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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and develop strategies for community engagement and accessibility projects.
- Company: Join Oxford Playhouse, a vibrant not-for-profit theatre at the heart of Oxford's cultural scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities to make a real social impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of arts and culture in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fundraising and exceptional communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to influence the accessibility of a beloved local venue.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Oxford Playhouse is one of the country’s leading regional theatres and the only not-for-profit mid-scale venue in Oxfordshire. The theatre is at the heart of cultural life in the city and region, with a wonderfully rich heritage of live performance, drama, dance, music and comedy. It also produces mid-scale and studio productions, including a hugely popular pantomime which plays to audiences of over 40,000 each year.
As well as being a home for inspirational performance, The Playhouse is an active charity with artistic, social and educational aims. Through its Open House programme, a dynamic and wide-ranging outreach project, The Playhouse opens access for theatregoing and creative learning opportunities for thousands of people every year. It works closely with schools across the county to support literacy, distributes 2,500 free tickets to community groups, and works with partners including Age UK to deliver inclusive programmes for older people.
The Playhouse is immensely grateful to all those who support the organisation - its core funders Arts Council England, University of Oxford, St John’s College Oxford, and Oxford City Council - as well as many charitable trusts, foundations, businesses, individuals and audience members. This support underpins the work of Oxford Playhouse in presenting and producing world-class theatre on our stages; offering inspiring creative opportunities to young people and the next generation of artists; and enriching people’s lives and communities through the arts.
Oxford Playhouse is looking for a dynamic leader with a passion for the cultural sector, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in fundraising and donor relations to join the organisation as its Development Director. If you are an experienced fundraiser who can drive positive change, we’d love to receive your application. Working closely with our newly strengthened governance team, and the Artistic Director and CEO Mike Tweddle (appointed 2023) and Executive Director Marianne Jacques, this is an exciting time to be joining The Playhouse, helping to shape the development strategy for the organisation, lead our fundraising plans around a capital project to make our building fully accessible and welcoming to all.
For full details visit Oxford Playhouse website.
Development Director employer: Oxford Playhouse Theatre
Contact Detail:
Oxford Playhouse Theatre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Oxford Playhouse's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and inclusivity will help you align your vision for the role of Development Director with theirs, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the cultural sector in Oxfordshire. Attend local arts events or engage with community groups that Oxford Playhouse collaborates with. Building relationships can provide insights into the organisation's needs and demonstrate your commitment to the local arts scene.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative fundraising strategies that could benefit Oxford Playhouse. Research successful campaigns from similar organisations and think about how you can adapt those ideas to enhance their outreach and accessibility initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and experience in driving change. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in fundraising or community engagement, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Development Director position at Oxford Playhouse. Understand the key responsibilities, required skills, and the organisation's mission to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in fundraising and donor relations. Provide specific examples of successful campaigns or projects you've led, showcasing your ability to drive positive change in the cultural sector.
Show Passion for the Arts: Demonstrate your passion for the cultural sector in your application. Share your thoughts on the importance of arts in communities and how you envision contributing to Oxford Playhouse's mission and outreach programmes.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of Oxford Playhouse's values and goals. Mention how your vision aligns with their development strategy and how you can help make their building more accessible and welcoming.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Playhouse Theatre
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the cultural sector during the interview. Discuss your experiences with live performance and how they have shaped your understanding of the importance of arts in the community.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Expertise
Prepare specific examples of successful fundraising initiatives you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies for donor relations and how you can apply them to support Oxford Playhouse's mission.
✨Understand Their Community Impact
Familiarise yourself with Oxford Playhouse's outreach programmes and community initiatives. Highlight how your skills can enhance their efforts in making the arts accessible to diverse audiences.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the current leadership team and their vision for the future of the theatre. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to shaping the development strategy and capital project for accessibility.
