Deputy Director of Philanthropy

Help shape the future of dance.

Some fundraising roles support great organisations. This one helps shape an art form.

Sadler's Wells is one of the world's leading dance organisations; commissioning, producing and presenting more dance than anywhere else. From contemporary to hip hop, ballet to Bollywood, their work reaches millions of people across the UK and internationally while creating opportunities for artists and communities to thrive.

As they continue an exciting new chapter following the opening of Sadler's Wells East, they're looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to join them as Deputy Director of Philanthropy.

This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build transformational relationships with philanthropists who believe in the power of dance to inspire, connect and create lasting change.

The opportunity

Working closely with the Director of Development, you'll lead the Major Gifts team, driving strategy and personally securing significant support from high-net-worth individuals. You'll develop and grow a portfolio of major, principal and transformational donors, creating compelling opportunities for investment that enable artists to take creative risks, new work to be commissioned and audiences around the world to experience extraordinary dance.

Alongside leading fundraising activity, you'll play a key role in shaping the future direction of philanthropy at Sadler's Wells, collaborating across the organisation, working alongside senior leadership, Trustees and influential supporters whilst helping build an ambitious culture of philanthropy.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from individual philanthropists.
• Builds authentic, long-term relationships with high-level donors and stakeholders.
• Is a strategic fundraising leader who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on fundraising.
• Can inspire, develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Has experience working within arts, culture or similarly complex relationship-led fundraising environments.
• Is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of one of the world's most influential cultural organisations.

Experience of international philanthropy, US fundraising or legacy giving would be welcomed but isn't essential.

Why Sadler's Wells?

This is much more than a fundraising role.

You'll join an organisation driven by creativity, inclusion, collaboration and innovation, where philanthropy directly enables artists to create bold new work and ensures dance remains accessible to audiences and communities.

Alongside a salary of £60,000–£70,000, you'll benefit from:

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• 25 days annual leave plus additional service leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Interest-free season ticket loan and Cycle to Work scheme.
• Staff ticket opportunities and café discounts.
• A genuinely inclusive workplace committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Application

Sadler's Wells welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen the diversity of the organisation.

At Valued Recruitment, we're proud to be partnering exclusively with Sadler's Wells on this appointment. We believe recruitment should be inclusive, transparent and human. If you'd benefit from any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd August
1st Stage Interviews (virtual): 10th and 11th August  
2nd Stage Interviews (in person): 18th & 20th August