Head of Development

About the Role

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is proudly independent, receiving no regular public funding. We thrive thanks to the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, creative partners, and commercial income.

Following a major £5 million capital renovation, we’ve launched a bold new five-year plan focused on strengthening our infrastructure and deepening our public impact through both contemporary and historical exhibitions.

We’re now ready to reshape our fundraising strategy to support this next chapter, growing income from trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships and fundraising campaigns. Our goal is to build a resilient, values-driven model of development that reflects the RWA’s ambition and supports our life-changing engagement work.

Help shape the Future of the RWA

We’re looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) into its next chapter.

Whether you’re an experienced development lead or a brilliant consultant looking for a meaningful partnership, this is an opportunity to make your mark at one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic art galleries. We’ve got big ambitions, and we expect you will too. 

You’ll have the freedom to shape the role around your strengths and experience, working closely with the Director, our part-time Relationship Manager, and a highly engaged Board and Development Committee.  Your work will be a vital part in helping us sustain a vibrant, inclusive, and creative organisation for artists and audiences in Bristol and beyond.

You might enjoy the breadth of the full role, or to specialise in one area working alongside a colleague.  We’re open to finding the work pattern that suits your skills, and life, best. 

What matters most is that you love what the RWA stands for and want to help tell our story.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the development and delivery of a clear, ambitious fundraising strategy
• Growing our income from trusts, foundations, and individuals over a three-year period
• Stewarding our wonderful donors; managing our Commissioning Circle and Patron schemes, and supporting our Friends community
• Developing brilliant fundraising campaigns like our much-loved Secret Postcard Auction
• Leading the growth of initiatives like Art in the Workplace and legacy giving
• Leading on impact reporting and evaluation, ensuring our supporters see the difference they make
• Managing and mentoring the Relationship Manager and any consultants or freelancers
• Reporting to and working with the Director and Trustees to meet agreed targets
• Acting as a public ambassador for the RWA, its values, and its creative mission

Who we’re looking for

We’re after someone who brings:

• A proven track record in trust and foundation fundraising
• Significant success in major donor giving
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Confidence and creativity in developing new approaches and partnerships
• Experience leading fundraising strategies and managing income streams
• An understanding of what makes donors feel valued and engaged
• The ability to think big and work flexibly — rolling up your sleeves when needed
• A love for Bristol, the arts, and the RWA’s unique place in the cultural landscape
• Experience with campaign delivery, and team management is helpful, but if you don’t tick every box, we still want to hear from you.

What we offer

• A flexible working culture; hybrid working, part-time or consultancy-based approaches welcomed
• 28 days holiday pro rata, plus public holidays
• A stunning, central Bristol workplace and a creative, passionate community
• Support from a committed team and engaged Board of Trustees
• Free Employee Assistance Programme scheme
• The chance to build a role, and a legacy, that’s truly your own

How to apply

Please send a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) 

We’d love to hear from people from all backgrounds, especially those who feel underrepresented in the arts and heritage sector. If we can make the application process more accessible for you, please let us know.

Deadline to apply: 5:00 pm, Sunday 10 August 2025