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- Tasks: Join our Development team to raise funds and manage relationships with our Star Supporters.
- Company: The Bush Theatre, a creative hub for underrepresented voices and new talent.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible hours, and a chance to make a real impact in the arts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in British theatre and supporting diverse artists.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong relationship management skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Bush Theatre is looking for a motivated and personable fundraiser to join our busy Development team. We would like to see candidates with experience in any fundraising income stream, from any part of the third sector. The Development Officer will play a vital role in enabling the Development team to reach our ambitious fundraising target, with scope to work across Individual Giving, Trusts and Foundation, Corporate and Events. This role has a particular focus on the relationship management of our Star Supporters; including leading on their comms and events.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with the Head of Development on strategy, our Marketing department on campaigns, and our Literary and Community departments to measure and champion impact.
Hours: 35 hours per week, exclusive of a one hour break, 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, although additional hours may be necessary to fulfil the requirements of the post.
Holidays: 30 days per annum inclusive of Bank Holidays, rising to 31 days after two years’ service, rising to 32 days after four years’ service.
Probation: Three months
Contract type: Permanent
Key dates:
- Deadline for applications: 23.59 on 19 April 2026
- First Interview date: Friday 1 May 2026
- Second Interview date: Friday 8 May 2026
Purpose of the role: We’re a launchpad for stories, a stage for underrepresented voices, an incubator for talent, a sanctuary for writers, and a creative home for the community. We’re a driving force evolving the British theatre canon, one new play at a time. We raise over half a million pounds each year to fund our work in developing artists, engaging young people, diversifying the arts, building community and championing unheard voices. The Development Officer plays an integral part in this work, supporting our efforts to raise funds through trusts and foundations, individual giving, and corporate sponsorship.
How to Apply: We want you to have the opportunity to tell us about yourself and explain why you are right for this position, therefore we ask you to send a CV and a supporting statement in whatever format feels right to you – written (max 500 words), video or sound file (max 5 minutes) or presentation (e.g. keynote or powerpoint). All applications should address the following questions:
- Considering the essential and desirable criteria for this role, tell us about your experience, skills and knowledge – including demonstrative examples and achievements.
- Tell us why this specific position in this company interests you.
- Tell us what you would bring to this role and the Bush Theatre.
All applications will be judged on content not on format. We use a transparent scoring system to review every application. We’ve mapped out the Essential Criteria and score each one on a scale of 0–4. This helps us eliminate unconscious bias and focus on what really matters: your technical competencies, core soft skills, and alignment with our company values.
Upload your information and supporting documents to our recruitment portal Breathe HR. If you need this information in a different format, contact our People and Culture Manager, Dorothy Ekema-Walla by emailing jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 020 8743 3584.
The value of equal opportunities runs through the heart of the organisation. Our diverse team and their range of experiences are vital to the Bush’s success, but we still have work to do to make sure that Bush staff represent the communities we serve. We actively encourage people with different backgrounds to join us. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of colour and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in our team. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. If you would like to apply through our Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please let us know. You can state anywhere in your application: ‘I would like to apply through the Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview scheme’.
If you have any questions or need any of this information in a different format, please contact our People And Culture Manager, Dorothy Ekema-Walla, by emailing: jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 0208743 3584.
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Development Officer employer: Bush Theatre
Contact Detail:
Bush Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the theatre and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be yourself. Let your passion for the arts and fundraising shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who fits into their team culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Bush Theatre and its mission. Understand their fundraising goals and think about how your skills can help them achieve those targets. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨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 serious about joining the Bush Theatre family. Get your CV and supporting statement ready, and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the Development Officer role.
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure to address the specific questions in the job description. We’re looking for how your skills and experiences align with our needs, so be clear about why this position at the Bush Theatre excites you and what you can bring to the table.
Showcase Your Achievements: Use demonstrative examples to highlight your past successes in fundraising or related fields. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact before, so don’t hold back on sharing those achievements that showcase your capabilities!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we encourage creativity in your application format, clarity is key! Make sure your CV and supporting statement are easy to read and straight to the point. Remember, we’re scoring based on content, so make every word count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bush Theatre
✨Know Your Fundraising Streams
Make sure you brush up on the different fundraising income streams mentioned in the job description. Whether it's Individual Giving, Trusts and Foundations, or Corporate Sponsorship, having specific examples of your experience in these areas will show that you're not just familiar with them, but that you can actively contribute to the Development team's goals.
✨Showcase Relationship Management Skills
Since the role focuses on managing relationships with Star Supporters, prepare to discuss your past experiences in relationship management. Think of specific instances where you successfully engaged supporters or stakeholders, and be ready to explain how you maintained those relationships over time.
✨Align with Their Mission
The Bush Theatre is all about championing unheard voices and diversifying the arts. Make sure you convey your passion for their mission during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that align with their values, and express why this specific position excites you.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the Development team’s strategies, upcoming campaigns, or how they measure impact. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you valuable insights into the company culture and expectations.