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- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and build relationships with major donors for Hampstead Theatre.
- Company: Hampstead Theatre, a leading venue for world-class new writing in London.
- Benefits: Join a collaborative team and contribute to the future of a vital arts organisation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the arts while championing emerging talent.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing philanthropic income and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership and growth in a dynamic theatre environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hampstead Theatre is seeking a strategic, ambitious and relationship-driven Development Director to lead its fundraising strategy at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history. After nearly eleven remarkable years in post, our current Development Director, Cathy Baker, will retire this summer. Cathy has played a defining role in strengthening our fundraising programmes, deepening donor relationships and supporting the theatre through one of its most dynamic periods. She leaves behind an exceptionally strong foundation and a platform ready for continued growth.
Hampstead Theatre is one of London’s leading producing theatres, presenting world-class new writing across two stages and championing emerging talent. With the theatre now operating without Arts Council England revenue funding, philanthropy plays a central role in sustaining our artistic ambition and long-term resilience. Our #HampsteadAhead campaign has already raised over £1.1m, supported by an engaged community of Patrons, Friends, major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Fundraising thrives here because it is rooted in artistic achievement: productions that excite audiences also inspire donors to invest more deeply in our work.
The Development Director will lead all aspects of Hampstead’s fundraising activity, shaping and delivering a multi-year income strategy aligned with our artistic and organisational priorities. This senior leadership role combines high-level strategy with hands-on fundraising and stewardship. You will build and strengthen relationships with major donors; expand our Patrons, Friends and production syndicate programmes; develop compelling cases for support across our Main Stage, Hampstead Downstairs, INSPIRE writers’ programme, Participation and Access schemes; and steward key relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners. You will also lead cultivation events, press-night receptions and gala fundraising activity.
Working closely with the Producer & Chief Executive and as part of the Senior Management Team, you will champion a culture of philanthropy across the organisation. You will line-manage two Development Managers and oversee departmental budgets, forecasting, reporting and KPIs. This role offers the opportunity to join a committed, collaborative team and to make a significant contribution to the future of one of the UK’s most important new-writing theatres.
We are seeking an outstanding relationship-builder with a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic income across major gifts, trusts, individual giving and corporate support—ideally within a producing theatre or arts organisation. You will bring excellent communication skills, strategic insight, confidence working with senior stakeholders and supporters, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong leadership skills and a commitment to Hampstead Theatre’s artistic mission and inclusive values are essential.
How to apply: Please email your CV and cover letter to jobs@hampsteadtheatre.com, outlining why you are interested in the role and how your experience, skills and attributes meet the person specification.
Deadline: Midday, Tuesday 31 March 2026
For an informal, confidential conversation about the position, please contact Neil Morris, Executive Director. Further information can be found at our website.
Development Director employer: Hampstead Theatre
Contact Detail:
Hampstead Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the theatre and fundraising scene. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former employees at Hampstead Theatre. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the arts! When you get the chance to chat with someone from Hampstead Theatre, make sure to express your enthusiasm for their mission and recent productions. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their fundraising efforts and why you believe in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Hampstead Theatre’s past fundraising campaigns and their impact. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can help them grow their community of supporters.
✨Tip Number 4
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 Hampstead Theatre family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Director role. Highlight your fundraising experience and any relevant achievements that align with our mission at Hampstead Theatre. We want to see how you can contribute to our artistic ambition!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match what we're looking for. Be genuine and let us know what excites you about joining our team at Hampstead Theatre.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: Since this role is all about building relationships, make sure to highlight your experience in engaging with donors and stakeholders. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully nurtured connections in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don't forget to double-check your documents before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampstead Theatre
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on various fundraising strategies, especially those relevant to the arts sector. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and deliver a multi-year income strategy that aligns with Hampstead Theatre's artistic priorities.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with major donors or stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to engage and inspire support, as this is crucial for the Development Director position.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Arts
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for theatre and the arts during the interview. Share specific experiences that illustrate your commitment to supporting artistic missions and how you can contribute to Hampstead Theatre’s goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you might face in fundraising and how you would tackle them, particularly in a fast-paced environment like Hampstead Theatre.