Salary: £41,855 per annum
Hours: Full time or flexible hours considered
Location: Hybrid working - London based twice a week and the rest home working
Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other theatre in the world – from tango to hip hop, ballet to flamenco, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary dance. With an innovative, year-round programme of performances and learning activities, this is the place where artists come together to create dance, and where we welcome everyone to experience dance and be inspired.
The Role
The Major Gifts Manager will work closely with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to provide support on all gifts at £12,000 and above. The role combines face-to-face fundraising of the annual Major Donor levels of Artistic Director’s Circle and Avant Guardians, implementing the strategy to recruit further support at these levels as well as supporting recruitment at the Major Project Support level which begins at £50,000. There is regular and proactive collaboration with development department colleagues and the wider Sadler’s Wells team to deliver a dynamic programme of donor cultivation and stewardship.
What are my responsibilities?
Fundraising
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Manage the annual Major Gifts programme (Avant-Guardians and Artistic Director’s Circle), overseeing stewardship, retention and recruitment as well as the implementation of the five-year fundraising strategy of this income area.
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Develop and maintain excellent relationships with own portfolio of major donors as the ‘Primary Worker’
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Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to deliver special fundraising events for cultivating and stewarding Major Project Supporters and annual Major Gifts Supporters.
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Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to identify and cultivate Major Project Supporter prospects from current Sadler’s Wells donors.
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Support on administration of Major Project Support, including writing reports, gift agreements and stewardship touchpoints with donors.
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Along with other team members, support administration of Sadler’s Wells America, our 501 (c)(3) US entity.
- Build strong relationships with other departments and project teams to foster a deep understanding of, fluency with, and confidence in talking about the work and vision of Sadler’s Wells and related disciplines.
- Recognise and exploit key crossovers exist between all income areas (e.g. Individual Giving/Corporate Giving/Sponsorship/Trusts and Foundations) and liaise with colleagues as appropriate to ensure best results.
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Attend regular Development evening events as necessary.
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Network and gain knowledge across the fundraising spectrum.
Management and Administration
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Line Management and development of the Major Gifts Officer including carrying out annual reviews and objective setting.
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Ensure the team maintain accurate financial records and cultivation and stewardship plans.
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Ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant legislation and regulations.
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Keep abreast of developments in fundraising best practice, new funding programmes and legislation and contribute to any changes in procedures and practices as appropriate.
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Represent Sadler’s Wells at external meetings and events.
Who should apply?
The successful applicant will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and personal qualities.
Experience and knowledge
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A proven track record in achieving fundraising targets from major donors at the £25,000 and above level
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A personal track record in initiating and securing new gifts and retaining support from individuals
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Experience of creating and developing strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders at all levels
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The ability to work both as part of a team, and autonomously
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Experience of managing expenditure and income budgets and in communicating and presenting financial information
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Thorough knowledge of fundraising database systems
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Experience of Line Management and supporting others within their role/s, with positive performance management
Skills and abilities
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Ability to think strategically and creatively and contribute effectively to department strategy
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Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet challenging targets, multi-tasking and delegating where needed
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Excellent written and oral communications skills with keen attention to detail
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Excellent IT skills; including spreadsheets and presentation packages
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Proactive, entrepreneurial and creative in identifying new income sources
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Diplomatic, with a professional approach to good customer care
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Ambitious, collaborative and enthusiastic
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Available to work in the evenings on a regular basis
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Demonstrable interest in the performing arts
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Must currently hold the right to work in the United Kingdom
Additional, but not essential
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Experience of working within an arts organisation / charity
Why Work for Us?
You will be a key part of our mission to make and share dance that inspires us all and delivering our vision to create, through dance, a depth of connection beyond borders, cultures and languages, so we see ourselves in each other.
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You will get 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata), with an additional 3 days after five years’ service
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You will be enrolled into the Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd. pension scheme
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You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your wellbeing
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Engage in learning and project opportunities to develop personally and professionally, and support your career journey
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You can access an interest-free Season Ticket Loan and a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
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You will be eligible for a death in service insurance policy covering twice your annual salary
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You will be encouraged to attend performances at both theatres with a discretionary allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability), and a staff discount at the Garden Court Café
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We welcome everyone through our doors and encourage and enable people to be the best versions of themselves and to feel confident and capable in their roles
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We celebrate diversity in the dance we share and showcase, and in our workplace. We are working hard to be more inclusive and increasing access both on stage and off and have several anti-racism commitments to make lasting changes in the way we work
Application
To apply, please send Anna Ludeman your CV and a letter (max. 2 pages) letting us know why you would like this role and what you can bring to us here at Sadlers Wells.
Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Sadlers Wells. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small.
We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.
Closing date: 26th January 2026
Recruitment Agency
1 - 5
An ethical recruitment consultancy shaking up the not-for-profit sector. Recruiting without compromise and representing talent unapologetically.
Thank you!
Sahir (formerly Sahir House) is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We are dedicated to fostering a brighter, healthier future for our communities.
We provide practical and emotional support, camaraderie and connection to:
- LGBTQ+ people
- All people living with or affected by HIV
We actively confront injustice, combat discrimination, and address inequalities. By campaigning, we strive to create a fairer and more equitable society for those we serve. Our work is insight and data-driven and our programmes are co-developed with those we serve.
What It Is Like to Work at Sahir
We want people to enjoy working at Sahir and to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. As a health and wellbeing charity, we place strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, reflective practice and work life balance.
We offer a friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment, with access to regular supervision, training and development. Staff are encouraged to build their skills, confidence and experience in ways that support both personal growth and long-term career development.
About the Role
This is a community facing role focused primarily on delivering facilitated LGBTQ+ peer support groups and wider community engagement activity. You will create and sustain safe, inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ people can connect, build resilience and feel heard.
Alongside regular peer support delivery, you will support outreach, workshops and project specific activity in response to community need and strategic priorities. The role includes active promotion of groups and proactive engagement with under-represented and marginalised LGBTQ+ communities.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who brings:
- A genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ wellbeing and community empowerment.
- Experience of facilitating groups, engagement or community activity, or transferable experience that demonstrates these skills.
- Strong communication and relationship building skills.
- A willingness to work some evenings and occasional weekends.
- A relevant qualification at NVQ Level 3 or above in social work, health, education or similar is desirable, but equivalent experience and a commitment to learning are equally valued.
We are particularly keen to receive applications from people with lived experience of the issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, and from those whose voices are under-represented within the sector.
Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility
Sahir is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age.
Lived experience is valued at Sahir, but it is not a requirement. We are interested in people who share our values and want to contribute positively to our communities.
You do not need to meet every requirement listed to apply. If you feel aligned with our values and excited by the role, we encourage you to apply.
We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Sahir stands as the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region. We’re also a proud support organisation for people living with HIV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland.
The charity is looking for an experienced fundraiser to lead the team across a period of maternity leave. The Individual Giving team look after donors across philanthropy, corporate, members and legators. Internally this role is called the Head of Individual Giving, the job title has been amended for this selection process to reflect the broader remit of the role beyond regular donors.
The post holder will, in conjunction with the Director of Development, set and embed Scottish Operas Individual Giving strategy and will personally solicit gifts and steward key donors, whilst supporting and overseeing the work of the Individual Giving team.
There are some fantastic projects in the works that Scottish Opera can use to engage donors, and there is brilliant internal buy in and understanding of fundraising. Income performance is strong, so there are solid foundations from which to test and trial new ideas.
This role has wide ranging appeal. Scottish Opera are happy to consider candidates for whom this role might be an exciting step up to managing multiple income streams beyond one specialist area, but equally this would be an engaging role for an experienced Head of looking to work in an exciting arts charity, taking their income success to the next level.
Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact our team and we will support you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 12th January
