Development Manager

Brighton Dome & Festival; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts charity in the UK seeks a Development Manager to cultivate high-level donor relationships and manage a fundraising strategy. This role requires proven fundraising experience, strong administrative and communication skills, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic environment. The position allows for hybrid working and is part of a dedicated team in a thriving charity. Candidates passionate about arts and community are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in major-giving fundraising, preferably in the arts charity sector.
• Successful track record of donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Strong administration, communication, and line-management skills expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategy for mid- to high-level donor relationships.
• Research and cultivate individual donors and trusts.
• Provide strong event organisation and administration.

Skills

Major‑giving fundraising experience

Strong administrative skills

Effective communication

Event organisation

Flexibility to adapt

Job description

Role Details

Permanent. £33,200 – £35,800 per annum, depending on experience. Full‑time – 37 hours per week.

Hybrid working available and we would be open to a discussion about part‑time hours and alternative work patterns. Please do state in your application if this is something you would like us to consider for you.

About the Role

This new role is a great opportunity, in the year of Brighton Festival’s 60th edition, to join our friendly and successful fundraising team as a Development Manager focusing on new mid‑ to high‑level donor relationships to raise philanthropic income from individual giving, trust & foundation grants and legacy giving.

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival is a registered charity. From the annual Brighton Festival in May, a year‑round programme of live events by world‑renowned artists and performers at Brighton Dome, to inspiring the next generation of musicians with our Create Music regional education hub – we reach wide and diverse communities across Brighton & Hove and Sussex.

We believe in the power of the arts to change lives, and you’ll play a vital role in developing relationships with supporters who help us make it all happen.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy for new mid‑ to high‑level donor relationships, raising philanthropic income from individual giving, trust & foundation grants, and legacy giving.
• Research, cultivate and steward individual donors and/or trusts & foundations.
• Provide strong administration, communication, event organisation and line‑management skills, ensuring smooth coordination with different BDBF departments.
• Adapt to a busy working environment, often during seasonal peak times such as Brighton Festival in May, and navigate fundraising activity throughout the year.

Qualifications and Experience

• Major‑giving fundraising experience, preferably in the arts charity sector.
• Successful track record of researching, cultivating and stewarding individual donors and/or trusts & foundations.
• Strong administrative, communication, event‑organisation, and line‑management skills.
• Willingness and flexibility to learn and adapt in a dynamic and busy working environment.

Additional Information

If you feel passionate about arts and creativity and if you care for the community, we would love to hear from you.

For further information about this role please visit our website: https://brightondome.org/about/jobs/

To apply for the role please visit our recruitment portal: https://jobs.brightondome.org/position/development-manager-2025

Closing date: 9am Mon 19 January 2026.

Interviews will be held on 27–28 January 2026 (2nd interviews on 2 February).

Equal Opportunities

Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd is a registered charity and pursues a policy of equal opportunities. Brighton Dome & Festival values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from all backgrounds and all parts of the community, particularly applications from people who are ethnically diverse and disabled people. All applications are judged on merit.