Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

Northern Ballet is looking for a commercially minded, curious and collaborative Management Accountant to join our Finance team at an exciting point of change.

This is a part-time role (two or three days per week) ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with real insight, and who wants their work to directly support creativity, touring and long term sustainability.

The Role

Working closely with the Finance Director, you’ll play a central role in producing high‑quality management information that supports confident decision‑making across the organisation. Alongside core accounting responsibilities, you’ll help shape the future of our finance function, from building a more flexible budgeting and forecasting approach to supporting the implementation of a new finance system.

You’ll gain exposure to every part of Northern Ballet, from performance and production through to fundraising, marketing and education, developing a deep understanding of how an ambitious touring arts organisation operates.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Producing accurate and insightful monthly management accounts for the Northern Ballet group
• Supporting annual budgeting and rolling forecasts, working with budget holders across the organisation
• Helping design and develop flexible budget modelling tools to support strategic planning
• Partnering with teams to improve financial understanding, ownership and control
• Advising the Development team on the financial elements of funding applications
• Supporting the preparation of Theatre Tax Relief and Film Tax Relief claims
• Playing a key role in the scoping, preparation and implementation of a new finance system
• Proactively identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and controls

About You

You’re someone who enjoys turning financial data into meaningful insight, and who feels comfortable building relationships outside finance. You bring rigour and attention to detail, but also curiosity and a desire to improve how things are done.

Essential

• Experience producing group management accounts
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Confident IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office or equivalent
• A logical, structured and methodical approach

Desirable

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant
• Experience of charity or not‑for‑profit accounting
• Experience within theatre, dance or wider arts organisations
• Knowledge of Theatre Tax Relief and/or Film Tax Relief
• Experience using Pegasus Opera
• Full UK driving licence

How We Work

You’ll join a small, supportive Finance team and work closely with colleagues across Northern Ballet. We value openness, collaboration and shared learning, and we’re looking for someone who enjoys being part of a team, stays calm under pressure, and takes pride in delivering quality work.

Contract Details

• Salary: £35,000–£40,000 pro rata per annum (depending on experience and qualification), plus excellent benefits
• Hours: Part‑time, 2–3 days per week
• Location: Leeds, with some flexibility for hybrid working
• Closing date: 31 May 2026 at 5.00pm
• Interviews: Week commencing 15 June 2026

About Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet creates and tours ballet to towns and cities across the UK, combining classical technique with powerful storytelling. We are the only professional ballet company in the UK fully integrated with our own Academy, alongside extensive work in schools, communities and inclusive dance programmes.

Our work is anchored by three priorities: Creating Stories that Connect, Developing New Voices and Artists, and Sharing the Joy of Dance with as many people as possible.

Our values shape how we work together every day:

• Striving for Excellence
• Collaboration and Curiosity
• Understanding and Respect
• Sharing Knowledge with Generosity
• Welcoming and Safe

Why Join Us?

Benefits include:

• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays (with increases after 5 and 10 years)
• Generous pension scheme and death‑in‑service provision
• Family‑friendly policies
• Staff discounts at our café
• Opportunities to attend Northern Ballet world premieres and productions

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Ballet is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are happy to discuss access requirements and make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including providing materials in alternative formats or adapting the interview process.

This role supports the finance function by leading the preparation and integrity of management accounts across the National Centre for Circus Arts group. Working closely with the Head of Finance, the Management Accountant ensures that financial processes, controls and reporting are robust, accurate and delivered to a high standard.

The role prepares monthly management accounts, supports budgeting and forecasting processes, and provides financial analysis and reporting to budget holders. It serves as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, helping non-finance colleagues understand financial information and improve decision-making.

The post holder oversees core transactional processes including purchase and sales invoicing, reconciliations and payment runs, ensuring compliance with internal controls and policies.

This is a hands-on role in a busy, collaborative environment, requiring strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

To apply, please complete the online application form, where you will upload a CV and be asked to write a response to three questions which are available on the Job Description.

