At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and develop funding opportunities to support young artists and projects.
- Company: Join a vibrant arts organisation dedicated to changing UK culture.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a dynamic environment focused on youth engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the arts while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
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
Development Manager in Manchester employer: Contact Theatre
Contact is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to nurturing the creativity and potential of young people and artists. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and collaboration across diverse teams, all while working in a dynamic environment that champions ethical fundraising and community engagement. Located in a culturally rich area, our team enjoys the unique advantage of being at the heart of UK culture, making every day meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and fundraising sectors. Attend events, workshops, and meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at interviews, let your enthusiasm for working with young people and in creative environments shine through. It makes a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Know their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and land that dream job. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working in a creative organisation shine through. We want to see your commitment to supporting young people and the arts, so share your experiences that reflect this passion!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Development Manager. We’re looking for specific examples of your fundraising successes and how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Your written communication skills are key! Keep your application clear and to the point, demonstrating attention to detail. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Contact Theatre
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Contact's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and how they engage with young people. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past fundraising roles that highlight your successes. Whether it’s a successful grant application or a creative event you organised, be ready to discuss how your experience can directly benefit Contact’s Development Team.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and how they measure success in fundraising. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Contact values creativity and passion, so share your enthusiasm for working in a young people-focused organisation and how you can contribute to their vision.
