Associate Head of Development Events

THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE; London Borough of Lambeth; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff tickets

25 days annual leave (32 with service)

Development Programmes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Pension schemes

On-site facilities

Job summary

The Royal National Theatre is seeking an Associate Head of Development Events to lead and deliver a high-impact events programme that raises funds and deepens supporter relationships.

Working with senior colleagues across Development and Operations, you will manage a diverse events portfolio—from intimate experiences to the biennial Gala—and embed a donor-focused approach across the organisation. You will also develop the Events team and collaborate with partners to unlock new funding.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering high-quality events in fundraising or cultural sectors.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and high-profile audiences.
• Robust line management experience.
• Excellent project management and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality events within a busy fundraising environment.
• Work with senior stakeholders including artists, donors, and corporate partners.
• Line manage the Events team and develop capabilities.
• Build cross-organisational relationships to identify funding opportunities.
• Ensure events align with Development priorities and deadlines.

Skills

Event delivery experience

Stakeholder management

Line management

Relationship-building

Project management

Job description

We are lookingfor Associate Head of Development Events join the National Theatre's Development team.

This is a pivotal role in the fundraising team at the National Theatre. The Associate Head of Development Events is responsible for the development and delivery of a high-quality events programme that raises vital funds and strengthens relationships with corporate, trust and individual supporters.

Working closely with the Head of Development Operations and senior colleagues across the Development department, the post-holder will lead the day-to-day delivery of the Development Events function, ensuring a creative, supporter-focused approach that advances fundraising and enhances engagement with the National Theatre. They will oversee a diverse portfolio of events, ranging from intimate supporter experiences and thought leadership events, to major fundraising occasions, including the National Theatre's biennial Gala.

The post-holder will work in partnership with fundraising teams and colleagues across the organisation to identify opportunities to raise money, introduce new potential funders and steward existing donors. They will create distinctive experiences that draw on the National Theatre's artistic work, talent and reach to inspire long-term support.

As part of the Development Operations team, they will ensure the Events function is closely integrated with the priorities of Development and the wider organisation. They will work with the Head of Development Operations to lead and develop the Events team, ensuring a collaborative, approach to the planning and delivery of the programme.

The successful candidates will have the following:

• Significant experience of delivering high-quality events within a busy fundraising, membership, hospitality, cultural or customer engagement environment.

• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, such as artists, donors, corporate partners and other high-profile audiences.

• Robust line management experience.

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across an organisation.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver to deadline.

Working with us will give you..

• Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
• 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
• Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
• Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
• Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
• Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
• On-site staff canteen and social facilities
• On-site occupational health support
• In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
• Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
• Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
• Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
• Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
• Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
• Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card

Please note

The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 26 October2026 at 12 noon

In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address underrepresentation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT. Candidates who declare a disability, opt into the Disability Confident Scheme in their application and meet the minimum criteria are offered an interview in line with the scheme, subject to its documented exceptions.

If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email [e-mail] or call us on 02074523834