Head of Communications
Hybrid – Central London (40% office based)
Circa £54,000 per annum
Full-time, 35 hours per week

Paul Hamlyn Foundation is seeking an experienced and values-driven Head of Communications to lead and shape its internal and external communications strategy.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a strategic communicator with a strong understanding of reputation management, stakeholder engagement and inclusive storytelling. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Learning, Insight and Influence, the successful candidate will play a key role in communicating the Foundation’s impact, amplifying the voices of funded organisations and ensuring communications activity reflects the Foundation’s commitment to social justice, anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all corporate communications activity across internal and external channels
• Ensure consistent, clear and engaging messaging aligned to organisational priorities
• Manage the development and delivery of regular content, including announcements, blogs and stakeholder communications
• Lead on the production of the annual report and other key publications
• Provide expert communications advice to senior stakeholders, including on sensitive or complex issues
• Manage media relations and support the organisation in responding to reputational or press enquiries
• Line manage and support a small communications team, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment
• Ensure communications activity supports the organisation’s broader influencing and strategic objectives

Person specification

• Significant experience in corporate communications, ideally within the charity, public or wider non-profit sector
• Experience leading or contributing to a communications function at a senior level
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise and influence at senior level
• Proven experience managing and developing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail
• Experience handling media relations and managing complex or sensitive communications issues
• A strong understanding of how communications can support organisational strategy and influence
• Comfortable working in a non-campaigning environment, with a focus on corporate and stakeholder communications

How to Apply 
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button.

Please Note: All speculative/ direct CVs sent will be forwarded to The Talent Set for review. 

Commitment to Diversity 
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process. (Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position)

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is one of the most established Fringe theatres in the UK - which as a registered charity aims to discover, nurture and support artistic talent from around the world. We are looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Finance Coordinator to join our team and provide essential support to the busy Finance Department.

The Finance Coordinator works with the Head of Finance and is responsible for a number of key book keeping and finance functions, including managing the purchase ledger, entering purchase and sales invoices, credit control, reconciliations, month end completion, raising settlements and general finance administration and communication.

With a strong focus on financial management, the ideal candidate will have an interest in pursuing a career in finance and have previous experience working within a finance department. General skills that will be essential within the role include excellent numerical skills, a working knowledge of programmes such as Excel and Word, book keeping - previous experience of book keeping software and the ability to manage a varied workload whilst maintaining a keen eye for detail.

The position is based at the Pleasance's London Theatre for the majority of the year, relocating to Edinburgh for the Festival Fringe throughout August. The role will be supported by an Edinburgh Finance Assistant during this time.

Essential Skills
1 years experience minimum working in a similar position with a Finance department
Book keeping using accounting software such as Quickbooks, Xero
Impeccable attention to detail
Excellent IT and computer system skills
Maths GCSE or equivalent
Excellent communication skills
An ability to work to a high standard in a fast paced environment
An ability to process high volumes to a high standard
Strong data entry skills
Discretion and a sensitivity when handling confidential information

Desirable Skills
A Level Maths or equivalent qualification
AAT or equivalent
Basic understanding of payroll systems
Experience of working with Filemaker Database

About the Mercury

The Mercury creates and shares stories that are exhilarating, revelatory and relevant. Through the reinvention of classic texts and the creation of bold, new writing, we believe that the transformative power of theatre can enrich the lives of our community.

The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a studio programme and a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers.

Everything we do is driven by our values of quality, innovation, diversity, and connection.

About your new role

Are you passionate about data and how it can inform decision-making? We’re looking for an Audience and Insights Manager, who loves connecting people with a range of shows and activities that will enrich their lives.

This new role will be instrumental in ensuring our audiences are placed at the centre of our planning, by using their information effectively to share with them the Mercury’s vision, communicate our work, and promote our organisational values. 

