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- Tasks: Lead and optimise fundraising systems, ensuring efficiency and robust financial management.
- Company: Join the Barbican, a cultural hub celebrating 50 years of inspiring performances and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of transformative fundraising efforts that shape the future of the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising operations, strong financial skills, and CRM expertise required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment, committed to reflecting the communities we serve.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an operational leader who thrives on optimising the systems behind ambitious fundraising? We are looking for a Development Manager, Operations to lead the infrastructure that powers our Development team, ensuring our systems, finances, governance and insight are robust, efficient and campaignâready.
About the Barbican
Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in. As the Barbican approaches its 50th anniversary, the Centre stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With a new CEO in post, ÂŁ191m secured for the first phase of a major capital transformation, and a renewed artistic and audienceâfocused vision, we are laying the foundations for the next 50 years. As we enter this bold new chapter, we are preparing to launch a major fundraising campaign to support both our worldâclass arts programme and the Barbican Renewal project, which will transform our iconic building for future generations. The Development department will be at the heart of this ambition, securing the partnerships, philanthropy and longâterm support that will shape the Barbican's future.
About the Role
The Development Operations team enables all philanthropic income across the Barbican. As we prepare for a major comprehensive campaign and significant growth in activity, the Development Manager, Operations is central to strengthening the systems and infrastructure that support our fundraising. You will lead a team spanning CRM, prospect research, events operations and audience giving, ensuring the department has the systems, insight and financial rigour to deliver sustainable income growth at scale.
In this role, you will:
- Lead and improve the systems, policies and processes that support fundraising, embedding best practice and driving efficiency.
- Oversee Development finances, including income tracking, forecasting and budgeting, working closely with Finance to ensure accuracy and insight.
- Act as strategic lead for our CRM (Spektrix) and data environment, overseeing reporting, gift processing, data integrity and compliance (GDPR, Gift Aid).
- Support the administration of the Barbican Centre Trust, ensuring statutory compliance and highâquality support to Trustees and senior stakeholders.
- Manage and develop a highâperforming Operations team, setting clear priorities during a period of growth and change.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience in fundraising or charity operations (arts sector experience desirable).
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting.
- Deep CRM expertise (ideally Spektrix) and advanced Excel skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable insight.
- A solid understanding of charity regulation, Gift Aid and GDPR.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence preparing reports and papers for senior leaders and Trustees.
- A collaborative, solutionsâfocused mindset and the resilience to thrive in a fastâpaced environment.
How to apply
To apply click on the 'Apply Online' button. Applications without a completed form will not be reviewed. If there are any issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at Careers@barbican.org.uk. Deadline for applications is 23:59, Wednesday 25th March 2026. The advert may close ahead of this date if a sufficient number of applications is reached â apply early to avoid missing out. Please note that we are unable to accept late applications. We regret that we are unable to provide feedback on your application.
As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican, we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently underârepresented, including people from the Global Majority and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.
Development Manager, Operations in London employer: Barbican Centre's Music
Contact Detail:
Barbican Centre's Music Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Development Manager, Operations in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and donât be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Barbicanâs recent projects and initiatives. Show us youâre passionate about our mission and how your skills can contribute to our future. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in fundraising operations.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your financial management skills and CRM expertise clearly. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience, the better you'll perform.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. Weâre excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager, Operations in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Development Manager, Operations. We want to see how your skills in fundraising and operations can help us optimise our systems.
Showcase Your Financial Savvy: Since financial management is key for this role, donât shy away from sharing specific examples of your budgeting and forecasting experience. We love seeing how youâve turned numbers into actionable insights!
Demonstrate CRM Expertise: If you have experience with CRM systems like Spektrix, make it shine in your application! Weâre keen to know how youâve used data to drive efficiency and support fundraising efforts.
Apply Early!: Donât wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible to avoid missing out. Remember, we canât accept late applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barbican Centre's Music
â¨Know Your Numbers
As a Development Manager, Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial management skills. Brush up on budgeting and forecasting techniques, and be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles. Prepare specific examples of how your financial insights have driven fundraising success.
â¨Master the CRM
Familiarise yourself with Spektrix or similar CRM systems before the interview. Be prepared to explain how you've leveraged CRM data to enhance fundraising efforts. Highlight any experience you have with data integrity and compliance, as this will show your understanding of the operational side of fundraising.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be managing a high-performing team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Think about how you've motivated teams in the past, especially during periods of change. Share specific strategies you've implemented to set clear priorities and drive efficiency within your team.
â¨Communicate with Confidence
Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing reports and papers for senior leaders. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your ability to communicate complex information effectively.