Hometown
I grew up in Brighton and now live in London. I’ve been here nine years.

What do you do?
Head of development, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

What was your very first role in theatre?
Administrator in the education department at the National Theatre

What else have you done in theatre?

Have you got qualifications?
GCSEs and A-levels (including theatre studies) and then a first degree in modern drama studies from Brunel University and an MA (a second, higher level degree) in arts administration and cultural policy from
Goldsmiths College

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress or a dancer

What do you do all day?
I am responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Lyric’s fundraising targets that keep the theatre running. I am responsible for fundraising campaigns that include securing major grants, donations and sponsorships from individuals, trusts and foundations, companies and public sector agencies. I prepare written applications and verbal presentations to a wide-range of supporters. I act as a principal contact for the Lyric’s development committee and look after these relationships.

With the rest of the team we organise regular fundraising events, which can be anything from a friends’ reception with 20 people to an intimate dinner or a fundraising gala for 300. A huge part of the job is monitoring and evaluating the work and achievements of the department along with providing regular and accurate reports on progress to the board and executive director.

Every day is different working in fundraising. Be prepared for the unexpected and always have a spare outfit in the office! In the morning you could be meeting with artists about a new project, at lunchtime writing an evaluation report and in the afternoon pitching a sponsorship to a company. It’s hectic, but fun.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The range of people I meet

And the worst?
Going to other arts events and bumping into donors when you are there for an evening off!

What’s your dream job in theatre?
To be the one giving the money and producing the show

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
I think the main skills for being a successful fundraiser are to be enthusiastic, strategic about your approaches and enjoy meeting new people. I have found it extremely useful to work across all of the major fundraising areas as it has given me a great overview.

As long as you are passionate about the projects you need support for, that will come across.

I did a lot of work experience and that is always worthwhile as you can build up your contacts and network. It is the nature of working in development that you will spend a lot of time working outside normal hours, so be prepared for evening and weekend work. It’s not all bad though as I have been to some amazing events and met many people I truly admire.