Theatre jobs

Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships

Contract Type This is a full time (37.5 hours per week) permanent role, however we welcome applications for flexible working

Salary: £40,814

About Us

Norwich Theatre is one of the leading arts organisations in the UK and the largest in the East of England, encompassing the historic Theatre Royal, the creative hub Stage Two, and the intimate mid-scale Playhouse. We present, produce and co-create a vibrant programme of live performance and creative engagement activities to entertain, enrich and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and we work with national and international partners to ensure we bring the very best theatre to our region.

We are an independent not-for-profit charity with no regular public funding, and rely on a share of ticket sales, one-off grants, fundraising/membership schemes and other commercial activities to deliver the work we do both on stage and in communities.

About the role

The Senior Manager (Philanthropy & Partnerships) will provide strategic management for Norwich Theatre’s high-value income generation, spearheading the development, expansion and stewardship of corporate partnerships, corporate membership, major donor relationships, legacy giving and other transformational fundraising programmes.

This pivotal role will shape and deliver organisational strategies that secure substantial philanthropic and partnership income, cultivate senior-level relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability in alignment with Norwich Theatre’s vision and strategic priorities.

About you

You will have proven experience in managing stakeholder and supporter relationships, together with a track record of cultivating and stewarding high-value supporters, clients or partners.

An excellent negotiator, with strong planning and prioritisation skills, you will be highly collaborative, people focussed and proactive.

We offer

A good salary, 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, plus your birthday off, together with an inclusive culture focussed on wellbeing and happiness. We have a commitment to personal and professional development, discounts on a range of on food, drink and theatre tickets and access to My Discounts, employee discount scheme, offering savings on retail, gyms, travel, utilities and more.

Here at SJT we have long recognised that our role needs to extend beyond simply the provision of entertainment. We firmly believe that culture and creativity bring people together; that the act of sharing stories and experiences helps to build communities; and that, through this collaborative approach, we can be part of helping to solve the challenges our coastal home of Scarborough faces.

We are a producing theatre, working locally, regionally and nationally. We offer a year-round programme of high-quality theatre and film, alongside a wide range of participatory work working with all ages and communities, including youth theatres, community choirs, activities for those with dementia, and schools’ workshops.

We’ve been growing audiences and participants steadily for the last four years and are now ready both to deepen that engagement and to reach out to new demographics. We want to grow our already fruitful partnership between our marketing and fundraising functions; and we want to explore wider organizational marketing, building the SJT brand locally and nationally.

Which is where you come in – a collaborative and hands-on Head of Marketing.  Whilst your experience and expertise will be important in this role, what is every bit as important to us will be your belief in our vision and purpose and your enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to get in touch.

Job Title: Head of Marketing

Line managed by: Executive Director

Line manages: Marketing Officers, Press Rep, Box Office Manager

Job Purpose

The Head of Marketing is a member of the Senior Management Team and plays a key role in the development and delivery of the company’s marketing, audience engagement and communication strategies. The Head of Marketing is responsible for the delivery of all programme campaigns, as well as working with the Joint Chief Executives on the delivery of a consistent and appropriate external message.

Key responsibilities

To be responsible for the implementation and continued development of the audience engagement strategy;

To lead on the delivery of the brand communications strategy and to work with the Joint Chief Executives on overall brand awareness;

To be responsible for the delivery of the company’s segmentation strategy and to work with the Senior Management Team to ensure a joined-up approach to audience across the organisation;

To work with the Joint Chief Executives and the Senior Management Team on the development and implementation of the digital strategy;

To commission appropriate audience research, carry out regular analysis of audience data, including digital / social analytics, and use insight gathered to help inform future campaigns, audience development and programming plans;

To oversee the effective use of SJT’s box office and CRM system including management of the relationship with Spektrix;

To set and manage sales targets and pricing strategy in consultation with the Executive Director.

Person Specification

Proven experience in delivering and developing audience engagement strategies

Proven expertise in planning and implementing audience campaigns to meet or exceed objectives

Expertise in analysing audience data and reporting on insights

Great attention to detail, with experience of proofreading and adapting campaigns to deliver in line with both strategic goals and brand guidelines

Experience in planning and implementing digital content (website, social, video etc.) to meet or exceed audience objectives

Proven ability to track and monitor the effectiveness of campaigns

Proven ability in developing and managing budgets

A love for theatre and a desire to bring people together to share experiences and stories

The EDI Partner plays a key role in embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion across the National Theatre. Working within the People & Culture team, this role supports the development and delivery of cross-functional EDI programmes and projects that align with the NT’s social purpose and organisational values.

The EDI Partner will collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure inclusive practices are integrated throughout the employee lifecycle—from attraction and recruitment to development and retention.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Proven experience in delivering EDI programmes within complex organisations.
• In depth understanding of inclusive recruitment, organisational development, and legal frameworks that support EDI best practice.
• Experience of using communication and influencing skills across all levels.
• Experience of analysing data and translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Demonstrable experience of being empathetic and showing integrity, and discretion

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

This is an opportunity to join the Individual Giving team, which raises money to support the National Theatre from individuals through tiered levels of membership (£84 - £12,000), appeals, one-off donations and legacies.

The Patrons Manager will be responsible for a portfolio of donors and prospects - identifying, soliciting and stewarding annual gifts from £1,000 and above. They will retain and increase support at these levels through a year-round programme of engagement and excellent relationship management.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Previous experience in a fundraising capacity, and a proven track record of securing gifts of £1,000 or more from individuals
• Experience building relationships with supporters
• Experience of event administration and organisation
• Confident, articulate and persuasive both in person and in writing, including experience of writing copy
• Experience of line management and/or management of a project team.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload, meeting deadlines and with attention to detail

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 8th January at 12 noon

The Deputy Director Talent, Development and Inclusion will lead the development and delivery of all people development, ED&I, inclusive recruitment, and career development initiatives across the National Theatre. This role is central to embedding a culture of learning, equity, and opportunity, ensuring that the NT is a place where everyone can thrive and grow.

The postholder will work across the NT to build inclusive systems, develop talent pipelines, and drive cultural change aligned with the NT’s values and social purpose, ensuring the policy framework is in place to support these intentions. They will work closely with the Deputy Director People Operations and Employee Relations to deliver the People and Culture strategic plan.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience of presenting ideas that convey meaning to build positive relationships to influence change.
• A thorough understanding of and experience of the practical application of inclusive best practices and organisational development.
• Proven leadership in organisational development and EDI in complex organisations
• Extensive in-depth knowledge of ED&I issues in society and the arts.
• A working understanding of inclusive recruitment frameworks and legal considerations

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

This role supports Kate Varah, as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive (EAED), providing proactive, discreet, senior-level support within a busy office and theatre environment.

The EAED will support Kate in delivering their role efficiently and effectively, focusing on significant and complex diary management to ensure smart and strategic prioritisation. They will source and / or draft correspondence, research notes, speeches and briefings as needed; develop, implement, and maintain systems as necessary; arrange local, national and international travel; co-ordinate the sector-wide leadership network that the NT provides administration support to; support a collaborative and values-driven working atmosphere within a dynamic environment.

As an engaged and diplomatic communicator, they would act as first point of contact for all matters relating to the ED, working in partnership with colleagues in the Directors’ Office, Senior Leadership Team, and more widely across the organisation, as well as with artists and external parties. The EAED would be trusted to support or lead on projects as required, and act as an effective bridge for all relevant communications to ensure Executive awareness and involvement as necessary.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience in an assistant role within an Executive-level environment (corporate or charity sector)
• Exceptional written and administrative skills, with a focus complex and strategic diary management
• Excellent communication (in all mediums), interpersonal, and organisational skills, including building and maintaining key relationships in a senior space
• Proven experience in safeguarding sensitive and confidential information accordingly, with a core understanding of prioritisation
• Experience in minuting and report drafting

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 19th January 2026 at 12 noon

Shakespeare’s Globe is currently seeking a Finance Business Partner on permanent, full-time basis

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and the Global Majority are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQA+, those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.

The role:

The Finance Business Partner will be the principal point of contact for their relevant departments and stakeholders for financial and business needs, supporting the Globe’s support divisions and capital projects.

The skills:

• Studying towards a recognised accounting qualification (CIMA/ACCA or equivalent)
•  A comprehensive understanding of technical accounting (double-entry, accruals & prepayments, cost centres, experience of using an accounting system and using Pos)
• An interest and knowledge of theatre and/or the charity sector
• Sound working knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to absorb and classify information and arrange appropriately; quickly locating and retrieving relevant target information.
• Organised approach to work: methodical, accurate and attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working at all levels, internally and externally.
•  A proactive, “can do” attitude with a strong customer service focus.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment and be a supportive team member.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Willingness to be flexible and to adapt to new demands in a fast-moving environment.
• Able to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Have the confidence to challenge stakeholders and assumptions.
• Have an understanding of partial VAT exemptions.

The team:

Shakespeare’s Globe Trust is an internationally recognised arts and education centre, visitor attraction and charity. The Finance department supports the organisation in delivering its charitable and commercial objectives, with the Financial Services team processing transactions and making payments; and the Financial Reporting team preparing management accounts, financial statements and providing business partnering to the business.

