Development Director

Belarus Free Theatre is looking for a motivated, ambitious and creative individual to join us as Development Director.

The Development Director will work with the Artistic Directors and General Manager/Producer to develop and implement fundraising ideas and initiatives, both locally and internationally, to enable Belarus Free Theatre’s producing, education and campaigning programmes.  

Belarus Free Theatre is seeking an individual with proven track record of fundraising and a breadth of experience of working across trusts and foundations as well as corporate and individual giving.  The ideal candidate will display an imaginative approach to developing proposals, be a persuasive communicator, as well as adaptable to the changing needs of this diverse company.

Reports to: Artistic Directors.

Salary:  £37,000 - £47,000 per annum.

Contract: This a full time position, offered as a one-year contract (3 month probationary period). 

Working hours: 10am to 6pm, 5 days per week. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of "one of the bravest and most inspired underground troupes on the planet" (New York Times, 2015).  Belarus Free Theatre is a unique theatre company highly respected in the UK and internationally, whose work crosses the arts and human rights. 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.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Manage the organization's portfolio of funding partners, including development bodies, trusts and foundations. Engage with funders and maintain excellent relationships.
• Research new funding opportunities in the UK, Europe, USA and internationally in the arts and human rights.
• Project Design: develop new and innovative approaches to raising funds.
• Organisational Strategy: work with the team on organisational strategy and development, building new projects and securing partners across the range of BFT’s activities.
• Proposal Writing: Draft programme and project-based funding applications.
• Report Writing: Provide evidence-based narrative and financial reporting of excellent quality.
• Work with the team to develop and grow its individual, private/corporate giving and crowd-funding campaigns.
• Organise and oversee the delivery of fundraising events.
• Engage with the BFT team to ensure effective management of projects associated with grant agreements.

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, in the arts or civil society 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
• Experience of raising funds from private individuals and corporations
• 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, civil society or human rights 
• Experience of event planning and organisation
• Experience of database management 
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent IT skills

Desirable

• Experience in website editing and social media
• Russian language a bonus, but not essential

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. 

Application deadline: Monday 14th August at 10am.

First and second round interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place during the weeks of 14th and 21st August. Interviews will take place at the Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ.