work in the UK

We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you passionate about data and how it can inform decision-making? We’re looking for an Audience and Insights Manager, who loves connecting people with a range of shows and activities that will enrich their lives.

This new role will be instrumental in ensuring our audiences are placed at the centre of our planning, by using their information effectively to share with them the Mercury’s vision, communicate our work, and promote our organisational values.

If you are creative in your approach to build, engage and retain audiences, we want to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10:00am on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.

Apply Now

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Artsreach is seeking a highly motivated, creative and strategically minded individual to lead all marketing activity and raise the profile of our work across rural Dorset, crafting compelling stories, producing high‑quality digital and print content, managing press and social media, and developing strategies that strengthen audience engagement.

Artsreach is Dorset’s touring arts charity, presenting a programme of professional theatre, dance, music and participatory activity in rural communities of the county. Supported by Dorset Council, Artsreach is also part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, and celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2025. Since the launch of its first programme in March 1990, Artsreach has been committed to working with volunteers across Dorset to overcome the barriers of rural and social isolation by providing communities with access to professional arts events, firmly believing that engagement enriches quality of life

The Marketing & Communications Officer will play a key role in raising the profile of Artsreach. By immersing yourself in our communities, our programme and the stories behind our work, you will create compelling content and build narratives that effectively communicate who we are and the impact we make to audiences, artists, funders and partners.

You will lead the planning and delivery of audience‑focused marketing and communications activity that increases awareness and strengthens engagement. This includes developing clear communications strategies, producing compelling digital and print content, and managing press, social media and other digital platforms.

A key part of the role is storytelling: gathering data, case studies and evidence of impact from across our programmes, and shaping these into accessible, persuasive communications that speak to the needs of our audience, volunteers, supporters and funders. Working closely with the team and our volunteer promoter network, you will ensure that our activity is visible, our messaging is consistent, and our unique contribution to rural communities is clearly understood.

Working within a small team can at times be highly pressurised, so we require someone who can adapt quickly and contribute positively to a supportive and collaborative working culture. This role will suit an individual with strong experience in cultural marketing, who can bring fresh ideas, confidence with digital tools, and a commitment to widening access to the arts across rural communities.

Job Title: Digital Communications Manager

Hours: 28 hours per week               

Salary Scale: £38,313 – £44,492 pro rata*

Duration: Permanent

Pension: 6% employer pension contribution

Holiday: 26 days plus bank holidays pro rata 

Reports to: Head of Communications

The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check 

We particularly encourage and welcome applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in museums and galleries, including people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and disabled people.

*Appointments are made at the start of the salary scale, with annual pay progression based on satisfactory performance. In addition, the salary scale is reviewed annually in the light of cost of living and operational budgets.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for visual arts and culture to bring their digital marketing experience to a leading London cultural organisation.​

​The Digital Communications Manager at the South London Gallery will oversee the delivery of an engaging digital strategy that supports the Gallery’s mission and vision, raises its profile locally, nationally and internationally, and deepens audience engagement.​

​Responsible for overseeing the SLG’s digital content strategy and digital partnerships, the Digital Communications Manager will create high-quality content that drives traffic to the SLG’s key digital platforms and communicates the quality and impact of the gallery’s artistic and Communities & Learning programmes. They will work closely with the Head of Communications and the Communications Coordinator to ensure that all content aligns with the SLG’s organisational objectives, reflects the Gallery’s tone of voice, and is informed by data and audience insight.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 30 April, 12pm. Applications received after that time cannot be considered.

An online information session about the role will take place on Tuesday 21 April, 6pm. For more information, please click the link below. 

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Donor Engagement & Communications Lead

Salary: £30,500 - £34,500 pa

Contract Type: Permanent

The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for a creative, organised, and collaborative storyteller to join the team in our new Donor Engagement & Communications Lead role. We want you to help us deliver this unparalleled celebration of the performing arts, which brings some of the most exciting and creative artists working today to audiences from around the world. 

EIF is an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and applications from candidates of all communities and backgrounds. Inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace, this is a key focus for us across our staff, our artists, and our audiences.

To increase the diversity of our staff, our recruitment includes the Rooney Rule - regarding ethnicity – and Disability Confident Scheme for interviews. For more information go to our website.

Job Specification

The Role:

The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will creatively bring together the right people, information, and messaging to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy and partnerships at the Festival, and deploy appropriate strategies to maximise donor satisfaction and retention.

