Development Officer

We are recruiting for a Development Officer to join our Development department at The Lyceum. The Development Officer plays a vital role in supporting the Lyceum’s fundraising activity across Individual Giving, Events, Corporate Partnerships and Trusts & Foundations. The successful candidate will deliver excellent administration, high-quality supporter stewardship, and smooth running of the Development Team’s systems and fundraising processes.

When submitting your application please provide an updated CV as a supporting statement setting out how your skills and experience meet the person specification and tell us why you are interested in a career in theatre fundraising. Please note that if you don’t feel you fit the essential criteria of the role but would still like to apply, we encourage you to do so with further information about why you’re a great fit. If you would like to apply through an alternative means, such as video or audio file, you’re welcome to do so.

To discuss the roles and interview process further, please contact us at jobs@lyceum.org.uk.

• Individual Giving
  • Administer the Lyceum’s Patrons schemes, acting as the first point of contact for many supporters.
  • Manage enquiries, renewals, and day-to-day issues relating to the Patrons Programme.
  • Deliver Patron / Donor benefits including backstage events, rehearsal visits, talks, hospitality events and other engagement opportunities.
  • Process regular donations and gifts, and work closely with finance to maintain accurate financial and supporter records.
  • Contribute to strategies to recruit new Patrons and identify supporters with potential for increased giving.
  • Work with Box Office to manage ticket bookings and priority booking periods for Patrons and Donors.
  • Support the Development Manager with paperwork, income processing, and stewardship.
• Trusts & Foundations
  • Support the team with prospect identification, research, and maintaining accurate records of funder information.
  • Assist with reports, evaluations, applications and file all correspondence.
  • Support the collation of information required for grant reporting and project monitoring across the Lyceum.
• Corporate Partnerships
  • Support the Director and Head of Development with planning and logistics for partnership events.
  • Research and, in some cases, lead on approaches to in‑kind supporters.
  • Manage day‑to‑day administration of partnerships ensuring timely delivery of benefits.
  • Assist with organising hospitality, including attendance during receptions or special events.
• Events & Stewardship
  • Provide administrative and practical support for Development events including Artistic Directors Circle activities, receptions, rehearsals, and behind‑the‑scenes experiences.
  • Support the running of high‑profile annual events such as the Christmas Bucket Collections.
  • Attend theatre performances as required to steward donors and support hospitality.
• Communications
  • Assist with mailings to Patrons, Donors, prospects, Trustees, and corporate partners.
  • Manage and update Development web pages, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and regularly refreshed.
• Database & Systems
  • Maintain accurate supporter records across the theatre’s databases (Spektrix).
  • Ensure effective data entry and consistent recording practices across the team.
  • Collate research findings and pass information to relevant team members.
  • Assist with processing gifts, donations, and general financial tracking.
• Team Support
  • Act as part of the cross‑department team responding to general administrative enquiries via phone and shared inboxes.
  • Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Head of Development or senior team members.

• Administrative experience and excellent organisational skills.
• Experience working with databases and maintaining accurate records.
• Confident with desktop research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evening or weekend theatre performances or events.
• Understanding of basic budgets, financial tracking, and cash flow.
• Ability to manage workload independently and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• 4% matched pension contributions.
• Free tickets to press nights plus discounted ticket deals on certain performances.
• Cycle to work & Tech Schemes.
• Discounts at various organisations such as Edinburgh Leisure.
• Quarterly staff social events.