Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

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.

Reporting to: Director of Services & Research

Location: London WC1X 

Contract and hours: Permanent contract – 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) 

About us 

Music touches us like nothing else on earth. It lifts us, consoles us, breaks our hearts, then heals them, makes us laugh, love, cry, and feel things more intensely. That’s pretty special. But making it all happen is challenging.

Work in the music industry is often on a freelance basis with no HR support. Pay is unreliable. Conditions inconsistent. Hours long and unpredictable. Practically, psychologically and emotionally, this takes its toll. Our availability and support make a significant difference. From studio assistants and artist managers to music therapists and lighting designers, every music person’s mental wellbeing matters. When they thrive, music thrives. That’s why it’s important. For all of us.

At Music Minds Matter we aim to make a positive difference to the mental wellbeing of everyone in music. We do this through connecting people in music to the information and support they need to take care of themselves and each other, building a shared understanding of mental wellbeing in music to enable people to get the right help early and fostering thriving teams and work spaces which promote and protect the mental wellbeing of their people. 

About the role 

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team, in the newly created role of Support and Community Manager: Music Minds Matter.

Music Minds Matter has developed an ambitious new impact model which aims to transform mental wellbeing amongst people working in music and this role will manage the development and delivery of support within this model and play a truly impactful role across music. 

Day to day the role will deliver a blend of: new support development- from training and groups, to online digital content- ensuring all support is developed in line with our Clinical and Quality Governance protocols, planning and coordinating support for teams and sites across music, direct delivery of some support online and in person, and relationship management of our incredible network of Allies and delivery partners. 

About you 

Lived experience of the music industry, strong programme management skills, mental health service expertise, and the ability to build meaningful stakeholder connections across music will be the essential enablers for true impact in this role. 

You will need to self-manage a diverse portfolio of opportunities — mixing programme management with industry events and meetings to foster partnership. You will need to combine an in-depth understanding of safe and high-quality mental health support with a genuine understanding of what it’s like to work in music and what can make people in music thrive; and you will need to be a compelling and confident communicator able to convey both expertise and empathy. 

Our work has a direct impact on the lives of thousands of people in music every year. If you are passionate about making sure music is a place where everyone can thrive, then this could be the place for you.

How do I apply? 

For full details of the role and how to apply please click Apply and visit our website. You will need to download our application forms and supporting questions document, and submit these to us by the deadline below.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 13 May, 9am

Any offer of employment will be subject to providing evidence of a clear Basic DBS check.

Our commitment to EDI

We are a charity that welcomes and positively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences and will select the best person for the job based on merit, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, or socio-economic background. 

We are proactively focussed on inclusion to ensure our team at Help Musicians and Music Minds Matter is representative of the diversity of musicians that we support. To find out more about our current Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work, visit our dedicated webpage.

All enquiries and applications should be made to our People and Culture team via the recruitment email on our website.

We’re looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial self-starter to lead and grow commercial income at West Horsley Place. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative thinker with strong sales experience who can spot new opportunities, develop fresh ideas and turn them into successful, income-generating activity from concept through to delivery.

Job Description: Commercial Income Lead

Location: West Horsley Place (hybrid working considered)
Reporting to: Deputy Director
Hours: 0.8 Part Time

Contract: Fixed-term contract (12 months) with the option to extend.

We are open to a range of contract models, including freelance arrangements, annualised hours, job share or alternative part-time structures. Applicants with experience delivering events at a senior level are encouraged to propose a working arrangement that supports effective sales performance and event delivery.

Working pattern: Working hours will be agreed to meet business needs, with regular evening and weekend work required to deliver events
Salary: £35,000 for 0.8 Part Time (£43,750 FTE)

Role purpose

The Commercial Income Lead is a senior, entrepreneurial role responsible for shaping, growing and diversifying West Horsley Place’s commercial income.

This is a highly proactive position for a self-starter who thrives on identifying opportunity, creating new sales channels and turning ideas into deliverable, income-generating activity. The postholder will develop and lead commercial strategy while remaining closely involved in hands-on sales, client management and on-site delivery.

The role oversees a broad portfolio including corporate venue hire, filming and photography, third-party commercial activity and estate partnerships. It also provides strategic oversight of weddings and private events, line-managing the Weddings & Private Events Coordinator who leads day-to-day sales and delivery in that area.

Key responsibilities

Commercial leadership & strategy

• Develop and lead a clear commercial income strategy, aligned with the Trust’s charitable purpose and long-term sustainability.
• Identify, test and launch new sales channels, commercial products and partnerships, taking ideas from concept to implementation.
• Drive income growth by improving yield, diversifying offer and unlocking under-utilised assets across the house and estate.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity, using insight to evolve pricing, positioning and proposition.

Sales & business development

• Personally lead sales activity for corporate hire, filming/location hire and other non-wedding commercial use.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agents, production companies and partners to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Represent West Horsley Place confidently in commercial negotiations and external relationships.

Planning & delivery

• Act as commercial lead for the planning and on-site delivery of non-wedding hires and events.
• Ensure high standards of delivery, client experience, risk management and operational coordination.
• Work closely with colleagues, contractors and tenants to ensure smooth delivery with minimal impact on public activity.
• Review performance and delivery post-event, embedding learning and continuous improvement.

Filming, traders & partnerships

• Serve as principal contact for filming and location hire, including management of the relationship with the location agency.
• Oversee relationships with regular and seasonal traders and third-party hirers.
• Identify, negotiate and secure commercial partnerships and estate-based opportunities that align with the Trust’s values and character.

Weddings & private events – strategic oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of weddings and private events to ensure alignment with wider commercial objectives.
• Line-manage the Weddings & Private Events Coordinator, setting priorities, supporting development and monitoring performance.
• Enable cross-support between weddings and other events where appropriate, while protecting the coordinator’s primary focus on wedding sales and delivery.

Organisational contribution

• Contribute to Trust-wide planning, commercial thinking and income development.
• Support Trust-led events and fundraising activity as required.
• Champion continuous improvement, new ways of working and a confident commercial culture.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Person Specification

Attributes

• Warm, welcoming and highly professional manner.
• Confident, proactive and commercially minded.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and solutions-focused.
• Excellent relationship-builder with the ability to work positively with colleagues, volunteers, trustees, tenants, contractors and external clients.
• Calm under pressure, flexible and adaptable in a busy events environment.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Proven experience in commercial sales, business development or income generation (typically 3+ years).
• Experience of venue hire, events, hospitality or visitor-attraction environments.
• Strong commercial judgement, with a track record of meeting income targets.
• Confident people manager with line management experience.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation and client-handling skills.
• Highly organised, adaptable and calm under pressure.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity or small organisation with mixed commercial objectives.
• Knowledge of estate-based commercial models (tenancies, concessions, licences).

My client is a globally recognised cultural and scientific institution welcoming millions of visitors to its sites. It’s work spans public engagement, scientific research and long-term stewardship of a collection of more than 80 million items.

The organisation is currently undertaking a number of major transformation programmes, and is looking to appoint an interim Financial Analyst who can take a central role in improving the clarity, accessibility and usability of financial information.

Key responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to understand reporting needs and improve information flow
• Design and implement user-friendly financial reporting that supports decision-making across departments
• Translate complex financial data into clear, accessible insights for non-financial audiences
• Develop a comprehensive costing model for a new venue, including scenario analysis and sensitivity testing
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity of financial data and reporting outputs

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong experience in finance business partnering/ financial analysis. Comfortable with working outside of BAU, you will have excellent Excel and stakeholder management skills. Previous experience of working in the Not-for-Profit sector on transformation projects would be an advantage but not essential.

My client is open to both full and part time hours, with a 50:50 split on hybrid working. This opportunity has been assessed as outside of IR35.

Looking for a talented and driven Website Manager to lead the development, optimisation and performance of our website and events platform. This is a pivotal role, owning the end-to-end digital member journey - from first visit and discovery, through browsing and booking, to post-event engagement. You'll combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, using data, insight and user feedback to continuously improve performance, usability and conversion. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you'll ensure our digital platforms are high-quality, accessible, reliable and genuinely rewarding for members to use.Main duties include:

• Owning the digital user journey
• Lead and continuously improve the full website and events platform journey
• Map, analyse and optimise key pathways such as discovery, search, event pages and checkout
• Use analytics, heatmaps and feedback to identify friction points and drive measurable improvements.
• Managing the events platform
• Oversee performance, usability and content quality across the events platform
• Ensure event listings are accurate, engaging and aligned with brand and commercial goals
• Improve internal workflows and support opportunities for cross-sell, upsell and personalisation
• Driving website performance
• Monitor and optimise site speed, responsiveness and technical stability
• Lead conversion rate optimisation initiatives across high-value journeys
• Support SEO best practice and ensure strong performance across devices and browsers
• Lead robust QA processes across releases, CMS updates and content changes
• Ensure high standards of accuracy, accessibility, compliance and brand consistency
• Leading and collaborating
• Support and develop the Web Team, ensuring clear priorities and high performance
• Work closely with stakeholders to deliver user-centred digital enhancements
• Share insights and performance reporting to inform decision-making at all levels.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the below:You're a user-first digital professional who enjoys balancing strategy with delivery. You're confident working with data, comfortable influencing stakeholders and motivated by improving experiences through continuous optimisation.

• Strong commercial awareness and a strategic mindset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A collaborative, proactive and solution-focused approach
• Proven experience managing websites or digital platforms with ownership of user journeys
• Experience with booking systems, e-commerce or events platforms (highly desirable)
• Strong understanding of UX, conversion optimisation and digital performance metrics
• Experience leading QA across web deployments and CMS environments
• Confidence using analytics tools (e.g. GA4 or similar)
• Understanding of accessibility standards and responsive design
• Familiarity with web development processes, basic coding or scripting knowledge is a bonus.

You'll have the opportunity to own and shape a critical digital platform, make a visible impact on member experience, and work with a supportive, collaborative team that values insight, quality and continuous improvement. If this role is of interest, please do apply ASAP, highlighting all your relevant experience, and please get in touch ASAP for more information.

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Our client makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. They share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on stage, on tour, in schools, on cinema screen and streaming at home. The organisation now requires a Senior Major Gifts Manager and Prospectus is pleased to lead the search.

The Senior Major Gifts Manager will play a crucial role in the theatre’s new Stories Start Here campaign, building on the successful major donor fundraising programme, acting as the key relationship manager for a portfolio of some of the closest and most passionate supporters. The postholder will identify, cultivate, solicit and secure major gifts of £25,000 and more, working collaboratively across the excellent Development department. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, the Senior Major Gifts Manager will support Development senior management, Trustees, and the Development in their solicitation of principal and major gifts.

The appointed candidate will have experience in a fundraising capacity with a successful track record of meeting targets and personally soliciting and securing five-figure philanthropic gifts. There will be evidence in your application of relationship management to proactively develop a portfolio of prospects and of demonstrable prospect research skills. You will need to write persuasively in this role and will have experience of creating compelling fundraising materials.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.  

Events Coordinator
Full-time 41 hours per week

On-site in Bloomsbury, London, with occasional work from home on Fridays

Permanent contract

£29,642 + paid overtime
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 15 May 2026

About the role

As an Events Coordinator at the British Museum, you will play a central role in delivering exceptional events within one of the world's most iconic cultural institutions. Working closely with the Events Manager and a wide network of colleagues, you'll plan and deliver a diverse programme of Museum-hosted and external events, from exhibition openings and private views to corporate and sponsor events. You'll take ownership of events from planning through to delivery, ensuring each one is expertly run, safely delivered, and reflective of the Museum's reputation for excellence.

This is a hands-on role that combines creativity, organisation and problem-solving in a live environment. You'll work closely with internal teams, contractors and clients, oversee logistics and budgets, manage on-site delivery, and act as a confident ambassador for the Museum and its values.

About you

You are an experienced and confident events professional who thrives in a busy, varied environment and enjoys seeing complex events come together successfully. Highly organised and detail-focused, you are comfortable juggling multiple projects, managing budgets and timelines, and adapting quickly when plans change.

You enjoy working with people and bring a calm, professional and diplomatic approach to stakeholder and client relationships. With strong communication skills and a proactive, flexible mindset, you take pride in delivering high-quality events, maintaining exceptional standards, and working collaboratively as part of a committed and supportive team.

Key areas of responsibility

• Plan, coordinate and deliver a wide range of Museum-hosted and external events from concept to completion, ensuring exceptional standards and visitor experiences
• Manage event logistics including scheduling, site visits, risk assessments, contractor coordination and on-site delivery, with a strong focus on health, safety and collection care
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal stakeholders, corporate clients, sponsors and suppliers, acting as a knowledgeable and professional ambassador for the Museum
• Manage event budgets and financial processes, including purchase orders, invoicing, payments and commission collection, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Brief, manage and direct staff, stewards and contractors during events, responding confidently to issues, last-minute changes and live operational challenges

Benefits

At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found , but we've outlined some highlights below:

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• Paid overtime for events outside of working hours
• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
• Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
• Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit.
• Interest-free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

Our Values

Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.

