Development Manager in Westminster

Development Manager in Westminster

Westminster Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hampstead Theatre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with supporters to achieve ambitious goals.
  • Company: Join a leading London theatre dedicated to artistic excellence and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Dynamic work environment, opportunities for creativity, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of fundraising, connecting people to inspiring theatre experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a passion for the arts.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are looking for a passionate and driven Development Manager to play a central role in helping us achieve our ambitious fundraising goals, raising £1.5m this year to support our artistic work and protect future growth.

This is a dynamic and people-focused role at the heart of the organisation. You will help build meaningful relationships with new and existing supporters, have the opportunity to lead and deliver a vibrant programme of fundraising events, and work closely with Patrons and high-net-worth individuals whose generosity makes our work possible.

We are looking for someone who combines excellent relationship building skills with creativity, warmth and attention to detail. You will bring experience of fundraising within the arts or not for profit sector, an enjoyment for creating memorable donor experiences, and a genuine belief in the power of ambitious theatre to inspire and engage.

If you are energised by new writing, enjoy connecting people to artistic work they care about, and want to make a tangible impact within one of London’s leading producing theatres, we would love to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Individual Giving
    • Working closely with the Director of Development and Board, you will help secure Patrons and donor support that sustains and develops the theatre’s artistic ambitions.
    • This includes helping to shape and manage Production Syndicates and Giving Circles, researching and cultivating prospective donors, and confidently making funding approaches.
    • The role involves close collaboration with artists and creative teams, connecting supporters directly with the work they are helping to bring to life.
    • You will build warm, lasting relationships with Patrons, providing excellent stewardship and supporter care, including assisting with ticket bookings and donor experiences.
    • You will also represent the Development team at key theatre events, acting as an engaging and knowledgeable ambassador for the organisation.
  • Events
    • Working closely with the Director of Development and Board of Trustees, you will play an important role in delivering the theatre’s flagship annual fundraising gala — a celebrated and high-profile event at the heart of our fundraising programme.
    • This includes shaping and managing guest lists and invitations, exploring sponsorship opportunities and auction activity, creating an exceptional experience for supporters while maximising income generation, and working closely with operational teams on catering, entertainment and venue management.
    • Alongside this, you will work with the Development team to create and deliver a year-round programme of stewardship and cultivation events — creating meaningful opportunities for audiences and supporters to connect more deeply with the Theatre’s work and artists.
  • Board and Development Committee
    • You will support the smooth running of the Development Committee through efficient administration, coordination and communication, while also building strong working relationships with Board Trustees.
    • Working closely with Trustees, you will help cultivate new supporter relationships through prospect introductions, events and donor engagement activity, playing an important role in strengthening the Theatre’s network of advocates and supporters.
  • General
    • As part of a collaborative and ambitious team, you will support the effective administration and financial management of Development activity, maintaining accurate income and expenditure records and contributing to regular income forecasting and reporting.
    • You will also help coordinate guest lists for Press Nights and other cultivation events, preparing briefing materials for senior staff and Board Members to ensure supporters and stakeholders receive a thoughtful, informed and personalised experience throughout their engagement with the Theatre.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

  • Experience of working in a fundraising team and with personal targets
  • Proactive can-do attitude, high energy and the desire to work within a team and make a difference
  • Approachable demeanour and ability to communicate and advocate the work of the theatre
  • Experience of using a CRM system and research tools for data mining and to support prospecting
  • Polished written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent administrative, IT and Excel budget management skills
  • Ability to manage own workload
  • Highly accurate, well-organised and with consistent time management skills
  • Tactful, diplomatic and able to maintain confidentiality for sensitive information
  • Willing and available for evening events
  • Experience of first-line budget and expenditure management

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit our website and download the job pack.

Development Manager in Westminster employer: Hampstead Theatre

As a Development Manager at one of London’s leading producing theatres, you will thrive in a vibrant and collaborative work culture that values creativity and relationship-building. The company offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to engage with passionate supporters and contribute directly to the theatre's artistic ambitions while enjoying a dynamic environment that celebrates the power of the arts.

Hampstead Theatre

Contact Details:

Hampstead Theatre Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Manager in Westminster

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and fundraising sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream role!

Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for theatre and fundraising shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Know their recent projects, fundraising events, and key players. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.

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 our team and making a difference in the world of theatre fundraising.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager in Westminster

Fundraising Experience
Relationship Building Skills
Creativity
Attention to Detail
Event Management
Sponsorship Development
Stewardship and Donor Care

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for fundraising and the arts aligns with our mission. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Development Manager role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for us.

Be Personable:Since this role is all about building relationships, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone warm and engaging, so show us who you are beyond just your qualifications!

Follow Our Application Process:Remember to apply through our website as instructed! It’s super important to follow the application guidelines to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hampstead Theatre

Know Your Fundraising Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your fundraising knowledge, especially within the arts or not-for-profit sector. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role, as well as any creative ideas you have for engaging donors.

Build Relationships Before the Interview

If possible, try to connect with current or former employees of the organisation before your interview. This can give you valuable insights into their culture and expectations, and it shows your genuine interest in building relationships, which is key for this role.

Showcase Your Event Management Skills

Since the role involves managing fundraising events, be prepared to share specific examples of events you've organised. Highlight your attention to detail and creativity in making these events memorable for attendees.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation, such as inquiries about their upcoming projects or how they measure the success of their fundraising efforts.