Head of Development

Head of Development

Bristol Full-Time 44934 - 62906 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Watershed's Development strategy, focusing on individual giving and corporate partnerships.
  • Company: Watershed is a dynamic organization committed to cultural development and community engagement.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in the cultural sector while growing your fundraising skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience at a senior level, strong relationship management, and creative thinking required.
  • Other info: Short online interviews for all applicants meeting criteria; equal opportunities monitoring included.

The predicted salary is between 44934 - 62906 ÂŁ per year.

Do get in touch if you would like any of this information, or wish to apply, in another format.

Please do not include your CV as it will not be considered. Please put all relevant information on your application form.

Position

Head of Development

Salary

ÂŁ44,934 per annum

Hours

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Location

In the building. Hybrid working option available (part working in the building and part remote). This post is not suitable for full remote working.

Purpose of job

The Head of Development will lead on the delivery of Watershed’s Development strategy, with a central focus on managing and growing our individual giving and corporate partnerships. The role is fundamental to Watershed’s continued progress, with particular responsibility for building unrestricted funding to support our core activity.

You will prioritise and champion development activities across the whole organisation, implementing a mix of new ideas and proven strategies. Part of Watershed’s Senior Management Team, the role involves working closely with the Executive Director, Executive team, and a cross section of teams across Watershed to develop new prospects and strategic fundraising opportunities.

You will also carry out all expectations involved in being part of the Senior Management Team.

Main responsibilities

  • Delivery of our current three year Development Strategy, which aims to leverage and increase Watershed’s unrestricted funding.
  • The role includes leading on the following areas of work, the majority of which will be delivered in house:

Individual Giving

  • Devise and deliver effective fundraising campaigns to grow Watershed’s individual giving with the support of the Communications team and in line with Watershed’s values and brand.
  • Ensure excellent and effective stewardship of all donors with a joined-up approach to relationship management, and ensuring workflows are integrated and streamlined.
  • Forecast, track, analyse and report on individual giving income.

Corporate Partners

  • Drive forward our new work on corporate partnerships, ensuring the work is values-led and delivered to a high standard.
  • Create and manage an effective pipeline of prospects and plan approaches and campaigns accordingly.
  • Meet with prospective partners and effectively build and steward mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Forecast, track, analyse and report on corporate income.

Trusts and Foundations

  • Responsible for our Trusts & Foundations pipeline, including the management of consultants or staff as needed.
  • Ensure timely and accurate contracting and reporting.

Other

  • Lead responsibility for ensuring Watershed’s Fundraising Policy and Due Diligence procedures are up-to-date and integrated across the organisation.
  • Line manage and support staff to carry out expectations as outlined in Watershed’s line management guidance.

Key performance indicators

  • Successful delivery of our development strategy, making sure that it aligns with Watershed’s business plans and values and is responsive to new opportunities and the current environment in the cultural sector.
  • Effective management and reporting of organisational progress towards an agreed unrestricted income target, with associated pipelines in each key fundraising area.
  • Fundraising activities are joined up, realistic and well-integrated across the organisation.
  • Consultants and direct reports are well briefed, managed and are delivering.
  • Watershed funders, donors and partners feel recognised, thanked and understand the impact of their support.
  • Proven track record in fundraising at a senior level particularly from individual donors and/or corporates.
  • Experience of planning, delivering and reporting on a meaningful fundraising approach.
  • Experience of successful income generation and budget management.
  • Ability to think creatively and work under own initiative, with strong self-management skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective relationship management, including confidence in approaching new contacts and public speaking.

Application process

We will be conducting short online interviews with all applicants who meet the essential criteria. A shortlist will then be invited to a longer second interview.

First round interview / presentation (if relevant): Thu 9 January – Tue 14 January

Second round interview: Tue 21 January

Working at Watershed

Watershed will work with candidates to ensure their access needs are met during the interview process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making.

Equal opportunities monitoring

We are striving to understand more about who applies to work with us. At the end of the application process we invite you to complete our anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form, which will not be shared with anyone involved in the recruitment process.

Closing Date

Mon 6 January, 17:00 GMT 2025

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Head of Development employer: Watershed

Watershed is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for the Head of Development role. With a competitive salary of ÂŁ44,934 per annum and a hybrid working option, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritizes professional growth and innovative fundraising strategies. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a workplace that values your contributions and encourages personal development.
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Contact Detail:

Watershed Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Development

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with Watershed’s Development Strategy. Understanding their current goals and how they align with your experience will help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare specific examples of successful fundraising campaigns you've led in the past. Highlighting your proven track record in individual giving and corporate partnerships will demonstrate your capability for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the cultural sector, especially those who have experience in fundraising. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 4

Practice your public speaking skills. As the Head of Development, you'll need to confidently approach new contacts and present ideas, so being well-prepared will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development

Fundraising Strategy Development
Relationship Management
Campaign Planning and Execution
Data Analysis and Reporting
Budget Management
Interpersonal Skills
Public Speaking
Creative Thinking
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Development position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and expectations, especially around fundraising strategies and relationship management.

Complete the Application Form: Since CVs will not be considered, ensure that all relevant information is included in your application form. Highlight your experience in fundraising, managing partnerships, and any relevant achievements that align with Watershed’s goals.

Showcase Your Skills: Emphasize your proven track record in fundraising at a senior level, particularly from individual donors and corporates. Provide specific examples of successful campaigns or initiatives you have led.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your approach to developing fundraising strategies and managing relationships. Think about how you can demonstrate your creativity and self-management skills during the interview process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Watershed

✨Understand the Development Strategy

Make sure you have a solid grasp of Watershed's current three-year Development Strategy. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for increasing unrestricted funding and how you can contribute to this strategy.

✨Showcase Fundraising Experience

Highlight your proven track record in fundraising, especially from individual donors and corporate partnerships. Prepare specific examples of successful campaigns you've led and the impact they had on previous organizations.

✨Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills

Since the role involves managing relationships with donors and corporate partners, be ready to discuss your approach to relationship management. Share examples of how you've built and maintained strong partnerships in the past.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity in fundraising. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in relation to developing new prospects and strategic opportunities.

Head of Development
Watershed
W
  • Head of Development

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    44934 - 62906 ÂŁ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2026-12-15

  • W

    Watershed

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