At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure major gifts and shape the future of dance.
- Company: Sadler's Wells, a leading global dance organisation with a focus on creativity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and innovation in the arts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts by connecting with philanthropists who love dance.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing significant donations and building strong donor relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of dance.
Some fundraising roles support great organisations. This one helps shape an art form.
Sadler's Wells is one of the world's leading dance organisations; commissioning, producing and presenting more dance than anywhere else.
From contemporary to hip hop, ballet to Bollywood, their work reaches millions of people across the UK and internationally while creating opportunities for artists and communities to thrive.
As they continue an exciting new chapter following the opening of Sadler's Wells East, they're looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to join them as Deputy Director of Philanthropy.
This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build transformational relationships with philanthropists who believe in the power of dance to inspire, connect and create lasting change.
The opportunity
Working closely with the Director of Development, you'll lead the Major Gifts team, driving strategy and personally securing significant support from high-net-worth individuals.
You'll develop and grow a portfolio of major, principal and transformational donors, creating compelling opportunities for investment that enable artists to take creative risks, new work to be commissioned and audiences around the world to experience extraordinary dance.
Alongside leading fundraising activity, you'll play a key role in shaping the future direction of philanthropy at Sadler's Wells, collaborating across the organisation, working alongside senior leadership, Trustees and influential supporters whilst helping build an ambitious culture of philanthropy.
We're looking for someone who
- Has a strong track record of securing six and seven-figure gifts from individual philanthropists.
- Builds authentic, long-term relationships with high-level donors and stakeholders.
- Is a strategic fundraising leader who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with hands‑on fundraising.
- Can inspire, develop and lead high‑performing teams.
- Has experience working within arts, culture or similarly complex relationship‑led fundraising environments.
- Is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of one of the world's most influential cultural organisations.
Experience of international philanthropy, US fundraising or legacy giving would be welcomed but isn't essential.
Why Sadler's Wells?
This is much more than a fundraising role.
You’ll join an organisation driven by creativity, inclusion, collaboration and innovation, where philanthropy directly enables artists to create bold new work and ensures dance remains accessible to audiences and communities.
Alongside a salary of £60,000–£70,000, you’ll benefit from
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- 25 days annual leave plus additional service leave.
- Pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Interest‑free season ticket loan and Cycle to Work scheme.
- Staff ticket opportunities and café discounts.
- A genuinely inclusive workplace committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
- Application
Sadler's Wells welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from individuals whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen the diversity of the organisation.
If you’d benefit from any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date
Sunday 2nd August 1st Stage Interviews (virtual): 10th and 11th August 2nd Stage Interviews (in person): 18th & 20th August
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Deputy Director of Philanthropy in London employer: Valued Recruitment
Sadler's Wells is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of dance while working in a vibrant and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to creativity and collaboration, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to a mission that inspires and connects communities through the transformative power of dance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Philanthropy in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Valued Recruitment.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Valued Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Valued Recruitment.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Valued Recruitment. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Philanthropy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Valued Recruitment. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Deputy Director of Philanthropy, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Valued Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Valued Recruitment. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