Additional details

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.</p

We are looking for an Activity Plan Consultant to draft RGB Kew’s Activity Plan, which forms a core part of our second round application for the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

If you’re a senior bid writer or experienced development lead, with a sharp eye for detail, please be in touch and/or share the role with your network. 

This role will focus on shaping a clear, compelling and fundable narrative, drawing together existing materials and stakeholder input to demonstrate a well-evidenced, audience-focused programme. 

The activity programme will expand engagement with diverse audiences, integrate co-production within learning and participation and strengthen inclusive access during the closure of the Palm House.

We are building on Kew’s successful first round application to develop our second round submission. We are looking for someone who can draw on existing materials and create a compelling narrative that demonstrates that our programme of activities are well designed and relevant.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Synthesise a wide range of inputs into a coherent Activity Plan

• Align the programme with NLHF priorities and outcomes

• Clearly articulate relevance, need, and impact

• Ensure the programme is robust, deliverable and well evidenced 

Available immediately to join us on a contract basis. 

Applications by 6 May.

Please get in touch if you would like further information. We look forward to hearing from you. 

The Events Assistant is a dynamic role centred on supporting the work of Hereford Cathedral’s Events Department. The Events Department’s core aim is to support the demand for income generating events and venue hires, such as light shows, silent discos, and multiple days of concerts, whilst also maintaining our programme of community, charity and missional engagement events and projects. These events help to anchor Hereford Cathedral’s identity as a space for all and a centre of the community, city and county.

The Events Assistant will join the department at an exciting time as we plan ahead for flagship events including the Medieval Hereford Festival over the summer, The Mysteries play in the Autumn and the ever-popular Christmas Fair. This is an exciting position in a busy department, ideal for a sociable and professional individual with attention to detail, initiative and a positive mindset.

KEY REPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ROLE

• Provide administrative support for the Events Department, including processing booking forms, email and phone enquiries, internal event forms, diary bookings, meeting agendas and minutes, float requests, and preparing for invoicing.

 • Provide practical administration of bookings for the smaller venues on the cathedral site. This involves clear communication with hirers, liaison with the catering team and acting as a warm and welcoming host when hirers arrive on site. The role also includes playing a key part, alongside the Events Manager and Marketing Department to increase corporate and private small venue hire bookings.

• Communicate effectively and professionally with external clients and venue hirers to ensure all details and arrangements for their events are obtained during the booking process, and ensure this is reported to the Events Manager and subsequently other cathedral staff.

• Assist the Events Department to effectively oversee and provide practical and administrative support for events run by other cathedral departments, such as Music, Education and Library and Archives. This will include regular support of the Education Department’s weekly ‘Cathedral Seedlings’ toddler group.

• Produce monthly notes for the cathedral Vergers which outline upcoming events. • Assist the rota and safety briefing preparation and be a key point of contact for the voluntary Commercial Event Steward team.

• Assist the Events Department and Visitor Engagement Manager with the CRM Box Office system ‘Spektrix’. This will include occasional event building and box office ticket sale duties.

• Support the Events and Development Officer to facilitate the successful running of the Escape Room, Escape Room Volunteers and delivery of sessions.

• Providing practical hands-on support on event days and sometimes acting as lead when the Events Manager or Events and Development Officer are not present. This will involve set-up and pack-down, front of house duties and steward, staff and venue hirer liaison. Setting up for events is a practical task which will require an organised person who takes initiative, who is active, physically fit and able to move light furniture (tables, chairs, tech equipment) when required.

General Attributes:

• To ensure compliance with the Cathedral’s safeguarding policies and procedures, including attaining a satisfactory DBS check and undertaking safeguarding training to the level required for the role.

• To ensure compliance with all other Cathedral policies and procedures, in particular the Health and Safety policy and the Conduct and Standards policy.

 • To successfully complete and keep up to date all training as deemed necessary for the role by the Line Manager and the Health and Safety Officer.

• To maintain an effective relationship across the whole cathedral community.

• To work towards fulfilment of the strategic priorities of the cathedral as they relate to your role.

• To work in accordance with our Cathedral core values of love, grace, integrity and service and the behaviours associated with them. The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks necessitated by changes in your role within the developing ministry and objectives of Hereford Cathedral.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Good standard of education to GCSE level or equivalent

• Ability to carry out various physical tasks, including being able to climb step ladders, move light furniture, such as chairs and tables, and provide swift emergency assistance during events

• Confident user of ICT systems, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently to deadlines

• Communicate effectively in English, both written and verbally

• Good team player but able to work alone, use own initiative and know when to seek advice

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience of working for events, visitor engagement, hospitality, retail or community/ charity organisations

• Previous experience of delivering excellent customer service

• Previous experience of working with a ticketing box office system such as Spektrix.

• Hold a current First Aid at Work qualification, or a willingness and ability to attain one

• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

The position will command a starting salary of £23, 478 per annum.

OUR STAFF ALSO ENJOY

 • 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

• 35 hour week – flexible/hybrid working possible

• Pension benefits of 8% employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Free parking (subject to availability)

• A pleasant working environment within historic buildings

• The camaraderie of supportive and friendly colleagues

• Responsibility and independence in a small team

• Opportunities for continuing professional development

• Discounts in the on-site café and shop

From crafting emails that inspire people to take action, to brainstorming graphics that cut through the noise, to getting stuck into the behind-the-scenes-detail that gets a campaign out the door, you’ll be working hard, fast and learning everyday.

The Digital Campaigns Assistant position is an entry level role. It’s open to recent graduates with relevant experience alongside their studies as well as candidates with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. 

The important thing is you’ve proven your interest in making change happen - whether that’s through volunteering, in community organising or campaigning. And you’ve got drive, ambition and the ability to learn quickly. 

If you’re ready to do meaningful work from day one and learn on the job the foundations of strong digital campaigning, apply to join the Small Axe team. 

The Finance Director is responsible for all aspects of the group's finances (National Federation of Music Societies, trading as Making Music and its trading subsidiary), to ensure accurate and complete recording of all financial transactions, adherence to internal controls and procedures, and timely and effective analysis and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and other budget holders, the Finance & Compliance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

The Finance Director post is an integral part of the charity's senior management team, working closely with the Chief Executive, the Deputy CEO Advocacy and Lobbying and the Marketing Director, setting the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it has the financial systems and resources to implement its strategy.

The role line-manages and oversees the work of the Finance Manager who runs the day-to-day financial accounting processes, with the help of two Finance Administrators.

The role also leads on supporting members with finances, e.g. leading Treasurers' events, relevant website resources and responding to finance-related consultations.

The 2.5 days (18.75 hours) per week can be worked flexibly, and at least some of them from home, by agreement with your line manager. We would expect you to spend at least 1 days each week in our London office in Moorgate.

This is a friendly team, and our bright and lively office is located in one of the buzziest areas of London, with excellent transport links and nice places to spend your lunchtimes or meet friends after work.

We are looking for a passionate and empathetic communications professional to develop, build and manage our public profile. This is an exciting opportunity that comes at a crucial moment for the organisation. We are looking for someone who understands how to co-create with people with lived experience to engage people with the work we do across England, Sierra Leone and Syria.

This is a hands-on role within a small team, shaping campaigns, managing social media and communications, and amplifying the impact of our programmes. You’ll play a key role in:

• Developing and delivering marketing & comms strategy

• Creating engaging content across digital platforms

• Growing audiences and strengthening the organisation’s voice

• Supporting fundraising, partnerships and programme visibility

We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on their website. You can also ask for free and private help with your application by contacting them directly.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland.

The charity has developed their fundraising strategy and identified corporate partnerships as clear area of growth and potential. As a result they are bringing in this brand-new role to provide dedicated capacity and focus. The post holder will proactively develop the corporate pipeline, securing new partners and provide excellent account management to existing, valued partners.

It is an exciting time to join Scottish Opera. They have invested in the fundraising team, there is organisation-wide support for fundraising, and many opportunities to engage potential partners across their annual programme.

This role might be for you if have broader fundraising experience, and are looking to specialise in corporate fundraising, are an experienced corporate fundraiser looking to step up to a manager level role.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitmen to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 19th May 

Interviews are planned for 27th and 28th May (Stage 1) and 2nd and 3rd June (Stage 2) 

Bid Writer — The Heritage Alliance

Application Deadline: 22 May 2026

Fixed Term: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week) for 6 months 

Start Date: June 2026 

Salary: £33,000 FTE per annum, pro-rata (£6600 total for the contract period) 

Leave: 24 days FTE per annum pro-rata, in addition the Heritage Alliance Office closes between Christmas and New Year 

Line Manager: Head of Development and Membership 

Place of Work: The Heritage Alliance Office, Central London, EC4M 
(Flexible working arrangements can be considered) 

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced bid writer looking for an intensive, focused role with a leading heritage organisation? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our "Creating Connections" project team for a targeted 6-month assignment.

This role is part of The Heritage Alliance's NLHF-funded resilience project, specifically supporting Strand C: Future-proofing our charity. You will work with a pipeline of funding opportunities already developed by our professional fundraising consultant to secure vital long-term funding for our sector support activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bid writer to make a significant impact in a short time-frame, working with high-quality prospects and supporting England's heritage sector through sustainable funding solutions. 

About The Role

Key Tasks:

Research & Development

• Conduct detailed research on prospective funders to tailor applications effectively 
• Develop compelling case studies and evidence base to support funding applications 
• Research and incorporate relevant sector data, impact statistics, and beneficiary testimonials 
• Stay informed about current funding trends and opportunities in the heritage and charity sectors 
• Identify additional funding opportunities that align with our strategic priorities

Strategic Bid Writing 

• Develop compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies using an established pipeline of prospects 
• Write high-quality proposals for long-term support of the Heritage Funding Directory 
• Create applications for new sector-wide support programmes addressing skills needs and emerging challenges identified in our sector capability-building strategy 
• Adapt proposals to different funder requirements, priorities, and application formats 
• Work closely with the Head of Development to ensure applications align with organisational strateg

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration 

• Work with a professional fundraising consultant to prioritise and progress pipeline opportunities 
• Collaborate with the Heritage Alliance senior team to gather project information and organisational data 
• Engage with relevant staff members to collect evidence, case studies, and impact data 
• Coordinate with the Project Administrator and other team members to ensure consistency in messaging 
• Liaise with potential funders as appropriate during the application process 

Project Support & Administration 

• Maintain accurate records of all funding applications and their progress 
• Manage application deadlines and submission processes 
• Support the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy for post-project continuation 
• Contribute to project reporting and evaluation activities 
• Participate in project team meetings and provide updates on fundraising progress 

Key Competences: 

Experience: 

Essential:

• Proven track record of successful bid writing with demonstrable results in securing funding 
• Experience writing applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders 
• Strong background in the charity/not-for-profit sector with understanding of funding landscape 
• Experience managing multiple applications simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines 
• Knowledge of different application formats and funder requirements 

Desirable: 

• Experience in the heritage, cultural, or arts sectors 
• Previous work with membership organisations or sector support bodies 
• Experience with capacity-building or infrastructure funding applications 
• Knowledge of NLHF and other major heritage funders 
• Experience working with professional fundraising consultants 
• Understanding of digital heritage projects and online resource development 

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge: 

Essential: 

• Exceptional written communication skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, and present detailed information clearly and concisely 
• Strong research skills and ability to quickly understand complex organisational contexts 
• Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines 
• High attention to detail and accuracy in application preparation 
• Understanding of charity finance, governance, and impact measurement 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and collaboration 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of heritage sector challenges, funding landscape, and policy environment 
• Understanding of digital transformation and accessibility requirements for online resources 
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks 
• Knowledge of social impact measurement and outcome reporting 
• Familiarity with Data Protection legislation and compliance requirements 
• Understanding of partnership working and collaborative funding approaches

Application Process

To apply, please submit a CV/resume detailing your qualifications and experiences together with a cover letter (to be pasted into the box labelled 'Anything else to mention').

All applications should be submitted through our WorkSmarter vacancy page by 22 May 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted w/c 25 May to arrange interviews. We will also request that shortlisted candidates provide a portfolio of successful funding applications (anonymised as appropriate) demonstrating your track record and writing style. 

The Heritage Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

Thank you for considering a career at The Heritage Alliance. We look forward to receiving your application!

About the Heritage Alliance 

Established in 2002, The Heritage Alliance represents the independent heritage movement in England. We have a unique role, promoting and championing the sector in all its diversity: 

We influence legislation and policy through our extensive links with Government, Parliament and Sector Networks 

We bring the sector together in our advocacy and working groups, events and publications 

We help our members grow through both member-only initiatives and broader sector support programmes with partners like the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Media Trust and Clore Leadership. 

Our membership ranges from large bodies such as the National Trust, Historic Houses, Canal & River Trust to specialist charities and community organisations, across the breadth of sector, from museums, conservation, archaeology to science and construction.