Development Officer

Working as part of the Development Team, to plan and execute effective fundraising strategies for Derby Theatre. The role will have a particular focus on copywriting for trusts and foundations, cultivating donor relationships and coordinating and developing Derby Theatres’ Friends scheme.  The Development Officer will also deputise for the Head of Development as required.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and Foundations

·         Conduct research into possible funding streams for funding priorities.

·         Assist in the production of funding reports for existing supporters.

·         Update the reporting schedule, to include deadlines.

·         Draft applications for small grants (under £15,000) and support the Head of Development in making applications for large grants.

·         Assist the Head of Development in creating proposal templates for all key projects.

Individual Giving, including Friends Scheme

·         Work closely with the Head of Development to develop and manage the individual giving strategy, including legacy fundraising, to ensure retention and growth.

·         Coordinate and administer the Derby Theatre Friends Scheme including payments and renewals alongside the marketing and box office team.

·         Work closely with the marketing team to oversee all Friends communications, including scheduling and writing content.

·         Take responsibility for stewarding relationships with donors and Friends including arranging meetings and supporter events throughout the year.

·         Work with the Box Office team to oversee and grow Point of Sale (POS) donations and Gift Aid sign up, working to achieve targets set and reporting progress to the Head of Development.

Corporate Giving

·      Work with the Head of Development to implement the Corporate Giving strategy to include researching and identifying new corporate prospects. Attend networking events to build relationships and take responsibility for cultivating prospects, developing relevant proposals and key messaging and overseeing the administration relating to corporate supporters.

Development Events

• Organise, manage and attend supporters’ evenings including liaising with front of house and catering staff, and managing the guest list.

Administration

·         Support the development and executive teams by preparing briefing notes, and research profiles for the fundraising activity.

·         Assist the Head of Development in keeping the team informed with any legislation or trends development within fundraising.

·         Maintain accurate records on Spektrix and the shared drive, as well as keeping efficient paper files and audit trails where appropriate and make sure financial data is accurate and funds are received timely.

·         Liaise with all teams to ensure that project information and budgets are up to date.

·         Update the website and printed materials with the relevant fundraising information and credits.

·         Support on the collation of data for applications and reports, including Arts Council England reporting.

General

·         To actively support and promote Derby Theatre’s Learning Theatre model, including a commitment to engage with the University of Derby’s Theatre-related higher education provision; to contribute to learning opportunities such as work experience, placements, and the theatre’s role as a learning environment.

·         To keep up to date with developments in the industry as they relate to your role, and to contribute to the overall development of the department and organisation.

·         To take an active role in the team and staff as a whole, and to attend team, departmental or cross-organisation meetings as required.

·         To ensure that Derby Theatre’s policies, procedures and values are observed in every area of the department’s work.

·         To act always in the best interests of Derby Theatre, always protecting intellectual property and confidential information.

·         To carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, commensurate with the level of the post.

·         We expect all Derby Theatre staff to work in a flexible manner to effectively deliver their role and in line with the values and mission of the company, including the Learning Theatre model, Equality and Diversity, and Sustainability.

·         The job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate the future needs of the department and the organisation.

To read the full job description, person specification and for how to apply, please visit our website.