Shakespeare’s Globe:
We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.

Benefits:

• Discount in the Globe shop and onsite restaurants/cafes
• Staff discounts via My Globe perks and better Bankside Buzzcard
• Free entry to selected shows, events and activities
• Access to our free employee assistance programme and 24/7 virtual GP service
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave and pay
• Life assurance scheme
• Rental deposit scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Flu vaccination scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced employer pension contributions after 12 months service

To apply:

• For more information, please download the job description from this page or our website.
• To apply, please complete the online application form via our website by 12pm (midday) on Monday 12th January.

If you have any queries on the application process or online form, please email our Recruitment team (contact details on the main jobs page).

Are you a commercially minded, senior leader with strong experience in operations, company management, partnership building and income generation?

VDT is seeking an experienced Head of Operations and Business Development to spearhead the implementation of our ambitious new Commercial Strategy, driving growth and expanding income streams.

This is a crucial, high-impact role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, has excellent management skills and a passion for strategy implementation. It is ideal for someone with strong experience in partnership building, negotiating contracts, lead generation and organisational development.

Working closely with the Chief Executive / Artistic Director, the role works collaboratively across the small staff team to deliver the company’s Business Plan, Funding Agreement, Mission and Values. You will identify opportunities, generate new leads and manage the company’s wide range of production, participation and continued professional development programmes. You will grow a new customer base for our online training and E-learning and develop income from within arts academic and social enterprise settings. You will track progress and ensure the company is run in line with best practice. 

You might not have worked in the arts or creative industries before. If you have experience as a Business Manager, Operations Director, Executive Director or Senior Producer within or outside of the cultural / charity sector, then you’ll have the core skills we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Midday Tuesday 6 January 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 (possible second interview 23 January 2026).

The Senior People Business Partner will further develop the business partnering model to support the delivery of the NT’s strategy and business plan and ensure its effective implementation and measurement. Managing the team of People Business partners and working closely with People Operations, Resourcing, and Development areas of the People team to anticipate workforce needs and future challenges and as part of the team drive cultural and operational transformation. They will also work with their own client group of departments as a Business Partner.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• CIPD level 5 qualified or equivalent level of experience

• Significant experience in developing and implementing HRBP models or equivalent frameworks.

• Experience of working in a senior HR Business partner role in an organisation with a diverse range of departmental needs

• Experience of advising and managing complex employee relations matters

• Substantial experience of developing client department specific knowledge while maintaining a consistent approach to people interventions

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

Our client has been the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire, attracting over 100,000 visitors every year. The Theatre has ambitions to increase fundraising capability to improve lives by sharing Pitlochry with the world and the world with Pitlochry. Now, they will recruit a new Prospect Research and Insights Manager and Prospectus is delighted to lead the search.  This role is offered on a permanent basis with hybrid working from the theatre and home. The team is open to remote working for this position, please get in touch to discuss.

The Prospect Research and Insights Manager will strength the organisation’s fundraising infrastructure by managing prospect research, pipeline development, data management, and operational delivery across all income streams. This Manager will be responsible for leading on the reporting on moves management and informing the wider Development team of giving trends. Reporting to the Director of Development, you will create templates and systems to aid efficiency of processes and assist colleagues to successfully cultivate and steward major donors.

The selected candidate will have proven experience in prospect research, experience in managing systems and pipelines to create insight and will have the proven ability to analyse, interpret and present data clearly. You will ideally have experience in a performing arts or cultural setting and will have knowledge fundraising trends and practice across various income streams.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you are interested in applying to this Prospect Research and Insights Manager position, please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will send you the full job description and will arrange for a call and/or 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.

The Assistant to the Director of People and Culture will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the Director’s schedule, supporting strategic project delivery, and coordinating the department’s business planning cycle.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Experience of managing multiple priorities using organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of preparing clear communications and documents and the processing of messages and information.
• Experience supporting project delivery and business planning processes.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with a flexible approach to changing priorities.
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 16th January 2026 at 12 noon

The Director of Strategy is a key player in our leadership team, helping to shape the business and strategic direction of the NT. You will be the primary support for the Executive Director and Co-CEO and will also work closely with the Director and Co-CEO and wider Executive Committee to connect across the organisation to keep all areas aligned.

Your role will predominantly be working to define, plan and execute/monitor our strategic and business goals, involving competing stakeholders (internal/external), multiple divisions and senior figures. You will work at the heart of the NT, facilitating excellent communication and strategic alignment and collaboration on business planning between departments and their directors. You will lead planning Board and senior leadership agendas to ensure discussion is centred around governance and strategy alongside driving business goals forward.

