Development Manager, Operations

Are you an operational leader who thrives on optimising the systems behind ambitious fundraising? We’re looking for a Development Manager, Operations to lead the infrastructure that powers our Development team, ensuring our systems, finances, governance and insight are robust, efficient and campaign‑ready.

Each year, the Centre presents hundreds of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in. As the Barbican approaches its 50th anniversary, the Centre stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With a new CEO in post, £191m secured for the first phase of a major capital transformation, and a renewed artistic and audience‑focused vision, we are laying the foundations for the next 50 years.

As we enter this bold new chapter, we are preparing to launch a major fundraising campaign to support both our world‑class arts programme and the Barbican Renewal project, which will transform our iconic building for future generations. The Development department will be at the heart of this ambition, securing the partnerships, philanthropy and long‑term support that will shape the Barbican’s future.

The Development Operations team enables all philanthropic income across the Barbican. As we prepare for a major comprehensive campaign and significant growth in activity, The Development Manager, Operations is central to strengthening the systems and infrastructure that support our fundraising. You will lead a team spanning CRM, prospect research, events operations and audience giving, ensuring the department has the systems, insight and financial rigour to deliver sustainable income growth at scale.

• Lead and improve the systems, policies and processes that support fundraising, embedding best practice and driving efficiency.
• Oversee Development finances, including income tracking, forecasting and budgeting, working closely with Finance to ensure accuracy and insight.
• Act as strategic lead for our CRM (Spektrix) and data environment, overseeing reporting, gift processing, data integrity and compliance (GDPR, Gift Aid).
• Support the administration of the Barbican Centre Trust, ensuring statutory compliance and high‑quality support to Trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Manage and develop a high‑performing Operations team, setting clear priorities during a period of growth and change.

• Significant experience in fundraising or charity operations (arts sector experience desirable).
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Deep CRM expertise (ideally Spektrix) and advanced Excel skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable insight.
• A solid understanding of charity regulation, Gift Aid and GDPR.
• Excellent communication skills, with confidence preparing reports and papers for senior leaders and Trustees.
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused mindset and the resilience to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

To apply click on the 'Apply Online' button. Applications without a completed form will not be reviewed.

If there are any issues with the application process, please contact the Barbican Careers team at

Final date to receive applications is 23:59, Wednesday 25th March 2026. The advert may close ahead of this date if a sufficient number of applications is reached – apply early to avoid missing out.

Please note that we are unable to accept late applications. We regret that we are unable to provide feedback on your application.

As part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of staff within the Barbican, we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from groups that are currently under‑represented, including people from the Global Majority
* and D/deaf and disabled people. We want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. Please contact us if you require reasonable adjustments as part of the application process.

* Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual‑heritage, indigenous to the global south, and/or have been racialised as 'ethnic minorities'.