WORK WITH US!

We are currently recruiting for a

Fundraising Manager​ (Part-time)


Fundraising Manager​ (Part-time)

Salary
£38,000 - £42,000 FTE


Hours
2 days per week (0.4 FTE)

Contract
9 month fixed term contract. We hope that the successful candidate will help build a sustainable fundraising pipeline and there is potential for the role to continue beyond the initial contract period, subject to funding.

Location
Flexible / remote with occasional attendance at events, meetings and organisational activities.


Open Door is an award-winning charity that helps talented people aged 17+, who do not have the financial support or resources gain a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools. 

Whether they want to pursue a career in acting, production arts or technical theatre, we support them by breaking down barriers. This allows them to compete for drama school training on a level playing field, unburdened from financial strain.

Our awards include; School of the Year at The Stage Awards (2019); Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers (2019 and 2022); and BIFA’s Special Jury Prize for Contribution to the Industry (2022). 

Partner organisations include: the Donmar Warehouse, National Theatre, Spotlight, Royal Court London, Almeida Theatre, Shakespeare North, Royal Stratford East, The Lowry, HOME Theatre, Leeds Playhouse, and Liverpool Everyman.

Patrons include: Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke & Riz Ahmed


About the Role
This is a new role created to strengthen our fundraising capacity and build long-term financial sustainability.
We are seeking a proactive and relationship-focused Fundraising Manager to take ownership of our fundraising activity, steward existing supporters and help grow a sustainable pipeline of income. The organisation has a strong track record of securing support from trusts, foundations and corporate partners. We have a range of successful funding applications, templates and supporting materials in place and are now looking for someone who can ensure opportunities are identified, relationships are nurtured, and fundraising activity is delivered consistently and effectively.
This role is not solely focused on writing funding applications. We are looking for someone who can manage relationships, identify opportunities, maintain momentum and ensure that fundraising becomes an embedded and sustainable part of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Pipeline

  • Maintain and develop a pipeline of funding opportunities

  • Identify and research new trusts, foundations and corporate prospects

  • Develop and implement a fundraising plan in collaboration with the Director and Trustees

  • Monitor and track fundraising activity to ensure opportunities are progressed in a timely manner

  • Build systems and processes that support long term fundraising success

Trusts and Foundations

  • Adapt and submit funding applications using existing materials and templates

  • Identify new funding opportunities aligned with organisational priorities

  • Manage reporting requirements for existing funders

  • Build and maintain relationships with trusts and foundations

  • Ensure all funding deadlines and reporting commitments are met

Corporate Partnerships

  • Steward and develop relationships with existing corporate supporters

  • Identify opportunities to increase support from current partners

  • Research and cultivate new corporate relationships

  • Support the development of sponsorship and partnership opportunities

Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management

  • Ensure supporters receive timely updates, thanks and recognition

  • Develop supporter engagement and stewardship plans

  • Build relationships with donors, funders and key stakeholders

  • Create opportunities for supporters to engage more deeply with the organisation's work

Events and Engagement

  • Maximise fundraising opportunities arising from events and organisational activity

  • Support the planning and delivery of supporter engagement events

  • Follow up on opportunities, introductions and leads generated through networks and events

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate fundraising records and prospect tracking systems

  • Produce regular reports on fundraising activity, pipeline development and income generation

  • Monitor progress against agreed objectives and income targets

Person Specification

Essential

  • Proven experience in a fundraising role within the charity, arts or cultural sector

  • Experience securing income from trusts, foundations and/or corporate partners

  • Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

  • Experience developing and managing fundraising pipelines

Desirable

  • Experience working in a small charity environment

  • Experience developing corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities

  • Experience of arts, culture or community based organisations

  • Knowledge of CRM systems and donor management processes

Success in this Role

After 9 months, we would expect to see:

  • A clear and active fundraising pipeline

  • Strong stewardship of existing supporters

  • Increased engagement with corporate partners and funders

  • High quality trust and foundation applications submitted

  • Improved systems for tracking fundraising activity and relationships

  • A stronger and more sustainable income base

  • A clear case for continued investment in fundraising capacity

We welcome applications from experienced fundraisers seeking a flexible part time role, including those returning to work or combining this position with a freelance portfolio

As an equal opportunity employer and advocates of Diversity and Inclusion, we proudly welcome applications from people of all races, ethnicities, disability statuses, ages, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We encourage you to apply even if you don't think you meet all of the criteria above but are still interested in the role and mission. Nobody checks every box, and we're looking for team members who are genuinely excited to join Open Door. We welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the arts and culture sector.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you have any questions about this role or your application, you can contact jobs@opendoor.org.uk

To apply for this post, please:

Email a current C.V with either a cover letter or 1 minute video, detailing your experience and why you think you'd be a good match for the position to Eleanor@opendoor.org.uk.

https://opendoor.org.uk/job-applicant-privacy-statement

Please download and return with your application a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This form is for our evaluation purposes and will not be used in our assessment of your application.

If you would like to submit your application form in another format or require this information pack in a different font or format, we would be happy to accommodate this. Please contact Eleanor Cross at Eleanor@opendoor.org.uk to arrange this.