Head of Creative Development

Job Description

Belarus Free TheatreJob TitleHead of Creative Development Reporting toExecutive ManagementOrganisationBelarus Free TheatreLocationSouth Bank, Greater LondonContractPart-time, 12 monthsAnnual LeaveAnnual leave is 25 days per year, plus 8 paid bank holidays (Prorated for part-time employees)Probationary PeriodAll new employees will be required to undertake a period of probation for six months. 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 (BFT) is a unique theatre company highly respected in the UK and internationally, whose work sits at the intersection of arts and human rights. Working from the offices of the Young Vic, where BFT is an associate company, youll be part of a small team creating vital political theatre, education programmes and international campaigning activities.Job Responsibilities: Belarus Free Theatre (BFT) is looking for an experienced and strategic leader to support the next chapter of this lean, but impactful organisation. You will be an experienced professional with successful fundraising capabilities, ready to bring your contacts and partnerships to BFTs projects as well as cultivating new prospects. You will be someone who understands how to run fundraising initiatives effectively, identifying and developing fundraising leads on a weekly basis. You will have in-depth knowledge of performing arts, human rights, and journalism sectors with existing relationships with donor communities globally including but not limited to EU, UK, US. The Head of Creative Development would be responsible to Co-Executive, Development and Education Director. All of the Head of Creative Developments core responsibilities will be managed through a collaborative, respectful and highly consultative relationship with the companys Co-Founders.Key Responsibilities will be:Fundraising Operations Create, implement and maintain the organisations fundraising strategy; Coordinate and manage fundraising - comprising individual philanthropists, donor community, Trusts and Foundations, corporate sector, state agencies, high level donors and digital fundraising across the organisation; Submitting applications on a weekly basis to meet monthly fundraising targets based on BFTs annual budget, while being open to processing emergency grants for emerging projects; Take responsibility for donor retention and communication in close consultation with the Co-Artistic Directors. Develop strategic relationships with high level donors, trusts, grant making bodies and key stakeholders around the globe including the US, Australia, Canada and key European states; As resources become available via a successful fundraising strategy, recruit, develop and line manage a paid fundraising team; Define clear income targets for all fundraising activities with YoY growth during a period of restructuring; Ensure cohesive and consistent messaging across multi-vector activities of the company (performing arts, human rights, media, advocacy) with an emphasis on BFTs mission: inspiring bystanders into active citizens. Strategy and Planning Within the first month of employment, create and deliver an evidence-based, measurable fundraising strategy to grow and sustain BFTs endeavours; Run effective campaigns to meet fundraising targets for BFTs productions; Report on progress against fundraising targets.Finance Produce and manage cost-effective budgets to achieve high impact return on fundraising investment and meet agreed deadline and targets; In liaison with the Artistic Directors, Co-Executive, Development and Education Director, set the annual budget and fundraising goals; In consultation with the Artistic Directors, Co-Executive, Development and Education Director, ensure that resources are managed as effectively and impactfully as possible; Monitor and record revenue/fundraising patterns to inform strategy.Person SpecificationEssential Skills and Experience Proven ability to deliver income targets, including a track record of successfully securing major gift support (Trust and Foundation, individual and corporate) Strong connections and track record of individual giving and philanthropic activity in the UK/Internationally. Experience of the planning and implementing of fundraising strategies in the arts or civil society sectors Able to collaborate with colleagues to identify new opportunities, generate ideas and creatively solve problems Persuasive communication skills, in both writing and speaking Strong research skills Proven track record of managing multiple tasks and working to deadlines Ability to organise, prioritise and execute responsibilities in the face of conflicting priorities and limited resources 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 (preferably Salesforce NSPS application) Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent IT skills, including proficiency across full Microsoft Office suite Experience in website editing and social mediaDesirable Russian language a bonus, but not essentialEssential Attributes Energy Determination Persuasiveness Creative thinker Team spirit Commitment and flexibility to carry varied responsibilities within a small team Adept at multitasking Interest in the arts, especially theatre Interest in international politics and human rights Enthusiasm for the work of Belarus Free Theatre