We are Recruiting: Development Manager

The Development Manager work with the Education and Development Director to develop and implement fundraising ideas and initiatives, both locally and internationally, to enable Belarus Free Theatre’s producing, education and campaigning programmes. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of "one of the most powerful underground companies on the planet" (New York Times, 2013). Belarus Free Theatre is a unique theatre company highly respected in the UK and internationally. The company’s work crosses the arts, human rights and education. Working from the offices of the Young Vic, where BFT is an associate company, you’ll be part of a small team creating vital political theatre, education programmes and international campaigning activities. For more information on the company please visit www.belarusfreetheatre.com.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Work with the Education and Development Director (EDD) to achieve BFT’s annual and long-term fundraising targets for the company’s work in general and for specific projects.
• Work with the EDD to implement fundraising strategy in order to develop, secure and retain support from all available resources.
• Research new funding opportunities in the UK, Europe, USA and internationally.
• Write small to mid-scale grant applications in collaboration with the EDD.
• Support the EDD in developing large-scale applications and partnership proposals.
• Support the General Manager and EDD in developing the necessary budgets and financial projections to support grant, project and funding applications.
• Support the company Directorate in building, maintaining existing, and initiating new relationships across all giving sectors at all levels.
• Ensure excellent relations with funders including individuals, public bodies and philanthropic institutions.
• Ensure grant monitoring and reporting in line with funding criteria.
• Work with the EDD to implement a new individual and private/corporate giving campaign.
• Work with the EDD to organise and oversee the delivery of fundraising events.
• Contribute to the organisation of company events by securing attendance by funders and supporters.
• Ensure comprehensive and accurate recording of funders’ information.

Communications

• Oversee donor communications across all areas including print and publicity materials.
• Contribute to all marketing, PR and media campaigns.
• Contribute to key company communications, including the annual report, and ensure that these are produced in accordance with the BFT brand and company style.

General

• Play a full and active role within the life of the company. Adhering to BFT values, work alongside the team in pursuit of the company’s objectives.
• Be familiar with and personally responsible for acting within BFT policies.
• Attend BFT press nights and other special events and meetings as required.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of successful work in a fundraising/development context
• Demonstrable experience of grant/fundraising success, preferably in the arts and/or social justice sectors
• Experience of contributing to the planning and implementing of fundraising strategies across a wide range of fundraising disciplines
Experience of EU and international funding environments, grant applications to statutory bodies, trusts and foundations, corporations and private individuals
• Strong research skills
• Able to collaborate with colleagues to identify new opportunities, generate ideas and creatively solve problems
• Persuasive communication skills, in both writing and speaking
• Proven track record of managing multiple tasks and working to deadlines
• Experience of financial procedures and working with budgets
• Experience of working in the arts or human rights
• Experience of event planning and organisation
• Experience of database management
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent IT skills

Desirable

• Russian language
• Experience in website editing and social media

Essential Attributes

• Energy
• Determination
• Persuasiveness
• Creative thinker
• Team spirit
• Commitment and flexibility to carry varied responsibilities within a small team
• Interest in the arts, especially theatre
• Interest in international politics and human rights
• Enthusiasm for the work of Belarus Free Theatre

Application Details

To apply, please send a full CV and a supporting statement outlining your skills, experience and why you are a suitable candidate for the post, with particular reference to the person specification above. Please also supply the names and contact details of two referees who know your work.

Applications should be sent to: Vasanthi Argouin, Company Administrator at info@belarusfreetheatre.com.

Application deadline: 9am on Monday 3 August.

First round interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the week of 10 August. Second round interviews will be on Monday 17 August. Interviews will take place at the Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ.