Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts

Ref: LL/26/04

Part Time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), Monday to Thursday

c. £49,419.90 FTE per annum (incl LW) pro-rata plus benefits

St James’s Square, London SW1 (with some remote working possible)

About The London Library

For over 180 years, The London Library has stood as one of the UK's greatest literary institutions, inspiring creativity, and ideas. Our esteemed members, past and present, include literary giants like Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, and contemporary authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro and Sarah Waters. Our collection boasts around one million volumes, a vast eLibrary, and an invaluable postal loans service, making it a sanctuary for those who cherish the written word.

We are championed by our President, Helena Bonham Carter CBE, and operate as a registered charity. We have over 7,500 members and charitable turnover of circa £5m per year.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to join our Development Team at an exciting point in the Library’s growth.

The Library has recently eliminated its operating deficit and is now midway through an ambitious £8m capital campaign to transform its historic building and expand its reach. Alongside this, we continue to grow philanthropic income through regular giving, legacies and annual appeals.

Working closely with the Director of Development, you will deliver a major donor strategy, building a pipeline of supporters and securing significant gifts to support both capital and revenue priorities.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape and grow a major giving function, with potential to expand the programme as it develops.

Key responsibilities:

· Develop and implement a major gifts strategy aligned with organisational priorities

· Identify, cultivate and steward high-value donors and prospects

· Secure major gifts in support of capital and revenue fundraising

· Build a strong prospect pipeline using a new CRM system

· Work collaboratively with senior leadership, trustees and colleagues to maximise fundraising opportunities

About you

· Proven track record of securing major gifts (five- and six-figure donations)

· Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills

· Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver income targets

· Experience of working in a charity, arts, heritage or cultural organisation (desirable)

· Motivated, collaborative and able to work independently in a part-time role

Why Join Us?

The London Library offers a friendly, hardworking, and inclusive workplace where we strive to support the diverse needs of our team. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality and diversity. Specific adjustments and access needs can be discussed to make this role suitable for you.

If you’re passionate about delivering an exceptional Development experience and want to use your skills to help drive the success of The London Library, we would love to hear from you!

To Apply

Please visit our website to download an application form.

Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 @ 12:00 noon

Interviews: 10 June - First Round; 18 June - Second Round

The Library welcomes applications from all sections of the community - all applicants will be considered on the basis of their merits and abilities for the post. Please note we are unable to consider candidates without a current right to work in the UK.

We reserve the right to shorten or extend the closing date of any position where a high or low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

Himmah’s food bank and social supermarket are part of how we respond to immediate need while building longer term change. They are not just services, but spaces where people are treated with dignity, supported to access what they need and connected into wider opportunities, relationships and support.

We’re looking for an Operations Assistant to support the day to day running of these services. This role is about keeping things organised, well stocked and running smoothly, while making sure people have a positive and respectful experience. You’ll work closely with staff and volunteers, support customers and clients, and help ensure the space is clean, safe and welcoming. You’ll also play a role in connecting people into wider support and making sure the service continues to meet the needs of the community.

We’re looking for a Community Centre Manager to run the Himmah Hub as a welcoming, well organised and sustainable community space. This isn’t just about managing a building. It’s about managing a space where people come together through food, culture and organising, and where activity builds relationships and collective power.

You’ll manage bookings, grow income, keep the building running smoothly and work closely with partners and community groups to make sure the space is active, inclusive and well used. You’ll be the main point of contact for the Hub, making sure it feels open, accessible and reflective of the communities it serves.

If you’re practical, organised and good with people, and you care about building spaces that bring communities together and create change, we’d like to hear from you.

About Whitechapel Gallery 

Founded in 1901, Whitechapel Gallery is one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, located in the heart of London’s East End. For more than a century, the Gallery has championed ground-breaking artists and ideas, presenting exhibitions, events and learning programmes that bring together local communities and global audiences. 

Known for supporting visionary artists at pivotal moments in their careers, Whitechapel Gallery remains committed to making contemporary art accessible, amplifying under-represented voices, and creating an open, inclusive and collaborative cultural space. 

As the Gallery approaches its 125th anniversary, this is an exciting opportunity to join a pioneering arts institution during a landmark period of programming and growth.

About the Role 

Whitechapel Gallery is seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Events Manager to lead the delivery of its full events programme, including fundraising galas, donor cultivation events, exhibition openings, private views and commercial venue hire. 

This is a senior, business-critical role working closely with the Director of Development to deliver a high-profile programme of events that support fundraising, stakeholder engagement and commercial income generation. 

