Trusts Manager

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts education institution in London seeks a Trusts Manager to enhance fundraising efforts. You will develop long-term relationships with Trusts and Foundations to secure transformational support. The ideal candidate will have a track record in arts or higher education fundraising, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster trust with leadership. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the arts sector.

Benefits

38 days’ holiday

Defined contribution pension scheme

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Experience as a trusts fundraiser from an arts, cultural, or higher education context.
• Track record of securing five-figure gifts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term relationships with Trusts and Foundations.
• Create and implement the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy.
• Secure new mid-level gifts to support RADA’s mission.

Skills

Persuasive communication skills

Attention to detail

Relationship building

Proactive fundraising

Job description

Trusts Manager

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Salary in the region of £40,000 - £45,000

38 days’ holiday |Defined contribution pension scheme | Hybrid working

For over 120 years, RADA has stood at the forefront of dramatic arts training, nurturing generations of actors, directors, writers, producers and technical artists who have gone on to shape the worlds of theatre, film and television. Access and diversity are at the heart of who we are, and we are deeply committed to ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can experience our training, uplifting the greatest range of voices and perspectives.

This is an exciting time to join us. Our vision and strategy focus on sustainability and inclusion, foregrounding excellence, equitable practice and wellbeing, and empowering artists. Alongside developing our growth strategy, estates strategy, industry partnerships and international offer, we are addressing two urgent priorities : investment in our estate and in bursaries to ensure all talented students can thrive. This is in addition to raising unrestricted funding for RADA’s core activity. At the same time, we are building a renewed alumni strategy, creating opportunities for graduates to connect, collaborate and shape the future of our industry.

We are seeking an experienced trusts fundraiser to join our Development team at a pivotal point in our journey. As Trusts Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of RADA’s future fundraising growth by developing and stewarding long-term relationships with a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations to unlock transformational support for RADA’s mission and future. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of Grants & Fundraising Services, you will support with the creation of the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy, and will confidently seek out and secure new mid-level gifts.

The ideal candidate will be a confident and proactive fundraiser from an arts / cultural or higher education context and with a track record of gifts at the five-figure level. Your persuasive communication skills, attention to detail, and willingness to take initiative will be important drivers in this role. In addition, your ability to build relationships and inspire trust with RADA’s leadership and senior volunteers will be key to your success.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the future of dramatic arts training, and to make a lasting difference through life-changing work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit the Richmond Associates website and download a detailed candidate pack.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

We are taking positive action by guaranteeing an interview to any applicant who self-identifies as being from a Black, Asian or Global Majority background, and / or who self-identifies as D / deaf or disabled, and has experience as a development department lead or deputy lead in the cultural and Higher Education sectors. If you regard yourself as having these characteristics, please state so clearly on your supporting statement.

Closing date for applications : 09 : 00 on Monday 12th January 2026