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- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and inspire a dedicated team to secure major gifts.
- Company: Join the internationally renowned Royal Shakespeare Company during a period of exciting growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while working with passionate leaders and philanthropists.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and exceptional leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible location with travel opportunities and a commitment to diversity and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious fundraiser looking for an opportunity with an exciting and established portfolio and an internationally renowned brand? Are you skilled at securing and stewarding six-figure gifts and growing portfolios? Can you lead, motivate and inspire a small, hardworking team?
We are looking to appoint an experienced fundraiser to lead the strategy, cultivation and stewardship of major (five and six-figure) gifts. This is a fixed-term position to cover family leave, expected to run from May 2026 until around May 2027. It’s a wonderful opportunity to join the RSC in a period of strategic change and growth. You will work closely with Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey and Executive Director Andrew Leveson to generate support for our acclaimed work both on and off stage.
Reporting to the Development Director, your key areas of responsibility will include:
- Managing a portfolio of around 50 active supporters and prospects, predominantly from the UK and the US, with a focus on new gifts of six figures.
- Leading and motivating the Major Gifts team, setting and meeting bold and achievable financial targets.
- Working with senior leaders, Board, Governors and high-level volunteers to engage supporters and prospects.
- Working with the Development Events team to deliver a programme of events for major philanthropists.
- Monitoring annual income targets, budgets and KPIs.
To be suitable for this role, it’s essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Exceptional fundraising skills, with a track record of securing and stewarding six-figure gifts.
- The ability to represent the RSC at a senior level.
- The ability to work effectively under pressure, balancing long-term strategic planning with short-term results.
The RSC’s Development department is split between Stratford-upon-Avon and London, and the majority of the Major Gifts team is based in Stratford-upon-Avon. This position can be based in either Stratford-upon-Avon or London and will require regular travel to the other office (expenses are covered by the RSC). This role is a full-time, fixed-term contract position based on working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You will be required to work in the office or on site for a minimum of 3 days per week. Due to the nature of our work, occasional weekend and evening work will be required and there may be some international travel.
Application Process
All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email.
The interviews will be in-person, in late February.
About the RSC
The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability. We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals. We believe that safeguarding children and adults is everyone’s responsibility, and everybody working at the RSC has a duty to place safeguarding at the heart of their work. We welcome candidates who will support and advocate the RSC’s environmental objectives continuing to improve our sustainability work and actions both on and off stage.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (no.) is a registered charity.
Head of Major Gifts (Family Leave Cover) in Warwick employer: ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Contact Detail:
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts (Family Leave Cover) in Warwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fundraising world and let them know you're on the hunt for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the RSC and its values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've secured major gifts in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for fundraising shine through. They want to see that you’re not just skilled, but also genuinely excited about the work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the RSC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts (Family Leave Cover) in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in securing and stewarding six-figure gifts. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your fundraising successes!
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a small team, it’s essential to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you’ve motivated and inspired teams in the past – we love to see that passion for collaboration!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the RSC website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details, and if you have any questions, just drop us an email for assistance.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Major Gifts, you'll need to demonstrate your fundraising prowess. Brush up on your past successes in securing six-figure gifts and be ready to discuss specific examples. Highlight how you managed your portfolio and the strategies you used to cultivate relationships with high-value donors.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and team management abilities. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully led a team, set ambitious targets, and motivated others to achieve them. Think about how you can inspire the Major Gifts team at the RSC and be ready to discuss your approach.
✨Understand the RSC's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Shakespeare Company's mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your fundraising strategies align with their goals, especially during this period of strategic change. Showing that you understand their work both on and off stage will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to balance long-term planning with short-term results. Think of scenarios where you've had to adapt quickly under pressure or manage competing priorities. Being able to provide concrete examples will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