You will lead and/or support the execution and evaluation of various business development and significant commercial opportunities as the organisation works to diversify its income streams and looks increasingly to international markets for commercial partnerships and creative exchange.

This role line manages the Directors’ Office and works closely with other Directors across the NT to inform strategic communications, in particular the Directors of People and Culture, Communications and the Policy team.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• Excellent communicator and effective collaborator with demonstrable experience of working in a strategic and project-based role, with exposure to Board and governance activity in a large organisation
• Experience of coaching and motivating teams with demonstrable experience of line managing and leading teams
• Excellent process-creation skills, with the ability to work with autonomy and flexibility, to safeguard sensitive and confidential information, and prioritise accordingly
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build effective relationships, with the ability to influence up, down, and across in a positive manner using tact and diplomacy
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills to deliver Executive-level briefs as required

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Thursday 15th January 2026 at 12 noon

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a small, London based performing arts charity to recruit for a Head of Finance and Operations. This is a role based full time from their site in Islington and is a permanent vacancy. The charity works with care leavers and at risk young people using drama, staging high profile theatre and film productions.

Reporting in to the CEO, the Head of Finance and Operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day operational, financial and legal aspects of the charity, the work it produces and its staff, ensuring successful delivery of all services. Accountable to the CEO, this person must ensure that the right balance is achieved between a programme of activity and prudent financial management. Some of the key responsibilities include strategic and financial planning, leading in the development and management of business plans. You will ensure realistic financial targets are set, work alongside the CEO to develop a robust, deliverable business plan for financial partnerships and will lead on the development and implementation of HR strategy and staff management policies. You will support the Fundraising team alongside the CEO, working with them to develop and manage a realistic weighted pipeline of trusts and foundations. You will also monitor funding agreements and renewals, support the preparation of corporate sponsorship contracts and over see the management of the office space.

The successful candidate will have prior experience managing finances, ideally for a charitable organisation or not for profit, however you do not need to be a fully qualified accountant. You will have team management experience with the ability to motivate and support staff and bring experience of embedding policies and processes to ensure smooth running of the organisation. You will be a self starter with the ability and drive to learn aspects of the role that you are not as familiar. The charity is open to candidates looking to develop and broaden their experience on the job and therefore you will not be expected to have strong experience in every area.

To apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Following your application, you may be contacted by Prospectus for an informal discussion and may be asked to provide further information to assist with the recruitment process.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.

The Development Office at Oundle School is looking for Deputy Director of Development who will be instrumental in advancing our philanthropic goals and will support the management and running of its driven and friendly team.

THE ROLE

The Deputy Director of Development will play a key part in helping us achieve our philanthropic goals. This role provides a real opportunity to make a tangible difference: devising and shaping strategy, driving forward our stewardship and legacies programme, building key relationships with major donors, and working closely with the Director of Development on the next advances in this vital area of the school’s work.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic relationship manager who is highly motivated, creative, and intellectually curious, with experience of working within a fundraising or relatable field. We are looking for a dedicated colleague who will enjoy working across a vibrant constituency within a beautiful architectural setting to deepen philanthropic relationships between the school and its alumni and parent body.

While this role is 40 hours per week, year round, we are open to discussion about working arrangements including hybrid working to attract a candidate who can help us achieve our ambitions.

THE SCHOOL

Oundle and Laxton Junior Schools have long been associated with the very best of modern independent education, especially boarding. The Schools take seriously their responsibility to pupils so that they can emerge as decent, open-minded adults; ambitious about what they can go on to achieve and contribute. Over 1400 pupils are on roll at the School, of whom 840 are full boarders. Academic results are steadfastly excellent. 

A team of around 800 staff, both academic and support, ensure an education of the highest standard is in place across the Schools with the efforts of the whole team focused on this fundamental aim.

LIVING IN OUNDLE

We are fortunate in our location at the heart of a beautiful market town. School and town are part of the same community and our pupils take their place within this community, not isolated from it. The town has a spirited cultural life, with an annual international festival, literature festival, and frequent performances of nationally touring shows at the School’s Stahl Theatre.

TO APPLY

Full details of the role, including hours of work and salary, can be found in the Job Description. If you are excited by this opportunity, please complete and return an application form and supplement to the application before the closing date.

Please note CV submissions cannot be accepted.

Application closing date: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 9am.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2 February 2026 and 9 February 2026.

Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known, to the HR Department

Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Recruitment Agencies

The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate, will not be acknowledged or considered.