Head of Fundraising & Engagement

The Head of Fundraising will be a successful fundraiser with experience of securing grants from trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. They will develop and manage the Trusts & Foundations strategy, working closely with the Strategy & Partnerships Director and Artistic Director within the overall Business Plan. They will be enthusiastic about the potential for theatre to change young people’s lives, enjoy working in a small team, and be able to work on their own initiative with a great deal of autonomy.

It is an exciting time at Peer, as we are expanding our programmes and preparing for a capital redevelopment of the second floor of our building.

Trust, foundations and grant income is a crucial component to overall income generation, which also includes support from Local Authorities for our Peer Employment Pathway (PEP) and the NHS through our membership of the Surrey Wellbeing Partnership (SWP). While the Head of Fundraising will focus on trusts, foundations and other grant funding, they will also have the opportunity to work across the range of funding streams if desired, as well as supporting the executive team and Board to develop new Corporate and Individual Giving strategies and capital bids.

We have a strong track record in support from a range of grant-giving organisations, with a number of multi-year grants in place. You will be joining an organisation with well-established fundraising in place, but with the potential and imperative to grow and develop.

Purpose of role

Overall responsibility for trusts foundations and grant fundraising (c. £150k target per year), for our plays, outreach, and theatre training programmes for young people.

Role Description

Securing income from Trust & Foundations

- Manage and develop the Trusts & Foundations fundraising strategy, working closely with the Artistic Director and Strategy & Partnerships Director within the overall Business Plan.

- Research and write compelling grant applications.

- Identify and approach new prospects for funding.

- Manage pipeline of funders and application timeline in order to achieve annual targets on time.

- Work closely with the Strategy and Partnerships Director, Creative Producer and Creative Associate Outreach on programme outlines and project budgets for applications.

Monitoring and Reporting

- Maintain good relationships with existing funders, to support repeat gifts and future approaches.

- Produce timely and engaging reports on existing grants.

- Work with members of the team (particularly Creative Associate Outreach and Creative Producer) to design, collate and manage project evaluations, in order to create compelling stories for our funders.

Other

- Identify and develop cultivation opportunities, and to represent Peer Productions at events.

- Work with the Strategy & Partnerships Director, Artistic Director, and the Board on other fundraising activities such as Individual Giving and Corporate approaches, and on major capital fundraising bids.

- Work with the Artistic Director and Creative Associate Plays & Digital on marketing and branding projects, to ensure effective messaging and communications.