Head of Development

Job Description

The Head of Development leads all fundraising and income‑generation activity, shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £350 – 400 k. This role builds meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, and develops strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long‑term organisational growth.

The Head of Development reports to the Chief Executive, is part of the Senior Management Team, and works actively with the Board. This role will line manage a Development Manager and Development Co‑ordinator and also will be responsible for the work of any freelance staff/volunteers working on individual projects. The role will require some evening and weekend work for which time off in lieu is granted.

• Develop and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities
• Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events
• Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structures

• Cultivate and steward major donors, patrons, and high‑value supporters
• Oversee trust and foundation applications, ensuring compelling cases for support
• Develop corporate partnerships that align with the organisation’s values and brand
• Lead on ongoing management of membership programme to ensure maximum success through recruitment initiatives, active face‑to‑face cultivation and upgrades
• Ensure excellent supporter care and long‑term relationship building, through meetings and calendar of imaginative donor engagement events

• Manage and mentor development team, fostering a culture of openness and accountability
• Collaborate with programming, marketing, and creative learning colleagues to create compelling fundraising narratives and donor stewardship
• Work closely with CEO, Board and Senior Management Team to leverage networks and open new opportunities
• Act as an ambassador for St George’s Bristol, advocating for the organisation throughout the city and beyond, and promoting its work to wide audiences

• Oversee fundraising budgets, forecasting, and reporting, including KPIs
• Maintain accurate CRM records and supporter data
• Produce regular reports for the CEO, Board, and funders, including impact reporting and evaluation which makes supporters feel valued
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards

Please email a single‑page letter (or alternatively a short video) stating why you think you are suited to this role, plus your CV, to rec

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Samir Savant (CEO) directly: sami

If you have any specific access requirements at interview stage, or would like help with the interview process, please let us know in your covering letter/video.

Please also complete our anonymous Equal Opportunities monitoring form online at

The Final date to receive applications is Monday 2 March 2026.

Interviews will be held during the week of 9 March.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who has the following qualities.

• Proven track record in fundraising, ideally within the cultural sector
• Experience securing major gifts and managing high‑value relationships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling cases for support and influence a wide range of stakeholders
• Leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team

• Understanding of the music or cultural sector and its funding landscape
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g. Spektrix, Tessitura, Salesforce)
• Knowledge of public funding processes including Arts Council England
• Event management experience in donor or cultivation settings
• Established networks within philanthropic circles or the arts

• Collaborative and approachable with strong leadership and motivational ability
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic with…