At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative fundraising efforts and engage alumni to support RADA's mission.
- Company: Join RADA, a prestigious institution shaping the future of dramatic arts for over 120 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 38 days' holiday, hybrid working, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on inclusion, access, and innovative growth strategies.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on the arts by empowering diverse voices and supporting talented students.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience, preferably in cultural or higher education sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 112000 € per year.
Job Description
Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
Salary in the region of £80,000 pa
38 days’ holiday |Defined contribution pension scheme | Hybrid working
For over 120 years, RADA has stood at the forefront of dramatic arts training, nurturing generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape the worlds of theatre, film and television. Access and diversity are at the heart of RADA, and we are deeply committed to ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can experience our training, uplifting the greatest range of voices and perspectives.
This is an exciting time to join us. Our vision and strategy focus on sustainability and inclusion, foregrounding excellence, equitable practice and wellbeing, and empowering artists. Alongside developing our growth strategy, estates strategy, industry partnerships and international offer, we are addressing two urgent priorities: investment in our estate and in bursaries to ensure all talented students can thrive. At the same time, we are building a renewed alumni strategy, creating opportunities for graduates to connect, collaborate and shape the future of our industry. We are also working from our foundational strengths to grow income streams through life-changing work, aligned with our core pedagogy and ethos. We aim to co-create with industry and other stakeholders to build on our reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in our field.
We are now seeking an impactful and strategic leader to join us at a pivotal moment in our journey. As Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement and part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering a bold fundraising strategy that supports both revenue and capital ambitions, raising funds to renew RADA’s estate and technical capabilities as well as safeguarding bursaries. A key focus of this role will be leading our major gifts programme, cultivating and stewarding high-value relationships with philanthropists, trusts and foundations, alumni and industry partners to unlock transformational support for RADA’s mission and future.
This role offers the chance to lead a transformative phase of growth. You will be instrumental in aligning fundraising efforts with our organisational strategy, including our vision for inclusive training, international engagement and sector leadership.
Our new Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement will be a dynamic and experienced professional, ideally with a background in the cultural or higher education sectors, with a proven ability to lead, inspire and deliver impact, and a track record in major gift fundraising and strategic donor engagement.
If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of dramatic arts training, and to make a lasting difference through life-changing work, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit: https://richmond-associates.com/job/dpae-rada/
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.
We are taking positive action by guaranteeing an interview to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and/or who self-identifies as D/deaf or disabled, and has experience as a development department lead or deputy lead in the cultural and Higher Education sectors. If you regard yourself as having these characteristics, please state so clearly on your supporting statement.
Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Wednesday 29th October 2025
Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement employer: RADA
At the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions access, diversity, and inclusion within the arts. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster a collaborative work culture that empowers our staff to lead transformative initiatives in philanthropy and alumni engagement. Join us in shaping the future of dramatic arts training while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and making a meaningful impact in the lives of talented students from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni and industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can make all the difference when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, let your enthusiasm for RADA's mission shine through. Talk about how you can contribute to their vision of inclusive training and sector leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for fundraising roles and practice your responses. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself top of mind and show your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and how it aligns with RADA's commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made in fundraising and donor engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to cultivate high-value relationships and drive revenue growth.
Be Authentic:Let your passion for the arts and education shine through in your application. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference in the sector and how you can contribute to RADA's mission.
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 this exciting opportunity at RADA.
How to prepare for a job interview at RADA
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into RADA's mission and values. Understand their commitment to inclusion and diversity, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially in major gifts. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with philanthropists and industry partners, as this role heavily relies on those connections.
✨Engage with Alumni Strategies
Think about innovative ways to engage alumni and foster connections. Bring ideas to the table that demonstrate your understanding of the importance of alumni networks in fundraising and community building.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about RADA’s current initiatives and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge how you can best fit into their strategic objectives.
