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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and engage with donors to support the RWA's mission.
- Company: The Royal West of England Academy is an independent art gallery focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days holiday, and a vibrant creative community in Bristol.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the arts while shaping the future of a historic institution.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for the arts are essential.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds; we value creativity and ambition in our team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the Role
The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is proudly independent, receiving no regular public funding. We thrive thanks to the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, creative partners, and commercial income.
Following a major £5 million capital renovation, we’ve launched a bold new five-year plan focused on strengthening our infrastructure and deepening our public impact through both contemporary and historical exhibitions.
We’re now ready to reshape our fundraising strategy to support this next chapter, growing income from trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships and fundraising campaigns. Our goal is to build a resilient, values-driven model of development that reflects the RWA’s ambition and supports our life-changing engagement work.
Help shape the Future of the RWA
We’re looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) into its next chapter.
Whether you’re an experienced development lead or a brilliant consultant looking for a meaningful partnership, this is an opportunity to make your mark at one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic art galleries. We’ve got big ambitions, and we expect you will too.
You’ll have the freedom to shape the role around your strengths and experience, working closely with the Director, our part-time Relationship Manager, and a highly engaged Board and Development Committee. Your work will be a vital part in helping us sustain a vibrant, inclusive, and creative organisation for artists and audiences in Bristol and beyond.
You might enjoy the breadth of the full role, or to specialise in one area working alongside a colleague. We’re open to finding the work pattern that suits your skills, and life, best.
What matters most is that you love what the RWA stands for and want to help tell our story.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the development and delivery of a clear, ambitious fundraising strategy
- Growing our income from trusts, foundations, and individuals over a three-year period
- Stewarding our wonderful donors; managing our Commissioning Circle and Patron schemes, and supporting our Friends community
- Developing brilliant fundraising campaigns like our much-loved Secret Postcard Auction
- Leading the growth of initiatives like Art in the Workplace and legacy giving
- Leading on impact reporting and evaluation, ensuring our supporters see the difference they make
- Managing and mentoring the Relationship Manager and any consultants or freelancers
- Reporting to and working with the Director and Trustees to meet agreed targets
- Acting as a public ambassador for the RWA, its values, and its creative mission
Who we’re looking for
We’re after someone who brings:
- A proven track record in trust and foundation fundraising
- Significant success in major donor giving
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Confidence and creativity in developing new approaches and partnerships
- Experience leading fundraising strategies and managing income streams
- An understanding of what makes donors feel valued and engaged
- The ability to think big and work flexibly — rolling up your sleeves when needed
- A love for Bristol, the arts, and the RWA’s unique place in the cultural landscape
- Experience with campaign delivery, and team management is helpful, but if you don’t tick every box, we still want to hear from you.
What we offer
- A flexible working culture; hybrid working, part-time or consultancy-based approaches welcomed
- 28 days holiday pro rata, plus public holidays
- A stunning, central Bristol workplace and a creative, passionate community
- Support from a committed team and engaged Board of Trustees
- Free Employee Assistance Programme scheme
- The chance to build a role, and a legacy, that’s truly your own
How to apply
Please send a CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages)
We’d love to hear from people from all backgrounds, especially those who feel underrepresented in the arts and heritage sector. If we can make the application process more accessible for you, please let us know.
Deadline to apply: 5:00 pm, Sunday 10 August 2025
Head of Development employer: Royal West of England Academy
Contact Detail:
Royal West of England Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the arts and fundraising sectors. Attend events, workshops, or seminars related to fundraising and development to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at the RWA.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Royal West of England Academy thoroughly. Understand their mission, recent projects, and fundraising strategies. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity by thinking of innovative fundraising ideas that align with the RWA's goals. Prepare a few concepts to discuss during interviews, as this will highlight your proactive attitude and ability to contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the RWA's community through social media or local events. By participating in their activities, you can gain valuable insights into their culture and values, which will help you connect better with the team and their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Development position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also convey your passion for the RWA and its mission. Discuss your relevant experience in fundraising and how you can contribute to their ambitious goals. Keep it concise and engaging, ensuring it doesn't exceed two pages.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your proven track record in trust and foundation fundraising, major donor giving, and any successful fundraising campaigns you've led. Use specific examples and metrics to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Passion: Make sure to express your love for Bristol, the arts, and the unique role of the RWA in the cultural landscape. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates and show that you are genuinely invested in the organisation's mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal West of England Academy
✨Know the RWA Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the Royal West of England Academy thoroughly. Understand its mission, recent projects, and future goals. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the organisation and how your skills align with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past fundraising successes, particularly in trust and foundation fundraising. Highlight any innovative strategies you've implemented and the impact they had on previous organisations. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience they are looking for.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this role, be ready to share stories about how you've successfully engaged and stewarded donors in the past. Discuss your approach to maintaining long-term relationships and how you ensure donors feel valued and appreciated.
✨Be Creative and Flexible
The RWA is looking for someone who can think outside the box. Prepare to discuss your creative ideas for fundraising campaigns and partnerships. Also, be open about your flexibility in adapting to the needs of the organisation and how you can roll up your sleeves when necessary.
