Barbican

Arts Council England; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Barbican Centre seeks a proactive Development fundraiser to manage a portfolio of grants and donor relationships. You will write compelling proposals and budgets for arts and learning programmes, and plan cultivation events for Trusts and Grantmakers.

Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership, you will support fundraising strategy and capital initiatives as Barbican Renewal enters its 50th anniversary phase.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering fundraising strategy and managing mid-to-large funding opportunities.
• Strong ability to cultivate and solicit donors, including embassies, trusts and sponsors.
• Proven track record of producing compelling proposals and reports.

Responsibilities

• Proactively connect with potential funders and discuss Barbican priorities.
• Manage reporting schedules for grants, draft reports with the Development Writer.
• Write compelling budgets and project text for arts and learning programmes.
• Identify new funders and advance them through the funding process.
• Lead on cultivation events for Trusts and Grantmakers.
• Support senior team in developing major grant applications.

Skills

Grant writing

Relationship building

Budget writing

Job description

Job Description

The Barbican is an arts, learning, and conference centre in the heart of the City of London.

We're passionate about showcasing the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year we present thousands of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

About the Role

The Development department is responsible for generating income from a range of sources including donations, grants, patronage, sponsorship and corporate memberships. This funding supports the Barbican' inspiring programme of artistic events, learning activities and community work.

The team works closely with colleagues across the Centre, partner organisations, the Board and Trustees to maximise income and strengthen support for our arts and learning programmes. This is a pivotal and exciting time for the Barbican as we enter a period of Renewal as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2032 - shaping the future of our programme and our place through a major capital programme.

The Development department will play a key role in realising this vision, working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership to develop relationships and support for the new initiatives.

Job Requirements

• Work closely with the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager on the delivery of the fundraising strategy, independently managing your own mid to large sized funding opportunities from Embassies, Cultural Institutions, Trusts and Liveries.
• Contribute to and support the overall strategy for Trusts and Grants fundraising, including supporting on major capital proposals.
• Take responsibility for identifying prospects and developing a pipeline of donors- implementing cultivation and solicitation plans effectively.
• Lead on stewardship and relationship building of mid to large sized grant giving organisations alongside the Senior Trusts and Grants Manager.
• Ensure a high-quality experience for any existing or potential funders visiting the Barbican - including direct meetings, invitations to performances, and larger bespoke cultivation events geared towards sharing our programmes with potential donors.

Job Responsibilities

• Proactively connect with potential grant makers, both over the phone and in person, to discuss Barbican priorities and funding needs.
• Manage the reporting schedule for existing grants, working with the Development Writer & Research Officer to draft and deliver reports and ensure on-going communications are timely and effective.
• Write compelling text and clear budgets on a range of projects across the arts and learning programme.
• Identify and assess new potential funders and work with colleagues to move them forward.
• Take a lead on identifying and planning key cultivation events for Trusts and Grantmakers within the Centre.
• Support senior team members in developing major (six-figure +) grant applications.

Deadline for applications is23:55onMonday 16 November 2026.