You will help develop a 3-year audience development strategy; create, manage and deliver audience engagement campaigns; analyse data and recommend segmentation and audience profiles; help the team interpreting post-show data to inform future campaigns; help in the creation of a community ambassadors scheme, and much more.

If you are creative in your approach to build, engage and retain audiences, we want to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10:00am on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.

About the Mercury

The Mercury creates and shares stories that are exhilarating, revelatory and relevant. Through the reinvention of classic texts and the creation of bold, new writing, we believe that the transformative power of theatre can enrich the lives of our community.

The Mercury is a significant regional developer of new talent, working with a range of partners across the arts, education and creative industries to deliver a studio programme and a learning, participation and professional development programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of theatre makers.

Everything we do is driven by our values of quality, innovation, diversity, and connection.

About your new role

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

You will lead on securing income from Trusts and Foundations, statutort funders, lottery sources, individuals, corporate partnerships, membership schemes and commercial coproduction investments.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

The role offers the chance to work across multiple sectors including arts, heritage, education, health, sport and community organisations, helping clients to develop fundraising strategies, secure funding and build sustainable income streams.

Alongside client work, you will play an active role within the wider Cause4 Development Team, contributing to research, organisational planning, training delivery and business development activity.

Unlike many in-house fundraising roles, this position offers broad exposure across a wide range of organisations, fundraising disciplines and consultancy projects, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to broaden their experience and develop their career within the charity or consultancy sectors.

This role could particularly suit:
An ambitious individual looking to build consultancy, fundraising and strategic development experience across a broad range of organisations.
Someone looking to step into their first consultancy or Development Manager role.
A fundraiser wanting broader experience across multiple organisations and income streams.
Someone currently working in the charity, arts, education or cultural sectors looking to transition into consultancy.
An existing manager looking to build their consultancy skills to fast track into more senior positions in the sector.

Team & Organisational Development
Contributing to Cause4's business development and growth activity.
Sharing knowledge, expertise and fundraising insight across the team.
Supporting the wider strategic and operational needs of the organisation.

Fundraising & Client Support
Supporting a portfolio of clients with fundraising strategy development and delivery.
Writing compelling funding applications, Cases for Support and donor-facing materials.
Supporting funding approaches to Trusts & Foundations, statutory funders, corporates and individual donors.
Conducting research into prospective funders, partners and opportunities.
Supporting the development and delivery of fundraising events and engagement activities.
Building positive relationships with clients, funders and wider stakeholders.
Supporting the delivery of fundraising training and wider Cause4 programmes.

Research & Consultancy
Producing high-quality research, reports and briefing papers.
Supporting the development of programme ideas, evaluation frameworks and measurable outcomes.
Contributing strategic thinking to fundraising campaigns and organisational development projects.
Supporting wider consultancy and innovation work across the organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are ambitious, adaptable and keen to grow within a consultancy environment.

We are looking for:
Experience within a charity, fundraising, arts, education or consultancy environment.
Strong written communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality written material.
An interest in fundraising, philanthropy and organisational development.
Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Confidence working with a range of stakeholders and building professional relationships.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong organisational and coordination skills.
Experience using Zoom or Teams.
Experience across fundraising or income generation is desirable, but we are equally interested in candidates with strong transferable skills and the ambition to develop into a client-facing consultancy role.

The Operations and Development Manager is a senior leadership role at AALT, responsible for ensuring the organisation’s operational effectiveness, financial stability, and long-term sustainability.

They will join at a pivotal and exciting moment for the organisation, as AALT prepares to open the Anti-Apartheid Legacy Centre (AALC) at Penton Street and transition into a newly restored and developed building, establishing operations and embedding a resilient and ambitious model for the future.

Working in close collaboration with the Director, the postholder will have strategic oversight of finance, HR, governance, fundraising, and day-to-day operations, while also taking direct responsibility for delivering key operational, financial, and income-generating activity.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and active delivery. The postholder will lead on financial and operational management, co-develop and drive fundraising activity, and ensure that the organisation’s systems, processes, and resources are robust, effective, and fit for purpose.

The role will also take responsibility for venue management during the early stages of the AALC opening, before transitioning to line management of dedicated venue staff as the organisation grows.

Play to the Crowd (incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for a Fundraising Manager. 

Hours/contract: Permanent, full time, 36 hours per week (job share or part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £34,413 rising to £38,934 depending on length of service depending on length of service

Base: Theatre Royal Winchester / Hybrid

We’re looking for a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record of delivering and leading major donor fundraising, membership schemes, corporate partnerships as well as securing significant funds from Trusts and Foundations.

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for implementing the charity’s fundraising strategy to increase our fundraised income to support all areas of our activity. This will be achieved by connecting donors and supporters to our mission to delight and unite communities through the power of live performance and participation. 

The charity has ambitious plans for the future. We will continue to invest in the beautiful Theatre Royal Winchester. With the absence of Arts Council England National Portfolio funding, we will be transitioning to a new structure and funding model for future Hat Fair festivals. Through our engagement projects we will continue to have impact on our local community both in central Winchester and the wider district.

The Fundraising Manager role will be vital in: 

• Helping to develop a sustainable fundraising model to secure future Hat Fair festivals
• Securing funding from Trusts and Foundations for community projects, core revenue to support our artistic and creative ambitions, and capital works
• Cultivating and securing large gifts from Major Donors
• Growing our membership base – our members are loyal and key advocates of the charity and audiences for our events
• Managing the relationships and developing our Corporate Partnerships

Interested? If you would like to find out more details about this role please visit our website where you can find the Job Description and Person Specification. Our website also contains our application form.

Application deadline: 10am Wed 20 May 2026
Interviews: Wed 27 May 2026

Previous applicants need not apply.

Play to the Crowd is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences and is also open to job share proposals.

Job Description: Part-Time Charity Fundraiser

Vintage Trains Charitable Trust

Contract: 2.5 days per week

Salary: c. £30,000 per annum (pro-rated)

About Vintage Trains Charitable Trust

Vintage Trains Charitable Trust supports the preservation, operation, and educational use of Britain’s steam heritage, centred around Tyseley Locomotive Works. The Trust ensures historic locomotives, engineering skills, and educational experiences are protected for future generations.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and self-motivated Charity Fundraiser to build our fundraising capacity and help grow sustainable income for the Trust. This role requires strong marketing skills, particularly in crafting compelling charity messages, and the ability to work independently.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and implement fundraising campaigns across digital, community, and partnership channels.

- Identify new fundraising opportunities and innovative income-generation approaches.

- Prepare compelling funding applications, donor appeals, and sponsorship proposals.

- Craft engaging messaging that communicates the Trust’s charitable purpose and impact.

- Produce digital content including email campaigns, social media posts, and website updates.

- Build and maintain relationships with donors, supporters, and partners.

- Coordinate supporter events and fundraising activities.

- Maintain accurate fundraising records and provide progress reports.

- Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and data protection requirements.

-Help prepare the Board and management of VTCT to cultivate prospective leads and increase charitable giving.

Person Specification

Essential

- Proven experience in charity fundraising or a related field.

- Strong marketing and communication skills.

- A confident self-starter able to work independently.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

- Ability to build positive internal and external relationships.

Desirable

- Experience in heritage, tourism, railways, or community organisations.

- Knowledge of fundraising legislation and best practice.

- Familiarity with CRM systems or donor databases.

Working Pattern

2.5 days per week (hours flexible by agreement). Some on-site presence at Tyseley required for events and engagement activities.  Occasional weekend working.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role and how they meet the person specification.

Post: Digital Content Producer
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: £33,550–£35,666 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

About Us

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.

The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.

The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.

About You and the Role

We are seeking an experienced and creative Digital Content Producer to create high-quality audio and visual content for use across the Society’s communications channels to help us grow and engage our audiences and showcase the work we do.

Working across the breadth of the Society’s activities, you will create, and/or aid colleagues and third parties in the production of, compelling visual content including video, graphics and animation.

This role will report to the Programmes Manager, but you will also work closely with the Communications team, supporting the Digital Communications Officer in delivering their digital communications strategy, and be part of cross-team collaboration that helps our charitable services reach more people.

Salary and Benefits

This is a permanent, full-time post subject to successful completion of a probationary period of three months. The salary range for this post is £33,550–£35,666 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. The post holder will be required to work Monday evenings until 8.00pm during term time, with TOIL provided. Additional evening and occasional weekend work will be required, by prior arrangement, to support events, typically around two extra evenings per month and some weekend conferences, with TOIL or overtime provided. The post is based in Kensington, London.

There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:

• 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
• Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
• Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
• Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
• Corporate eye care vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.

Applications must be received by 10.00am on Monday 1 June 2026.
Interviews are planned to take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline.

No agencies please.

Forensic Architecture (FA) is an internationally recognised research agency based at Goldsmiths, University of London. We investigate state and corporate violence using cutting-edge architectural, spatial, and digital methodologies. Our work supports legal processes, human rights advocacy, investigative journalism, environmental justice movements, and communities affected by violence.

FA is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and values‑aligned Development Lead to play a pivotal role in establishing our individual giving and donor engagement programme at a critical moment of organisational growth.

This interim, six‑month role will focus on building the foundations for a sustainable and diversified individual donor base, cultivating supporters inspired by FA’s work across a range of giving levels.

The postholder will help shape systems, relationships, and long‑term potential for future development growth.

This role is available at 0.60 or 0.80 FTE over the initial six‑month period and is intended as an interim position to lay the groundwork for a longer‑term role.

About the Candidate

We are seeking an individual who brings a strong commitment to human rights and antiracist and anticolonial values, alongside experience in individual giving, community fundraising and donor stewardship.

This may have been gained within NGOs, charities, advocacy organisations, or grassroots movements.

You will have experience developing supporter and joiner journeys that centre dignity, care, and respect for affected communities, recognising the complexity and sensitivity of their experiences.

This role is well suited to a professional fundraiser who thrives in mission‑driven environments, is comfortable working autonomously, and is motivated by the challenge of building and opportunity new systems, relationships and philanthropic pipelines from the ground up. You will join an organisation with an excellent international reputation and a broad base of potential individual giving support.

We welcome applicants who have taken non‑traditional pathways into fundraising roles. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals and communities directly affected by state violence, structural racism, colonialism, and displacement.

Location: Somerset Heritage Centre, Brunel Way, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, TA2 6SF
Salary: £39,909
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday (occasional evening and weekend work)
Contract: One year fixed-term contract

About the role

South West Heritage Trust is seeking an experienced and motivated Fundraising Manager to help strengthen our long-term financial sustainability and grow our charity fundraising activity. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a key point in its development and to shape our approach to fundraising as our first dedicated fundraising professional.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the Fundraising Manager will identify and secure funding from trusts and foundations, develop opportunities for individual giving and legacy support, and establish effective systems and processes to support successful charity fundraising. The role will build a strong pipeline of funding opportunities to support exhibitions, learning programmes, collections work and the Trust’s wider strategic priorities.

This post sits within the Central Services team and reports to the Head of Development and Partnerships.

The South West Heritage Trust is a charity which delivers a broad range of heritage services across Somerset and Devon. We are a growing organisation, founded on services that were previously delivered by Somerset and Devon County Councils. With a turnover exceeding £5 million, we manage and run three museums (including the Museum of Somerset), two Archives and Local Studies services and look after the historic environment in Somerset.

We are committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. Your application for this role will be welcomed whatever your background and regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership.

If you would like to have an informal discussion or experience any difficulties with the recruitment process, please contact Ann Bradford HR and Governance Manager. 

Closing date: 9am Monday 1st June 2026
Interview date: Monday 8th June 2026