Creative Fundraising & Partnerships Lead in Manchester

SALARY: £28,000 per annum

MAIN LOCATION: Contact but may be required to work at other venues as required

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Development

RESPONSIBLE FOR: n/a

WORKS WITH: Development Team, Creative Team, Finance Team

CLOSING DATE: 15th June 2026 Midnight

HOURS: Full Time - 100:80:100 which equates to 4 days as full time

STATUS: Permanent

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

As Development Manager you will play a key role in creating and developing new funding opportunities for Contact to enable projects that nurture and shape the imagination and futures of our young people and artists. Working with the Head of Development, you will help to deliver the fundraising strategy to meet targets, writing funding applications and working closely with key stakeholders, funders, supporters and patrons. The Development Team comprises the Head of Development and the Development Manager. The team works closely with colleagues in all departments to help drive Contact's mission to change the face of UK Culture.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE ROLE

• To research and develop new connections and opportunities to expand our networks with individuals, charitable foundations and the corporate sector
• To attend meetings with the Creative Engagement team to build knowledge of projects and programming and to understand revenue funding needs.
• To research, write and submit fundraising applications for project grants to support Contact’s Leadership Development and Creative Engagement programmes
• To be responsible for the stewardship of project funding agreements, keeping funding records and timelines up-to-date and maintaining a grants’ register for financial requirements.
• To maintain records on Contact’s CRM, Spektrix, ensuring that grants are logged and updated promptly, correctly and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
• To contribute where appropriate to funding applications and reporting to Contact’s statutory funders (ACE, GMCA, Manchester City Council and the University of Manchester)
• To maximise opportunities to increase individual giving, working with Contact’s Front of House team to encourage gift aid, ticket top ups and contactless donations.
• To manage Contact’s contactless donations system, Goodbox, reporting on income on a quarterly basis to the Head of Development and registering income on Spektrix
• To work with the Head of Development and Hires team to outline and drive the Corporate Fundraising strategy for Contact, scheduling and leading on raising income from corporate partners where required.
• To liaise with Contact stakeholders and supporters, providing regular communications and excellent, personal donor care
• To design and manage Contact events for potential and existing supporters, liaising with technical and catering teams to deliver successful events
• To work with colleagues across the organisation to gather information to write reports to fulfil funders’ requirements
• To ensure that fundraising activity adheres to Contact’s Ethical Fundraising policy and meets the requirements of the Fundraising Regulator, and to promote understanding of the policy to colleagues, young people and stakeholders

GENERAL

• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required in connection with the position.
• Keep up to date with developments within the arts and youth culture.
• Get involved with creative work being presented by Contact by attending workshops, rehearsals and performances on a regular basis.
• Follow Contact’s Health & Safety policy, undertaking duties as required and ensure reasonable care is taken to maintain a healthy and safe place for public and staff.
• Actively commit to Contact’s Equal Opportunities policy and Contact’s Safeguarding of Young People policy.
• Actively commit to Contact’s anti-racism working practices.
• Advise and report regularly on activity as required by the Senior Management Team, Board and sub-boards, supplying any data required to meet funder reporting requirements.
• Provide mentoring and support to young people and on occasions deliver training/workshops in areas relevant to your job role.
• In line with Contact’s governance model, pro-actively engage young people in decision-making through consultations, young people’s panels and other mechanisms relevant to your job role.
• Manage all personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulations, using the Spektrix database as directed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrable experience with a track record of success in a fundraising role
• Enthusiasm for working in a creative organisation
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working in a young people focused organisation
• Excellent written communication skills demonstrating high standards of clarity and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to represent Contact positively and professionally to a range of funders, supporters and donors.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, work well under pressure, meet deadlines and achieve objectives
• The ability and willingness to work flexible hours when required
• Computer literacy, proficiency in MS Office packages, experience of using and maintaining a CRM.
• Understanding of the vision and working ethos of Contact
• Support and commitment to Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Anti-Racism practices

DESIRABLE

• Experience of fundraising in the cultural sector
• A working knowledge of the Opportunities interface of Spektrix
• Experience in working across corporate fundraising