Business Development​/Funding Officer

Job title - Business Development/Funding Officer

Department - Development & Creative Engagement

Reports to - Development & Creative Engagement Manager

Contract - Permanent – Full Time

Salary - £32,000

Closing Date - 8th October 2026, 4 pm

Documents Enclosed - Job Description, Person Specification, Monitoring Form

The Business Development/Funding Officer is responsible to the Development and Creative Engagement Manager for maximising the Millennium Forum's non-trading income, playing a substantial and responsible role in the planning, selling and servicing of sponsorship, advertising and funding from trusts and foundations. This includes:

• Securing project funding from trusts and foundations.
• Developing and growing corporate group bookings to maximise income through group bookings and corporate entertaining.
• Digital and print advertising sales for the seasonal programmes, website and in-house digital screens.
• Establishing and cultivating partnerships with local businesses through meetings, networking and hosting events.
• Develop and implement a plan to proactively sell sponsorship and corporate hospitality to local and national organisations, while managing and servicing existing sponsors.
• Develop sponsor contracts tailored to each business, including applicable sponsor benefits.
• Coordinate and oversee delivery of all sponsor benefits, including advertising commitments, signage, tickets, corporate entertaining, community outreach and other activations.
• Develop and implement a strong corporate ticket sales programme to ensure the Millennium Forum becomes and remains the premier venue for arts and entertainment.
• In conjunction with the Development and Creative Engagement Manager, agree sponsorship, funding and corporate hospitality targets, and develop sales campaigns to achieve them.

• Research and identify relevant trusts, foundations and grant funding streams; independently develop, write and submit funding applications aligned to the Forum's strategic and community priorities.

• Manage and grow business e-zines, and organise content, including the management of business databases and lists.
• Work with designers to create graphics, audio and video for digital and social media channels to promote sponsorship, donorship and advertising, working closely with the Marketing Department.

• Plan and coordinate sponsorship events and launches, and attend and host networking events to cultivate new business opportunities.
• Provide timely, accurate and appropriate reports relating to sponsorship, funding and corporate group bookings, to assist management forecasts, planning and programming.
• Undertake budget planning and financial management in relation to funded projects.

• Undertake such other relevant duties as identified by the Development and Creative Engagement Manager, contributing to the purpose and function of this post.

A degree in Marketing, Business, Advertising or a related field, with a minimum of two years' employment experience in a B2B sales environment.

Or

A relevant Level 3 qualification (e.g. HNC) or equivalent, with a minimum of three years' employment experience covering the areas below, where a degree is not held.

Project management and organisational skills.

Business-to-business sales and relation management.

Advertising, marketing and event management.

Creating and delivering persuasive presentations.

Knowledge of making funding applications to trusts and foundations.

Excellent working knowledge of sales and marketing.

A persuasive and influential negotiator.

Full driving licence.

Please read the full job pack before applying.