Able to write and develop content for a range of donor constituents on a variety of artistic forms, they will ensure fundraising is integrated into communication channels at all levels, and that frontline fundraisers on the team are equipped with the materials and content they need to grow and maintain fruitful donor relationships.

They will work closely with fundraisers and colleagues across the Development team to lead and manage the donor recognition and stewardship programme, as well as develop reports, updates and activities that connect supporters directly to the impact that they enable.

The Donor Engagement & Communications Lead will also foster productive internal relationships, particularly with colleagues in the Audiences department, to develop content and materials which articulate the Festival’s fundraising priorities and outcomes.

Performance Indicators and Deliverables 

· A strategic, nuanced, year-round communications plan for the Festival’s donor and prospects, particularly those who don’t regularly attend the Festival

· Exceptional written content, tailored for different donors and tones of voice (including our brand tone of voice) which communicates our case for support and the impact of our supporters’ generosity

· Engaging strategic events, bringing artists and supporters closer together, in support of our fundraising strategy

· Supporting frontline fundraising personnel with the materials, resources, and assets they need to communicate effectively and consistently with their donors and prospects

Benefits: EIF-Employee-Benefits.pdf

Please apply online at Jobs | Edinburgh International Festival

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Thursday 30 April 2026

Interviews will be held on 13 and 14 May, with second round interviews for finalists on 18 May.

If a high volume of applications is received for this role, it is possible the job opening will close before the application closing date. We advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Job applicants will be expected to provide evidence of right to work in the United Kingdom or be able to obtain such. This role is not eligible under the Skilled Worker Route.

The National Youth Orchestra is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development.

We are a welcoming community where every teenager can play their part in shaping their world through extraordinary music. Every year we welcome over 10,000 teenagers of all backgrounds and different levels of musical ability into a national community to play and share orchestral music.

We are looking for a Head of NYO Schools to lead the development of NYO’s overall programme offer for schools, with an initial focus on Catalyst, our flagship new schools programme. This is a key strategic role within NYO’s Engagement team and will play a major part in shaping a scalable model that supports schools to create vibrant musical communities for teenagers. You will lead the design and delivery of activity including school residencies, teacher CPD, creative resources, alumni training and celebratory events, while helping shape the future direction of NYO’s wider schools offer.

This role will suit someone who combines strong programme development and leadership experience with excellent relationship-building skills, a thorough understanding of the mainstream secondary education sector, and a commitment to inclusion, youth-centred practice and safeguarding. You will be motivated by creating meaningful opportunities for young people, teachers and early career alumni through music, and able to translate strategic vision into high-quality delivery. 

At the National Youth Orchestra, you'll work as part of a supportive, friendly and adventurous staff team. Learning and personal growth are intrinsic to every role. Our offices near Holborn in central London are a hive of activity, a space for collaboration and ideas. Hybrid working is standard for most roles, with a flexible and supportive culture. NYO offers a season ticket loan scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan, retail and entertainment discounts, and a 24/7 counselling and support helpline.

Deadline for applications: Monday 11 May 2026 at 10am.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities

Our Room is a values-driven, creative support community working with male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work: an often-hidden population experiencing some of the highest levels of homelessness, trauma, poor mental health and social exclusion in Manchester. For twenty years, we have been a trusted, specialist service providing intensive advocacy alongside creative, developmental programmes that help participants stabilise their lives and imagine new futures.

As a Manchester-based organisation, we are the only organisation in the UK whose core mission is to support male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work. We believe that everyone who sex works deserves dignity, respect and safety.

We are seeking someone who can bring together clear strategic thinking and hands-on-leadership to inspire our staff team and represent the charity externally across key sectors and partnerships. This is an opportunity to lead a unique and vital organisation supporting male, trans and non-binary people who sex work.

The CEO acts as the primary external ambassador for the organisation, maintaining partnerships across housing and homelessness, sex work and VCSE sectors. The role is responsible for establishing our inclusive, values-led culture and is accountable for ensuring the charity delivers impact for male, trans and non-binary people who sex work. 

The Senior Fundraising Executive (Grants) leads on bid-writing and relationship building with grantmakers (Trusts/Foundations/Public). The candidate will be a key player in the Grants team alongside the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) and Development Officer. Create has seen its fundraising increase significantly in recent years, as it fulfils its ambitious plans to double its reach by its 25th anniversary in 2028. The Grants team is responsible for securing over 50% of the charity’s income, managing an extensive portfolio of T/F/Public funders, approaching a well-researched pipeline of potential funders, and researching prospects. The successful candidate will share Create’s commitment to the transformative power of the creative arts within community settings, with exceptional written and verbal communication, research, organisational and IT skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Join our team to help us build sustainable community-led social action in North Kirklees!

This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for someone looking to play a key role in a small but influential national charity building a positive legacy for the late Jo Cox MP.

We are looking for someone with experience of working on community building and organising initiatives, who is skilled in engaging and working collaboratively with diverse communities, with a self-motivated, action-oriented approach, and a genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Through this role you will play a key part in continuing Jo Cox’s legacy over the years to come.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Community Action Worker will frequently travel across Batley, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike to support local people and groups to develop community-led social action initiatives that bring people together across lines of difference. Working in line with asset-based community development and community organising approaches, you will support local groups to start, build, grow and sustain projects that strengthen neighbourliness and bring people together around shared interests. 

You will also work as part of a local interdisciplinary team to develop arts-based activity through a More in Common Creative Collective. This would celebrate difference and challenge narratives of division through creative community work. You will also support the delivery of facilitated dialogue through the Let’s Talk programme, helping communities address division through conversation.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for someone who is deeply committed to building community power and supporting community-led change. You will bring experience in asset-based community development, community organising, movement building, or closely related approaches, which might include mentoring and coaching. Alongside this you will have a relational way of working that starts with listening, trust-building, and identifying the strengths, interests and leadership that already exist within communities. 

You will be self-motivated and comfortable working on your own initiative, bringing organisational skills needed to contribute to planning, delivery of events, learning and reporting. Experience of partnership working, supporting community events or social action, and contributing to funded programmes would all be valuable. Furthermore, you will be confident working across culture, faith, ethnicity, class and other lines of difference. You will have good interpersonal skills and will be able to build relationships quickly while approaching this work with humility, ambition, curiosity and respect. 

Above all, you will bring values that align strongly with The Jo Cox Foundation’s vision and Jo’s ‘more in common’ ethos. This will be reflected in your belief in the strengths of communities, and your commitment to bringing people together across difference.

ABOUT THE JO COX FOUNDATION’S WORK IN WEST YORKSHIRE

The Jo Cox Foundation was established in 2016 by the friends and family of the late Jo Cox MP. The Foundation exists to make positive change on issues that Jo was passionate about. Just as she did, we believe in working together effectively with individuals and organisations that share the belief that we have more in common than that which divides us.

We build stronger communities and encourage more respectful politics. To date, our campaigns and initiatives have addressed a broad range of issues including tackling loneliness, bridging divides, and reducing abuse and intimidation in public life. Jo Cox’s career took her around the world, yet her sense of belonging and her identity were always firmly rooted in West Yorkshire.

Too often our politics and society emphasises our differences rather than our commonality. We believe that helping people to recognise that commonality allows us to feel more connected, build empathy and increase trust. It also builds understanding of the stark inequalities that many groups face within our society and strengthens the collective will to take action. Though we cannot address the root cause of all inequalities, we commit to championing change and advocating for action.

The Jo Cox Foundation continues to maintain its roots in West Yorkshire. We aim to generate and support community-led action - undertaken with local knowledge, credibility and evidence - to drive change alongside communities and to share success across national networks.

“I am Batley and Spen born and bred, and I could not be prouder of that. I am proud that I was made in Yorkshire and I am proud of the things we make in Yorkshire. Britain should be proud of that, too.”

Jo Cox, Maiden Speech 2015

ABOUT BRIDGING & BELONGING 

We have completed Stage 1 of Bridging & Belonging, which involved a series of local listening events. What we heard was clear: people in North Kirklees want more chances to connect with one another and to shape what happens in their neighbourhoods, using their own ideas, skills and experience to make a positive difference.

We are now moving into Stage 2, a four-year project funded through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities programme. This phase will strengthen neighbourliness, reduce division, and support community-led action that builds stronger, more connected communities. It is rooted in asset-based community development and creative, participatory community organising, with a focus on helping local people start, grow and sustain social action that brings people together across lines of difference.

Bridging & Belonging is already established, you will join a project with strong foundations, trusted relationships and a clear direction. Working alongside colleagues, residents and local partners, you will help shape the next phase of the project while keeping local people at the heart of its priorities and activities.

Over the coming years, the work will support community-led action that strengthens neighbourliness and hyper-local connection, creates new ways for people to connect across communities, and develops projects built around shared interests, shared places and shared concerns. It will also back activity that celebrates local strengths, makes space for difference, and builds a stronger sense of belonging.

Alongside this, you will also:

• help develop a More in Common Creative Collective with residents and partners, using arts and creativity to challenge division and share local stories;

• support the development of a Community of Practice that brings together staff, partners and community members to share learning and build relationships; and

• support Let’s Talk, a facilitated conversation series that helps people address tensions and divisions through careful, relational dialogue.

WORKING AT THE JO COX FOUNDATION

One of our core values at The Jo Cox Foundation is empathy, and we work hard to apply this to our relationships with our staff as well within the work that we do.

As a remote organisation, we recognise the challenges that this brings, so we carefully consider how we can build a team culture where everyone feels accepted and included. We do this through a combination of frequent team days (with a mixture of remote and in-person days) and through regular and ongoing ways for the team to connect, both for work and to socialise.

In our most recent staff survey:

• 100% of staff felt proud to work at The Jo Cox Foundation

• 100% felt that The Jo Cox Foundation actively supports their wellbeing

• 100% thought that the team at The Jo Cox Foundation works in a supportive and collaborative way

We will transform Benton End into a vibrant, accessible and sustainable arts and learning centre, reimagining the radical spirit of Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines’s art school and garden legacy.

This commission covers the Development Phase of a Heritage Fund-supported capital project and the period during which the Delivery Phase application is being assessed. The Fundraiser will collaborate closely with the client team, project manager and stakeholders throughout.

The redevelopment of Benton End seeks to:  

• Conserve and restore the Grade II* listed house and associated gardens structures  
• Create inclusive and accessible facilities for learning, exhibitions, and residencies  
• Respect and celebrate the site’s layered heritage, including its significance in queer history  
• Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility in all design choices  
• Enable operational and financial sustainability through a mixed-use business model

The fundraising consultant will be responsible for raising a total of £2.7m by December 2027. This comprises £1.8m in gifts or pledges in order to match-fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Delivery Phase grant of £2.65m; and the remainder to support additional output costs at Benton End.

The consultant will be expected to lead on the following areas:

• Review the Fundraising process for the Development Phase of the project in partnership with the client team
• Review the existing Fundraising Strategy submitted to the Heritage Fund (see tender pack)
• Re-develop, update and deliver a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy to achieve the necessary match funding for the Delivery Phase of the project including phased targets, pipeline planning, and approach methodology
• Identify potential funding sources, including charitable trusts and foundations, major individual donors, philanthropic legacy leads (including those with interests in art, horticulture, LGBTQIA+ causes, and regional heritage), corporate supporters and in-kind contributors
• Cross check all potential funding sources and potential prospects with the client team, paying particular attention to the Garden Museum’s other fundraising programmes, existing funders and live/upcoming campaigns
• Produce a detailed fundraising plan with goals, milestones, specific targets and details of which funding sources will be approached at each stage of the campaign
• Support cultivation of key prospects, including advising on pitches, proposals, and relationship management and leading these where appropriate
• Develop a 'Case for Support' and campaign materials tailored to different audiences
• Work with the client team to ensure fundraising aligns with Heritage Fund Delivery Phase submission (August 2027), Activity and Interpretation Plans and capital delivery timelines and cash flow needs
• Provide reports on all fundraising activity and data collected, in formats that are compatible with the client team’s CRM
• Support the implementation of the live campaign: tracking targets, overseeing donor communications, and managing asks

The selected consultant should have:

• A strong track record of raising capital funds in the arts, culture, or heritage sector
• Experience working with national funders (e.g. trusts/foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, and corporates)
• Knowledge of Heritage Fund processes and expectations
• Experience in creating compelling cases for support, particularly for multidisciplinary projects (art, heritage, gardens, LGBTQIA+ history)
• Sensitivity to inclusive fundraising and community engagement
• Strategic thinking with a collaborative and proactive working style

The budget for the fundraising consultant's fee is a maximum of £36,000 excl VAT, to include all travel and expenses and with an expectation that the consultant will be on site regularly at Benton End, Hadleigh, Suffolk.

This consultant will report into the Project Manager, but will also work very closely with the Garden Museum Development Director and the Benton End Board.

