Deputy Director

Live Art Development Agency; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An arts organization in London is looking for a Deputy Director to lead business development and fundraising strategies. This role requires strong financial management skills, a deep understanding of compliance, and the ability to cultivate relationships with funders and partners. The position is full-time with a fixed-term contract of 2 years, and offers a salary between £40,000 and £45,000 per annum. Flexible working arrangements can be considered alongside the business needs.

Qualifications

• Expertise in business development and fundraising strategies.
• Strong financial management skills with experience in compliance.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with funders and partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop the business plan, KPIs, and funding proposals.
• Manage budgets, income targets, and operational compliance.
• Lead fundraising events and partner development initiatives.

Skills

Business development

Fundraising expertise

Financial management

Operations oversight

CRM management

Job description

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Live Art Development Agency

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week, (Full time)*

*We are open to proposals for a 4 (28 hours) or 5 (35 hours) day week position as part of the recruitment process.

Contract: 2-year, fixed term (with potential to extend).

Location: The post is based at LADA’s offices in London, with flexibility for some hybrid working.

Closing date: Monday, 16 February 2026, 6pm.

Live Art Development Agency (LADA) is a registered charity based in London, dedicated to the development of Live Art research, practice and infrastructure.

We are seeking an individual with business and fundraising expertise to join us in transforming and securing LADA’s future. You will join our small but dedicated team as we build upon LADA’s influential history and seed ambitious plans for the next ten years. Focusing on business development, the Deputy Director will work closely with the Director to ensure financial and operational resilience, diversify income, and develop a purpose-driven business plan that supports our mission.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising, Income & Business Development:

• Work closely with the Director and Board to develop the Business Plan, Risk Register, KPIs, and other strategic documents.
• Work with the Director to develop and deliver a fundraising strategy across public and private funding streams.
• Research, write, and manage funding proposals and maintain funder reporting, including Arts Council NPO.
• Plan and deliver fundraising events and support the implementation of LADA’s Responsible Fundraising Policy, ensuring strong donor stewardship.
• Develop and innovate LADA’s earned income streams, including sales (Live Art Bookshop), HEI partnerships, education programmes and commercial service opportunities.
• Work with the Director to develop LADA’s profile, brand identity and communications strategy to grow our communities.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders, donors, and partners including management of CRM.
• Produce annual impact reports and develop evaluation methods in line with LADA’s core values.

Operations, Financial Management, & Compliance:

• Work with the Director and Bookkeeper to set, monitor and report on budgets, income targets, management accounts and cashflows.
• Manage sales, merchandise, and digital income initiatives, including sales analysis and financial processes.
• Research and strategise LADA’s options for the future cost of space and premises.
• Oversee day-to-day operations including rent, rates and bills, ensuring efficient use of resources and business resilience.
• Manage contracts, insurance, and Health & Safety compliance, supported by external H&S company Citation.
• Prepare quarterly reports for the Board.

Programme & Partnerships:

• Support the visibility, growth and sustainability of LADA’s programmes, projects, and partnerships.
• Lead on Higher Education Institutions and knowledge exchange partnership development.
• Represent LADA publicly at events and sector gatherings.

HR & Management:

• Deputise for the Director during periods of leave or absence.
• Co‑manage Live & Digital Engagement post‑holder and Financial Accounts Manager.
• Manage and secure placements and other project specific roles and freelancers as required.
• Work closely with Director & Board to shape and implement LADA’s values and policies, embedding an organisational culture of connection, learning and responsibility that creates change for LADA team, collaborators and wider sector.

- Other duties as required.

Making an application

Read the job pack in full: https://www.thisisliveart.co.uk/2026/01/07/lada-seeks-deputy-director/

Please send a cover letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, along with your CV, outlining why you are suitable for the role with the job spec in mind by an email via the button belowmaking the subject line ‘Deputy Director Application’.

Closing date: Monday, 16 February 2026, 6pm.

First Interviews: Monday, 23 February 2026.

Second interviews: TBC.

Start date: April 2026, dependent on successful candidate availability.