Chief Fundraising & Partnerships Lead

Arts Council England; Sherborne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherborne is seeking a Head of Development to lead fundraising and income generation at a pivotal point in our growth, including major gifts, trusts, partnerships, memberships and legacy income.

Working with the CEO and senior team, you will craft a multi-year strategy, build donor networks, and ensure compliance while delivering sustainable income growth for arts, heritage and community programmes.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading fundraising across an income portfolio.
• Proven track record of securing substantial income growth and developing partnerships.
• Experience building major-donor relationships and persuasive cases for support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with trustees, philanthropists, funders and senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of UK charity governance, fundraising regulation and data protection.
• Strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.

Responsibilities

• Create and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy covering major gifts, grants, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and individual giving.
• Develop The Sherborne's evidence-led case for support.
• Build trusted relationships with donors, philanthropists, partners and institutional funders.
• Design and grow patron, membership, major-giving and supporter programmes.
• Establish legacy giving and explore an endowment strategy.
• Build a funding pipeline, including Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund opportunities.
• Oversee applications, funder compliance, monitoring and reporting.
• Work with finance colleagues on budgets, forecasts, targets and return on investment.
• Maintain donor records and ensure regulatory and data‑protection compliance.
• Lead cultivation events, including private views, talks, dinners and behind-the-scenes experiences.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning and long-term sustainability as a senior team member.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Income growth

Partnership development

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Job description

The Sherborne is seeking a Head of Development to lead fundraising and income generation at a pivotal point in our growth, including major gifts, trusts, partnerships, memberships and legacy income.

Working with the CEO and senior team, you will craft a multi-year strategy, build donor networks, and ensure compliance while delivering sustainable income growth for arts, heritage and community programmes.