This opportunity is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

Application requirements:

Please supply the following by 5pm on Tuesday 5 May 2026:

• Proven examples of recent, similar work at an equivalent level of project value and heritage significance
• CV demonstrating relevant experience and examples of previous projects – if more than one consultant then CVs and highlighted experience of each team member
• Fee proposal 
• Outline methodology and approach
• At least two references from comparable heritage or arts capital project
• Confirmation of insurance (minimum £ 1million Professional Indemnity and £1 million Public Liability insurance, and £1 million Employers Liability cover (if applicable), or ability and willingness to obtain)

Clarifying questions should be sent by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an experienced and ideas-driven Fundraiser to join our dynamic, warm and dedicated team. You will be responsible for the development and delivery of a new Arts for Dementia individual giving strategy. You will lead on campaigns and develop / deliver Arts for Dementia’s supporter engagement journey to develop strong and long-lasting supporter relationships. The role will actively contribute to Arts for Dementia’s overall fundraising strategy and income generation.

Who we are

Arts for Dementia is an inclusive and dynamic charity, and a leader in our field. We work with artists, galleries, museums and community spaces to offer inspiring arts programmes for people in the early stages of dementia and their companions. We train facilitators from around the country to deliver effective arts-based activities for people living with dementia, and we advocate for the benefits of the arts for people affected by dementia.

With a new 3-year strategy and ambitions to double both our income and our work with those affected by dementia, we are at an exciting point in our development and this is a great time to join our team. We have an established flexible work practice and can accommodate individual needs within the team.

Key responsibilities:

Individual giving and supporter engagement

• Lead and deliver individual giving campaigns and appeals
• Build and maintain relationships with supporters and donors
• Support the growth of regular giving and one-off donations
• Help deliver effective donor stewardship through communications and updates

Events and community fundraising

• Plan and deliver fundraising events and supporter-led activities
• Support community fundraising initiatives and challenge events
• Build relationships with participants and supporters to encourage long-term engagement

Developing new fundraising streams

• Assist in developing trust and foundation applications
• Support research into potential funders and funding opportunities
• Contribute to developing corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
• Help diversify the charity’s fundraising portfolio

Relationship building and stewardship

• Ensure strong communication with donors and supporters
• Assist with reporting and updates for funders where required
• Support the development of systems and processes that strengthen donor retention

Collaboration and team contribution

• Understand our work, its impacts and our culture
• Work closely with the Fundraising Manager and wider team on fundraising priorities and to align messaging
• Contribute ideas and initiative to help develop new fundraising opportunities
• Participate in team meetings, strategy sessions, and training days

Data management & reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records and become proficient with our database (Donorfy).
• Report on individual giving KPIs and campaign ROI.
• Ensure all activity complies with GDPR and fundraising best practices.

 Skills, knowledge and experience:

 Essential

• Experience in individual giving fundraising with good working knowledge of fundraising best practice
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising campaigns and communications across a range of channels
• Demonstrable success in growing income through regular giving
• Experience in organising or supporting fundraising events
• Good written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail and engaging story-telling
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Keen to take on responsibility and develop skills and knowledge related to fundraising
• Good organisational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and work flexibly
• Ability to work proactively and take initiative
• Familiar with the ethics and legislation relating to fundraising and GDPR
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion

 Desirable

• Interest in or experience of trust fundraising
• Experience working with corporate partners or sponsors
• Experience using a fundraising database or CRMs (we use Donorfy)
• Experience of working within a small charity environment, able to listen and support alongside bringing new ideas and expertise
• Knowledge of, or experience working with, people affected by dementia or related services
• Experience of working in community settings
• Interest in a range of arts, art practices and creativity

 Personal Qualities

• Motivated to grow their fundraising skills across new income streams
• Enjoys working in a small, collaborative organisation
• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Comfortable working remotely while remaining connected to the team
• Passionate about supporting a cause that improves people’s lives

 Working arrangements

We are a remote-first organisation, and most work is undertaken remotely. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Attend at least two in-person days each month in London
• Participate in team training and strategy days
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation

We believe that regular opportunities to meet in person help strengthen collaboration, learning, and shared purpose.

Why join us

This is an opportunity to join a growing and ambitious charity where fundraising plays a central role in enabling our work.

You will gain experience across multiple fundraising streams, work closely with experienced colleagues, and contribute directly to expanding the charity’s impact.

As a small organisation, we value initiative, creativity, and teamwork, and we aim to provide an environment where staff can grow their skills while being part of a supportive, committed and positive team.

We are very keen to have a diverse and inclusive team, and value lived experience. We actively encourage applications from people from racially minoritised and culturally diverse communities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts and dementia support sectors. We also recognise the value of lived experience, including caring for someone with dementia.