Development Manager

SHAPESLewisham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 32,000; Part time

Job summary

A youth arts organization in the UK is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising initiatives, secure income, and build strategic partnerships. Ideal candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience, strong grant-writing and relationship-building skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in arts contexts. The role is part-time (3 days a week) offering a pro-rata salary of £32,000 for a fixed 12-month term.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fundraising/development role.
• Proven track record of securing income from various funders.
• Strong understanding of the funding landscape.

Responsibilities

• Design and drive a fundraising strategy for the organization.
• Lead fundraising pipeline and develop relationships with donors.
• Craft compelling bids to grow long-term partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Grant-writing skills

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Job description

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.

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.

LYT makes creatively challenging, socially impactful theatre with young artists aged 8‑25, providing a space where they can develop the skills, ambitions and agency to fulfil their potential.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in 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.

Compensation and Details

Closing date: 23 Jan

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

Organisation: Lewisham Youth Theatre

Sector: Art & Entertainment | Job level: Mid | Type level: Part time | Posted: 17 Dec