At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support Talawa's mission and vision.
- Company: Join Talawa, a vibrant arts organisation celebrating Black experiences through innovative performances.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days holiday, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting time as we celebrate 40 years of creativity and community.
- Qualifications: Creative thinkers with fundraising experience in the arts or non-profit sectors are encouraged to apply.
- Other info: This role is perfect for those seeking their first senior management position.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 48000 £ per year.
Responsible to: Executive Director/Joint CEO
Key working relationships: Artistic Director & Joint CEO, Development and Evaluation Subcommittee Trustees, Marketing and Communications Manager
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week including a lunch break of 1 hour, worked over 5 days Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be necessary to fulfil the requirements of the post, including evenings and weekends, and travel out of London when required.
Salary: £45,000-48,000 depending on experience
Holiday: 24 days per annum plus bank/public holidays
Closing date: 10AM on Monday 30th June 2025.
Interview: Week commencing 7th July 2025.
Start date: The successful candidate will be requested to start as soon as possible.
The Head of Development will be responsible for securing and sustaining funds to support the delivery of Talawa’s mission and vision. Working closely with the Executive Director and Artistic Director, the Head of Development will be responsible for the delivery of our fundraising strategy with a particular emphasis on seeking new funding opportunities from Trusts and Foundations and Individual Philanthropy, corporate sponsorship as well as playing a key role in delivering our ongoing relationship with ACE.
We welcome applications from those looking to move into their first senior manager role, as well as candidates already working at that level who are passionate about our mission to reflect Black experiences through art, or who are looking to balance a role with wider caring responsibilities.
Person Specification:
- A creative thinker, capable of designing and delivering innovative fundraising approaches, including fundraising events aimed at wealth networks
- A demonstrable ability in fundraising within the arts or beyond profit sector, defining and delivering against targets from individual donors
- Understanding of how fundraising contributes to an organisation’s overall strategy
- Proven ability in managing and supporting others to develop their skills and achieve potential
- The ability to develop and cultivate senior and non-executive level relationships both internally and with donors
- The ability to influence, inspire and persuade people in written and oral form, and tailor communications to different fundraising audiences
- The ability work on your own initiative, particularly as regards identifying and leveraging new fundraising trends and sources, and the flexibility to carry out varied responsibilities as part of a small development and management team
- A passion for the arts, particularly combining social purpose and outstanding new work, and a commitment to furthering diversity across the arts sector and an alignment with Talawa’s mission.
To apply: please download and carefully read the recruitment pack. Please submit a cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) and a CV (of no more than 2 pages) to recruits@achates.org.uk. Please send your cover letter and CV as attachments in either PDF or Word format. Your cover letter should outline:
- Why you would like to work at Talawa and what excites you about the future plans outlined above (150-300 words)
- What makes you suited for this position? We are not asking you to fulfil every single aspect of this, just to demonstrate what experience you have that makes you suited for the role (around 500 words; assessed against the person specification)
- If you identify as African, Caribbean diaspora or ethnically diverse - please complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form here
Head of Development employer: Diversifying.io
Contact Detail:
Diversifying.io Recruiting Team
recruits@achates.org.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and fundraising sectors. Attend events, workshops, or seminars related to arts funding to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even referrals for the Head of Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Talawa's past fundraising initiatives and their impact. Understanding their previous successes and challenges will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative fundraising strategies that align with Talawa’s mission. Think about how you can leverage new trends in philanthropy and community engagement to enhance their fundraising efforts.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders mentioned in the job description. Building relationships with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and other trustees can give you an edge in understanding the organisational culture and expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Development position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be engaging and concise. Clearly express why you want to work at Talawa and what excites you about their future plans. Use this opportunity to showcase your passion for the arts and your commitment to diversity.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, focus on your fundraising experience, particularly within the arts or non-profit sectors. Provide specific examples of how you've met targets and developed relationships with donors, as these are key aspects of the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you adhere to the application guidelines by submitting your cover letter and CV as attachments in PDF or Word format. Double-check that your documents are no more than two pages each and that you’ve included the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form if applicable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversifying.io
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Talawa's mission and vision. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in reflecting Black experiences through art.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Since the role focuses heavily on fundraising, come equipped with specific examples of your past successes in this area. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken and how they contributed to your previous organisations' strategies.
✨Prepare for Relationship Building Questions
Expect questions about how you would cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced or inspired others, and be ready to discuss your approach to building long-term partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
As a creative thinker, you’ll need to show how you can design and deliver innovative fundraising strategies. Prepare to share ideas for potential fundraising events or campaigns that could resonate with wealth networks and align with Talawa's mission.