Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies to enhance accessibility at Oxford Playhouse.
- Company: Join Oxford Playhouse, a top regional theatre with a rich heritage in live performance and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work culture, opportunities for creative impact, and the chance to make theatre accessible for all.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of arts in Oxford and driving positive social change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for the cultural sector are essential.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity to influence the development strategy of a leading not-for-profit theatre.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Oxford Playhouse is one of the country’s leading regional theatres and the only not-for-profit mid-scale venue in Oxfordshire. The theatre is at the heart of cultural life in the city and region, with a wonderfully rich heritage of live performance, drama, dance, music and comedy. It also produces mid-scale and studio productions, including a hugely popular pantomime which plays to audiences of over 40,000 each year.
As well as being a home for inspirational performance, The Playhouse is an active charity with artistic, social and educational aims. Through its Open House programme, a dynamic and wide-ranging outreach project, The Playhouse opens access for theatregoing and creative learning opportunities for thousands of people every year. It works closely with schools across the county to support literacy, distributes 2,500 free tickets to community groups, and works with partners including Age UK to deliver inclusive programmes for older people.
The Playhouse is immensely grateful to all those who support the organisation - its core funders Arts Council England, University of Oxford, St John’s College Oxford, and Oxford City Council - as well as many charitable trusts, foundations, businesses, individuals and audience members. This support underpins the work of Oxford Playhouse in presenting and producing world-class theatre on our stages; offering inspiring creative opportunities to young people and the next generation of artists; and enriching people’s lives and communities through the arts.
Oxford Playhouse is looking for a dynamic leader with a passion for the cultural sector, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in fundraising and donor relations to join the organisation as its Development Director. If you are an experienced fundraiser who can drive positive change, we’d love to receive your application.
Working closely with our newly strengthened governance team, and the Artistic Director and CEO Mike Tweddle (appointed 2023) and Executive Director Marianne Jacques, this is an exciting time to be joining The Playhouse, helping to shape the development strategy for the organisation, lead our fundraising plans around a capital project to make our building fully accessible and welcoming to all.
For full details visit Oxford Playhouse website.
Development Director employer: Oxford Playhouse Theatre
Contact Detail:
Oxford Playhouse Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Oxford Playhouse's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and inclusivity will help you align your vision for the role of Development Director with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the cultural sector in Oxfordshire. Attend local arts events or engage with community groups that partner with the Playhouse. Building relationships can provide insights into the organisation's needs and demonstrate your commitment to the local arts scene.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative fundraising strategies that could benefit Oxford Playhouse. Research successful campaigns from similar organisations and think about how you can adapt those ideas to enhance their development strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your experience in donor relations by preparing examples of how you've successfully engaged and retained donors in the past. Highlighting specific achievements will illustrate your capability to drive positive change at the Playhouse.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Development Director position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the cultural sector and your fundraising experience. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your ability to drive positive change and engage with donors effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your previous roles in fundraising and donor relations. Include quantifiable achievements, such as funds raised or successful campaigns led, to illustrate your impact in similar positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Playhouse Theatre
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
As a Development Director, it's crucial to convey your enthusiasm for the cultural sector. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to the arts and how they have shaped your career.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Expertise
Prepare specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns you've led. Discuss your strategies for donor relations and how you've built lasting partnerships with funders, as this will be key to the role.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Oxford Playhouse's mission and outreach programmes. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their community initiatives.
✨Engage with the Governance Team
Since you'll be working closely with the governance team, prepare to discuss how you can collaborate effectively with them. Highlight your experience in working with boards or committees to drive organisational change.
