Trusts Manager

RICHMOND ASSOCIATES; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious arts institution is seeking a Trusts Manager to develop relationships with Trusts and Foundations for transformational support. The role focuses on driving RADA’s future fundraising growth through new mid-level gifts and long-term stewardship. Candidates should have a track record in fundraising, particularly within arts or higher education. Strong persuasive communication skills and the ability to build trust are essential. Remote and hybrid working options are available, providing flexibility.

Benefits

38 days’ holiday

Defined contribution pension scheme

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Confident and proactive fundraiser from an arts, cultural or higher education context.
• Track record of gifts at the five-figure level.

Responsibilities

• Develop and steward long-term relationships with a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations.
• Work with the Head of Grants & Fundraising Services to create the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy.
• Seek out and secure new mid-level gifts to support RADA’s mission.

Skills

Persuasive communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to inspire trust

Initiative in relationship building

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and steward long‑term relationships with a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations.
• Work with the Head of Grants & Fundraising Services to create the Trusts and Foundations annual strategy.
• Seek out and secure new mid‑level gifts to support RADA’s mission.

Qualifications

• Confident and proactive fundraiser from an arts, cultural or higher education context.
• Track record of gifts at the five‑figure level.
• Persuasive communication skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to take initiative and build relationships with RADA’s leadership and senior volunteers.
• Ability to inspire trust and maintain strong donor stewardship.

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.

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 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