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- Tasks: Lead and optimise systems for fundraising, ensuring efficiency and robust operations.
- Company: Join the Barbican, a cultural hub celebrating 50 years of inspiring performances and events.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming arts funding and shaping the future of the Barbican.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising operations, strong financial management, and CRM expertise required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team during an exciting period of growth and change.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an operational leader who thrives on optimising the systems behind ambitious fundraising? We’re 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 campaign-ready.
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, £191m secured for the first phase of a major capital transformation, and a renewed artistic and audience-focused 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 world-class 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 long-term 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 high-quality support to Trustees and senior stakeholders.
- Manage and develop a high-performing Operations team, setting clear priorities during a period of growth and change.
We’re 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, solutions-focused mindset and the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Development Manager, Operations in London employer: Barbican
Contact Detail:
Barbican Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager, Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and fundraising sectors, especially those connected to the Barbican. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in financial management and CRM systems. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've optimised operations and driven efficiency.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Barbican’s recent projects and fundraising campaigns. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager, Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fundraising and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Development Manager, Operations, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Financial Savvy: Since financial management is key for this role, be sure to include specific examples of your budgeting and forecasting experience. We love numbers, so if you’ve improved income tracking or reporting processes, let us know!
Demonstrate CRM Expertise: If you’ve got experience with CRM systems, especially Spektrix, make it a focal point in your application. We’re keen to see how you’ve used data to drive insights and improve operations, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barbican
✨Know Your Systems
Make sure you’re well-versed in the systems and processes that support fundraising. Familiarise yourself with CRM tools like Spektrix, and be ready to discuss how you’ve optimised similar systems in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Financial Savvy
Brush up on your financial management skills, especially budgeting and forecasting. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finances in past projects, as this role heavily relies on financial insight.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Since compliance is key in this role, make sure you know the ins and outs of charity regulations, Gift Aid, and GDPR. Bring examples of how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous positions to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to prepare reports and papers for senior leaders, so think about how you can convey complex information in a straightforward manner during the interview.