We are looking for someone who sees communications and development as a strategic act — someone who understands that brand, partnership, advocacy and fundraising are interwoven. Someone who is excited by the possibility of building a mixed economy that supports artistic risk, sector innovation and long-term civic contribution.
We would like to hear from candidates with significant senior experience in communications, marketing and brand guardianship, ideally in the arts or creative industries; experience of driving engaging storytelling with creative flair and strategic purpose; and a proven track record of stakeholder engagement and external relations within a charity, cultural or non-profit organisation, developing and implementing strategies that grow visibility, engagement and income.
You’ll also bring experience of working at a senior leadership level, leading teams in the delivery of high quality, impactful campaigns – along with excellent interpersonal and communication skills; a proven ability to successfully build and maintain stakeholder relationships; a positive, proactive, and solution-focused approach; and a genuine interest in the arts and culture.
Location is either Birmingham or Nottingham (subject to base of postholder)
Registered Charity The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Shape public policy. Safeguard professional standards. Lead a profession towards the statutory recognition it deserves.
Not every Chief Executive role involves influencing government, protecting professional standards and occasionally resolving a registrant query before the end of the day.
After seven years, Mike Orlov is retiring as Chief Executive and Registrar of the National Register of Public Service Interpreters. The Board is now seeking a successor who can continue strengthening the organisation and raising the profile and importance of professional interpreters working across public services.
NRPSI is the independent voluntary regulator and national register for public service interpreters in the United Kingdom. It sets professional standards, upholds accountability and provides assurance to public sector organisations, including the Ministry of Justice, the Metropolitan Police and NHS bodies, in settings where interpreters are relied upon in critical situations.
In these environments, clear communication is essential. When it fails, the consequences can affect legal outcomes, safeguarding decisions and, in some situations, lives.
The organisation is entering an important moment in its development. The House of Lords Public Services Committee’s 2025 report on interpreting services in the courts has brought renewed national attention to the role that professional interpreters play across justice, policing and healthcare. At the same time, NRPSI continues to advance the longer-term ambition of statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters.
As Victor Olowe, Chair of NRPSI, puts it: “This is an important moment for NRPSI and for the wider profession, particularly following the House of Lords 2025 report and the government’s commitment to address some of its key recommendations.”
As Chief Executive and Registrar, you’ll engage with senior stakeholders across government and public services while leading a specialist, long-standing team responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register and the standards that underpin it.
Drawing on your experience, you’ll help shape the organisation’s next stage of development and strengthen the role NRPSI plays in safeguarding the public through professional interpreting standards.
The Role
Stepping into this role, you’ll be accountable to the Board for the governance, strategic direction and operational leadership of the organisation.
This is a hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Chair and Board to shape the organisation’s strategy and priorities, while ensuring the Register continues to operate with credibility, integrity and independence.
You’ll have direct responsibility for the integrity of the Register itself. This includes oversight of registration, renewals, complaints and disciplinary processes, as well as responsibility for ensuring the organisation’s Code of Professional Conduct and regulatory framework remain robust and fit for purpose.
With your experience, moving between strategic and operational ground will come naturally to you. One week you may be engaging with senior civil servants or government departments about the importance of professional interpreting standards. The next you may be reviewing operational processes, supporting your team in the delivery of the Register’s core functions or ensuring the organisation’s financial position remains sustainable.
Your team works mainly remotely and are all long-standing, dedicated and experienced, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Register. Working in a remote-first environment, continuing a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional development while ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high standards of service is high on the list of priorities.
Externally, you’ll act as the senior voice of NRPSI. What does this mean in reality? Engaging with stakeholders across justice, policing, healthcare and central government, representing the organisation’s perspective clearly and authoritatively. This could include contributing to sector discussions, building relationships with policymakers and making the case for why professional interpreting standards matter to public safety and effective public services, or posting on LinkedIn and social channels, giving updates or hosting town halls for registrants.
The role also sees you supporting the organisation’s longer-term ambition of achieving statutory regulation and protection of title for Registered Public Service Interpreters, a goal that will genuinely benefit from the right leader’s credibility and persistence.
Financial sustainability also sits within your remit. NRPSI is funded through registration fees paid by interpreters, and you’ll oversee the organisation’s finances while ensuring resources are used effectively to deliver its strategic priorities. Alongside this, you’ll maintain oversight of operational systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve resilience, efficiency and the effective use of digital tools.
The Person
This is a role that calls for someone who has operated at senior or director level within a charity, not-for-profit organisation, professional body, regulatory organisation, membership association or comparable public service environment.
Someone who understands the responsibilities that come with leading an organisation whose work centres on professional standards, governance and public protection, and who brings the credibility, judgement and experience required to engage effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders including government departments, public sector organisations, registrants and sector partners.
A collaborative, trust-based leadership style will be just as important: someone equally comfortable exercising independent judgement as they are balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery in a specialist organisation where both are needed in equal measure.
You’ll bring most of the following:
- Senior leadership experience at director level or above within a charity, professional body, membership organisation, regulatory body or public service environment
- Experience influencing government policy or engaging with commissioners of public spending
- Experience developing or improving regulatory, registration or accreditation processes
- The ability to represent an organisation clearly and confidently in public, including engaging with senior civil servants, sector stakeholders and the media
- Financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational budgets and sustainability
- Experience developing and delivering strategy and operational plans
- Confidence using digital systems, data and communication platforms to support organisational priorities
- Understanding of, or experience in, a registrar or equivalent function within a professional, regulatory or standards body, including accountability for the integrity of registration processes and criteria
Desirable
- Familiarity with public affairs, policy engagement or advocacy work would be advantageous, as would exposure to justice, policing, healthcare or public service environments.
- Experience navigating politically sensitive or contested professional environments, including managing public criticism, would also be beneficial.
- A second language would be welcomed.
- Above all, you’ll share a commitment to the public interest and the role professional interpreting plays in ensuring fair access to justice and public services.
A full candidate pack providing further information about the organisation accompanies this ad.
Key Information
NRPSI is working with Michelle Paoloni, Director at House Recruitment, on this appointment.
To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages outlining your relevant experience, where you saw the role advertised and what has prompted you to apply.
- Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
- Discovery conversations with House Recruitment will take place on a rolling basis.
- Final interviews will be held in person in London on Wednesday 29 April 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
NRPSI is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process.
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Thank you!
Head of Development
Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500
The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience.
You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.
You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K.
This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth.
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities
- Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events
- Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure
Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation
- Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
- Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.
Events & Community Fundraising
- Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.
Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships
- Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity
- Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
- Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
- Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign
Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care
- Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
- Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
- Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones
Digital Fundraising & Communications
- Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
- Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate donor records.
- Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.
Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice
- Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
- Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
- Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
- Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
- Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation.
General
- Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
- Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
- Attend staff meetings / training as required.
- Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.
What Success Looks Like
- Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
- Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
- Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
- Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
- A motivated, high-performing development team
- Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation
- A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact
The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business. This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu.
Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.
Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.
- Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
- Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
- Experience writing successful funding applications.
- Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
- Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
- Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
- Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
- Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
- Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
- Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
- Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
- A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact
Desirable
- Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
- Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
- Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising
Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us:
- Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
- What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role
Our Commitment to Equality
The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.
We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.
If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM
The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.
At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.
