The ITC, an industry body that represents over 600 members, says:

The development department raises money towards the activities of the theatre and also any renovation and new building work. The team identify and approach sources of funding and run schemes to attract funding from charitable trusts, businesses and individual donors.

Example job description:

Development manager (theatre-based)

Brief Description of Duties:

• to actively research funding streams from statutory and commercial organisations to support developments initiated by the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive and Future Funding Group
• to lead on the preparation and submission of funding applications
• to be outcome focused in the pursuit and delivery of the post
• to report as required to funding bodies and the Future Funding Group

Main Duties

• to develop effective relationships, often at a senior level, with companies that will result in increased income, and create and manage data base records
• prepare and agree a programme of applications to trusts, philanthropic organisations, foundations and commercial sources which will increase financial support to the organisation
• to develop and implement a fundraising strategy in association with the Future Funding Group
• liaise with the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive and funders to ensure that the funding criteria is interpreted appropriately and met
• to increase awareness of the Theatre with potential funders
• to pro-actively sell the Theatre to potential funding bodies and to represent the Theatre confidently at external meetings
• to work closely with the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive and Marketing & Press Officer to ensure that the theatre fund raising receives a high level of profile in the press, and that all development literature falls within the theatre’s corporate identity
• to prepare, coordinate, monitor and report monthly on performance against annual fundraising income and expenditure and reforecast quarterly as necessary
• deputise for the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive as required
• to work with the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive, Finance Officer & others as required to prepare appropriate financial documents and reports
• encourage and support individuals to raise funds
• input into the preparation of annual budgets and objectives in consultation with the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive

Other Duties

• undertake other work relating to fundraising and perform other tasks as required by the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive to achieve the overall objectives of the organisation
• participate in team training initiatives with staff and volunteers, when appropriate
• ability to show a degree of initiative and take decisions within guidelines and policy framework
• participate in staff, project and board meetings when appropriate
• act as Duty Manager when required
• work within the theatre’s equal opportunities and health and safety policy
• undertake other tasks as may reasonably be requested by the Theatre Manager/Chief Executive

QUALIFICATONS

Essential

• Degree Level or three years relevant experience

Desirable

• Membership of ICFM (Institute of Charity Fundraising Managers)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Evidence of previous training/qualifications in the arts

ATTRIBUTES

• outcome focused
• self starter
• ability to plan, prioritise and balance workload
• experience of budget setting and monitoring
• appropriate knowledge of fundraising practice and legislation
• team player and sensitive to the needs of others
• ability to work with volunteers
• ability to take initiative
• ability to work on own initiative and be prepared to work flexible and unsocial hours, including weekends
• thoroughness with expert attention to detail
• theatrical and musical knowledge
• computer literate
• determined, committed and motivated
• good sense of humour
• honest
• access to own transport and clean, valid driving licence
• willingness to live within 15 miles/ 20 minutes of the theatre