Development Director
Salary £ 48,000
Vacancy listed 29/06/2026
Application deadline 19/07/2026
Details
Strategy
  • To develop and implement a successful fundraising strategy reflecting the Bush’s core objectives, generating ongoing sustainable income to support all aspects of the theatre’s work.
  • To be an active part in programming conversations and leverage productions for maximise supporter engagement.
  • To understand the annual target and the part played by each income stream to achieve it.
  • To oversee the devising of a strategy for the acquisition and retention of the Bush’s membership scheme.
  • To lead on the creation and communication of new fundraising initiatives to a diverse range of external and internal stakeholders.
  • To be responsive to opportunities and changes in the fundraising landscape.
  • As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, to play a key role in the strategic thinking of the organisation and ongoing business planning process.
  • To play a key role in the overall strategy for relationships and communications with statutory funders and bodies, including Arts Council England.
  • To contribute to early-stage strategic planning and capacity building for future major capital developments alongside maintaining annual revenue goals.



Leadership
  • To lead and manage the Development Team, including taking responsibility for their professional development.
  • To remain abreast of funding priorities for the Bush Theatre across all streams
  • To manage a portfolio of funders and support members of the Development team on key projects where necessary.
  • To form part of the Bush’s Senior Management Team.
  • To deputise for and partner with the Executive Director and Co-CEO on specific projects and at internal or external events and meetings as required.
  • To deliver quarterly fundraising reports for the Board on income raised.
  • To manage the day-to-day financial management for the Development Team including maintaining targets, reporting and forecasting.

Fundraising duties
  • To be responsible for achieving agreed annual revenue targets, currently £625k per year, by overseeing individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate giving and events.  
  • To lead on major donor giving across all sectors of the fundraised income.
  • To develop a portfolio of donors and a prospect pipeline.
  • To create bespoke strategies for donors and deliver cultivation and stewardship plans accordingly.
  • To motivate and support trustees who support the fundraising activity.
  • To oversee the preparation of high quality, targeted and compelling fundraising materials, including letters, proposals, presentations and updates.
  • To ensure that all income secured is handled as tax effectively as possible.

Events & Planning
  • To create and oversee the delivery of an annual programme of events for supporters designed to maximise supporter retention and upgrades and encourage overall engagement with the theatre.
  • To develop and oversee cultivation and stewardship events and other events aimed at raising funds and identifying new supporters.
  • To input to guest lists for press nights and other special events ensuring opportunities to engage major donors and prospects are maximised.
  • To oversee production of briefing notes for senior management and Trustee meetings and events with major donors.

Other Duties
  • To keep up to date with developments in fundraising.
  • To attend read-throughs, sharings, Preview, Press and Supporters’ Nights and other Bush Theatre events as required.
  • Attend regular Company meetings and programming meetings.
  • Actively develop and implement green policies and practices for the department.
  • Adhere to, and actively contribute to, Bush Theatre policies, including Equalities (diversity, access, and equal opportunities), Environmental and Health & Safety.
  • To maximise income and minimise expenditure wherever possible, without jeopardising the quality of the work or the reputation of The Bush Theatre.
  • To act always in the best interest of the Bush Theatre.
  • Any other duties as reasonably required.
Benefits

Interest-free season ticket loan (after probation) for employees.
Cycle to work scheme for employees.
Complimentary tickets to all Bush productions subject to availability.
Enhanced holiday and additional holiday for length of service.
Birthday holiday.
Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave policies.
20% discount on food and drink at the Library Cafe Bar.
Access to a confidential counselling service.

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