You will take ownership of the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse events portfolio, ensuring every event is delivered to an exceptional standard, on time and on budget. The role will play a key part in the successful delivery of the Gallery’s 125th anniversary programme, requiring creativity, operational excellence and strong commercial awareness.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the delivery of the Gallery’s annual events programme, including fundraising events, exhibition openings, donor events and venue hire activity

• Manage all aspects of event planning and delivery from concept through to evaluation

• Deliver high-quality events that contribute to fundraising and commercial income targets

• Manage event budgets, financial reporting and forecasting

• Oversee suppliers, production, AV, catering and venue logistics

• Build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, partners and internal stakeholders

• Line manage and support the Events Executive

• Maintain effective systems for event planning, guest management and reporting

• Ensure all events reflect the ambition, creativity and values of Whitechapel Gallery

About You 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Significant experience delivering complex, high-profile events programmes

• Strong project management and organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and operational delivery at scale

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment

• A calm, proactive and solutions-focused approach

• Experience within arts, culture, charity or commercial venue environments is desirable

• Experience delivering fundraising or donor-focused events is desirable

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Enhanced family leave

• Training and development opportunities

• Annual travel grant

• Staff discounts in the Gallery bookshop and café

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Complimentary tickets for Gallery events, subject to availability

• Access to exhibitions and curator-led tours

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Whitechapel Gallery is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident [Committed] employer and guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

We are also a London Living Wage employer, committed to fair pay and good working practices. 

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team.

How to Apply 

Please complete the application form and diversity monitoring form found on our website, and return to recruitment by 10:00am on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Please include your full name and the job title in the subject line of your email. 

For further information, please refer to the recruitment pack.

Interviews will be w/c 15 June 2026. However, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.

Contract: 12-month, fixed term contract

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: London Coliseum

We’re looking for a Senior Marketing Manager to lead ENO’s main campaigns for the 2026/27 season, making sure our marketing is as extraordinary, distinctive and compelling as the work on our stages.

This role will play a key part in strengthening how we plan, deliver and evaluate our work, while building clear frameworks and ways of working that will support the team well beyond this interim period. Working across London and Greater Manchester, you’ll help bring greater cohesion to our marketing, communications and digital activity and ensure audiences experience high‑quality campaigns and colleagues across the organisation clearly see the impact of what we do.

If you’re a creative and strategic marketing professional who thrives on delivering complex campaigns end‑to‑end, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

• Senior experience delivering large‑scale marketing campaigns, ideally in arts, culture or live performance.

• Strong experience working with creative and media agencies.

• Confidence working with sales data and responding when campaigns need intervention.

• Experience using CRM and audience insight to inform marketing decisions.

• Line management experience, with a clear, supportive leadership style.

• Strong relationship‑building skills across teams and disciplines.

Please see our recruitment pack for more details.

Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 7 June 2026

Early applications are recommended as we may close the vacancy early if there is a high level of interest.

Interviews: Interviews will be arranged based on candidate availability.

Reasonable adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments for the application or interview process, please contact us.

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we particularly encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.

Overview

Afield Environmental is a brand new charity responding to environmental injustice. We do this by working with communities to rewild disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods; and bysupporting artists to undertake ecological research. This exciting and challenging role will beright at the heart of making everything happen.

We are looking for a creative and community-minded Communications and OperationsCo-ordinator to help develop Afield over the next 12 months. This is a varied roleencompassing communications and operational support for the grants programme and thecharity more generally. You will help us develop our communications strategy, support our grantees, and develop our systems and processes as a new charity.

As we are a new charity we have created this as a fixed-term appointment - we are still working out the longer-term roles for the charity.

We are looking for someone who is organised and self-sufficient, a skilled communicator, and a connector of people and ideas. We welcome applications from those early in their career. Where a candidate needs time to grow into aspects of the role, they will be helped to do so through management support and training.

Key Responsibilities

Communications
● Help deliver Afield’s communications strategy aligned with our mission
● Make Afield’s Wilding and Arts grants visible, accessible, and compelling to key
communities and audiences
● Manage Afield's digital presence across website, blogs, and social media, creating
compelling content written, visual and including graphics
● Monitor, evaluate, and report on Afield’s communications activity, to continually
improve our reach and resonance
● Help document Afield-related events through photography and video.

Support for grants programmes
● Support grantees in documenting, editing and communicating project outputs and
outcomes, including video content, for a variety of audiences
● Support the Grants and Cohorts manager as required, including setting up cohort
meetings, helping manage selection panels and providing event support, preparing
materials etc
● Provide communications skills support as appropriate to grantees / cohorts.

Other
● Provide administrative and operational support to the founders as required
● Provide support to the organisation’s broader evaluation activities
● You might occasionally be asked to support our grantee programmes in other ways
such as helping at events or workshops

Requirements

Essential
● An excellent communicator, with experience of running workshops, presenting
information to audiences, or developing relationships with partners
● Proven experience running and creating content for social media channels or websites
● Excellent writing and editing skills for different audiences, with examples of published
content (including for example social media posts)
● Empathetic, with a positive attitude and a desire to help our grantees. You should be
able to provide evidence of supporting a group of people
● Organised and energetic with a self-sufficient attitude, and with the ability to
independently manage a busy workload, multiple deadlines and priorities
● Demonstrable commitment to ongoing development and learning
● Evidence of an interest in arts and/or the environment.

Desirable:
● Strong understanding of digital content strategy, with experience of using a CMS
platform, and social media analytics
● Experience of arts-related documentation and/or archiving
● Ability and comfort in creating structure out of ambiguity
● Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, and express proposals for change
● Experience working with or supporting artists, grantees or cohorts.
● Video editing.

For more information, please see the Job Description attached.

Are you passionate about building communities and digital spaces where young people feel supported, respected and able to express themselves?
 
Prospectus are delighted to be working with a leading London arts charity operating a high‑profile performance venue and creative hub and supporting with the recruitment of a Young People’s Digital Platform Manager role.  
 
This role is available on a 2-year fixed term contact and full-time basis (35 hours per week). Located in North London, the role is office-based with the ability to work from home up to two days per week. The salary is £39,634.40 per annum.
 
In this role you will report to the Head of Broadcast & Digital and be the voice of the charity within the Platform community, shaping communication strategies and be the driving force behind the new Young People’s Digital Platform. You’ll help shape an inclusive online environment, spark engagement and steer the creation of innovative learning content and programmes. You will manage and mentor the Digital Platform Co‑ordinator, and oversee safeguarding and moderation, ensuring policies and processes maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all users.
 
To be successful in this role, you have experienced in building communities and strong track record of managing online platforms and creating digital spaces. You will experience with digital content workflows, CMSs and moderation tools. You will have experience using social and professional networking tools. You will have a strong understanding of safeguarding and how to create safe online environments.
 
You bring excellent project management and organisational skills. You will be an outstanding communicator who understands how to motivate participation. You will stay up to date with industry developments and UK legislation (including the Online Safety Act). You will have an understanding of the arts and cultural education landscape. You will champion equality and inclusion, helping to create spaces where every young person feels valued, respected and able to thrive.
 
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.

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 George Cook at Prospectus.

We’re creating new roles and opportunities at the Octagon as we reshape our team to match our ambitions.

We are looking for a People and Business Support Manager to allow the Octagon to run smoothly with and for everyone who works here. You will be proactive, efficient and care about delivering great service to people and teams in a busy, values-driven, creative environment.  You will have responsibility for people/HR processes, management of IT services and support, and data collection and reporting for decision-making.

The Octagon is a thriving and award-winning regional theatre and charity that makes work for local and national audiences and engages our diverse communities in a wide range of creative, life-enhancing opportunities. We are known for being a friendly, welcoming theatre and have a track record of nourishing careers on and off-stage. As a busy arts charity with a social and cultural purpose, our business needs are diverse. You’ll be collaborating with all teams on staff hiring, training and departures – the full ‘hire to retire’ journey. You’ll ensure the right IT and technology support is in place for everyone to work at their best. You’ll be responsible for business information – collecting and reporting on a range of data and evidence to help us make the right decisions.

This is a wide-ranging role that requires previous experience in either business or HR administration. Our ideal candidate will have excellent organisational and office skills and a proactive attitude. You’ll be both a people person – who works well with others, and a process person who is thorough, consistent, and pays attention to detail. You’ll be a capable IT user and organiser who can liaise with support providers and ensure staff have the right equipment, training and access. You’ll be trustworthy with confidential information, and confident in working with data and preparing reports. You’ll be willing to learn and grow as you provide the best people and business support to the organisation. Previous experience in either the arts or charity sectors would be beneficial.

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

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.

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.

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

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most distinctive and high-performing music, culture and arts organisations in England.

Newham Music is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the organisation through its next phase of development. The CEO will provide overall strategic, operational and cultural leadership, working closely with the Board of Trustees and senior team to ensure that Newham Music continues to deliver excellent work, strong partnerships, sound governance and long-term organisational resilience.

This is a substantial and visible leadership role. The successful candidate will need to lead confidently across strategy, people, finance, governance, safeguarding, partnerships and external representation. They will also need to combine public and cultural leadership with a clear understanding of organisational performance, financial discipline and delivery.

The incoming CEO will inherit an organisation with strong foundations, a respected reputation and significant reach across schools, communities and the wider cultural sector. They will also take on a live strategic brief. Key priorities will include sustaining trust and quality across the organisation, leading Newham Music’s positioning for the next Arts Council England investment cycle, strengthening long-term resilience, and developing a more diversified income base alongside public investment.

A central part of the role will be to lead Newham Music within a multi-income model. The successful candidate will need to show confidence in managing a mixed financial ecology that includes public grant funding, earned income, fundraising, sponsorship and wider partnership investment. They will be expected not only to protect existing income but to grow and diversify it.

This is a role for a leader who can think strategically, act decisively, build strong relationships and lead with credibility across multiple settings. The right candidate will understand how to balance ambition with judgement, public purpose with financial realism, and artistic and educational values with strong organisational performance.

We recognise that relatively few candidates will have direct senior experience of both the Music Hub model and the Arts Council England NPO framework. We do not require it. What we are looking for is the curiosity and capacity to understand both frameworks quickly, the leadership experience to operate confidently within them, and the credibility to represent Newham Music effectively to ACE, DfE, schools, funders and communities.

If you have senior leadership experience in the charity, arts or publicly funded sector, within a mission-led organisation with a mixed income model and strong governance requirements, you have the foundations for this role. We will provide full briefing on both investment frameworks as part of the recruitment process, and transition support is designed to ensure the incoming CEO is fully equipped from day one.