Development Manager

SHAPESLewisham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 28,800 - 35,200; Part time

Job summary

A youth arts organization in the UK is seeking a Development Manager to drive fundraising initiatives. The successful candidate will craft bids and build relationships with donors to support long-term sustainability. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in fundraising, particularly in arts or youth sectors, exceptional grant-writing abilities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in participatory arts contexts. This part-time role offers a salary of £32,000 pro rata over a 12-month fixed term.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a fundraising/development role, preferably in arts or youth work.
• Proven track record of securing income from various sources.
• Strong understanding of the funding landscape in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising pipeline and craft bids.
• Nurture relationships with donors and partners.
• Translate organizational ambition into funding plans.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Grant writing

Relationship management

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

As LYT’s Development Manager you’ll play a central role in transforming young lives through the arts. You’ll design and drive a fundraising strategy that ensures sustainable income for Lewisham Youth Theatre and fuels our creative future.

Responsibilities

You’ll lead our fundraising pipeline, craft powerful bids, and nurture meaningful relationships with donors, funders, and partners. Helping to grow long‑term partnerships that strengthen LYT’s artistic and strategic vision.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a fundraising/development role, preferably within arts, youth work or cultural organisations.
• Proven track record of securing income from statutory bodies, trusts, foundations, individual donors and/or corporate partners within the arts, youth or community sector.
• Strong understanding of the funding landscape at a local, London‑wide and national scale.
• Excellent grant‑writing skills, including research, proposal development, budgets, outcomes and reporting.
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills: able to engage funders, donors and corporate partners with credibility and enthusiasm.
• Strategic thinker who can translate organisational ambition into deliverable fundraising plans and targets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling cases for support, presentations and donor materials.
• Organised and self‑motivated, able to manage a varied workload, meet deadlines and prioritise effectively in a part‑time (3‑day) role.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, especially in participatory arts contexts.

Salary and Contract

Salary: £32,000 pro rata, 12‑month fixed‑term contract.

Closing date: 23 Jan

Organisation: Lewisham Youth Theatre
Sector: Art & Entertainment
Job level: Mid
Type level: Part time
Posted: 17 Dec