Development and Events Manager

About us

Hastings Contemporary is a bold, independent arts charity in the heart of Hastings Old Town.

We bring inspiring art to our coastal community with an ambitious programme of exhibitions and events. We welcome everybody and aim to enrich lives by offering new experiences, supporting creativity and skills development, preserving heritage and helping our town to thrive.

With a programme anchored in ocean futures and sustainability, our exhibitions, projects and partnerships bring together artists, scientists, and communities to explore new creative frontiers – all within an award-winning building on the town’s historic fishing beach.

About the role

We are seeking a highly organised and professional Development and Events Manager to join our small team and play a pivotal role in shaping our future. The role will develop and grow our newly launched 1066 Club and strengthen our existing Membership programme, while working closely with the Head of Development to raise vital income that sustains our artistic and community programmes.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their fundraising career within an organisation embarking on an exciting period of transformation.

Key responsibilities include

• Manage membership and supporter schemes including administration, renewals, upgrades, CRM records, Gift Aid, payments, and mailings
• Build strong relationships with supporters, providing excellent customer service and personalised communications
• Develop and deliver strategies to grow membership and 1066 Club and increase income
• Create engaging content for newsletters, social media, website and PR to promote membership and supporter schemes
• Champion membership across the gallery, training Visitor Services staff to promote sign-ups and donations
• Plan and deliver member and supporter events, including exhibition openings
• Manage venue hire bookings
• Monitor and analyse membership and donation data, producing reports to inform strategy and track performance
• Manage data submissions for funder reporting and contribute to CRM and digital development projects
• Support trust and foundation fundraising through research, applications, and reporting

Essential skills and knowledge

• Proven fundraising and membership experience
• Strong event planning and delivery skills
• Excellent communication and networking abilities
• Highly organised with strong IT and CRM skills
• Resilient, motivated and client-focused
• Passionate about the arts and Hastings Contemporary

Benefits

• Complimentary tickets to share with friends and family, along with discounts in our shop and café 
• Free entry to selected cultural organisations across Sussex and London
• Annual Leave - you will receive 25 days annual leave per year plus public holidays
• Sick pay
• Pension – 50/50 stakeholder pension up to a max of 4%
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme including fully funded 1:1 counselling service

Salary: Circa £30K per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend and evening work for which TOIL (time off in lieu) will be given.

Closing date: Monday 29 September, 9am

Interview date: w/c 6 October 

To apply: Please download the Job Pack (attached to this listing) and to apply please send a CV, covering letter (no more than two sides of A4), demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job specification. 

We are particularly interested in applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in the museums and galleries sector, including people from low-income backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

If you need assistance to complete your application, for example due to a disability, or if you would like to discuss the role or have questions, please contact us.