The Bush Theatre is looking for a highly motivated fundraiser to lead the Development team and join our Senior Leadership Team, partnering with and deputising for the Executive Director and Co-CEO. We welcome applicants with a broad range of experience from both within and outside the arts sector, valuing appropriate transferable skills. For us, fundraising is about storytelling and genuine relationship building – we are looking for someone who can inspire both our team and our supporters.

At a glance

Hours: 35 Hours per week across at least five days excluding an hour break. Evening and weekend work will be required as part of this role.

We are entirely open to flexible working configurations for this position (such as part-time structures or modified timetables) and are happy to discuss what works best for you.

Salary: £48,000 per annum (pro rata if part-time / working reduced flexible hours)

Holidays: 30 days per annum inclusive of Bank Holidays

Rising to 31 days after two years’ service

Rising to 32 days after four years’ service

Notice Period: One month during probation, three months thereafter.

Probation: Six months

Contract type: Permanent

Key dates

Deadline for applications: 23:59 Monday 19 July 2026

First Interview date: Monday 27 July 2026

Second Interview date: Friday 31 July 2026

Purpose of the role

You will be responsible for developing and implementing an enterprising fundraising strategy that builds financial resilience for the Bush. You’ll manage and support a team of fundraisers and work closely with the Executive team and the Board to harness support and realise financial targets.

You will be a highly motivated fundraiser, with experience and proficiency in developing relationships and encouraging support across all sources of fundraising. You’ll also be a confident networker and have the ability to inspire and motivate others.

This is a role with leadership responsibility as part of the Bush’s Senior Leadership Team. It will work in conjunction with the rest of SLT and the Board.

How to Apply

We want you to have the opportunity to really tell us about yourself and explain why this position is right for you in whatever way feels most appropriate. Send one of the following, alongside a basic CV:

A personal statement (500 words max)
Presentation – Keynote or PowerPoint
Short video or sound file (5 minutes max)

All applications will be judged on content not on format. We have suggested some options above, but if you would like to suggest an alternative let us know.

All applications should address the following questions:

Tell us about your experience, skills and knowledge that mean you meet the person specification outlined in the Job Description; include demonstrative examples and achievements
Tell us why this position interests you
Tell us what you would bring to this role and the Bush Theatre

Application Steps

Read the Job Description and Person Specification.

Apply through our recruitment portal Breathe HR. Include a CV.

You can upload video or sound files using the We Transfer service https://wetransfer.com/. When using this service, please include the We Transfer link in your Breathe HR attachments by including the link in your CV or submitting it on a separate document.

Complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form. This helps us to better understand if our recruitment practices are accessible and equitable to all.

If you have any need for this information in a different format please contact our People and Culture Manager, Dorothy Ekema-Walla by email jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 0208743 3584.

Equal Opportunities

The value of equal opportunities runs through the heart of the organisation. Our diverse team and their range of experiences are vital to the Bush’s success, but we still have work to do to make sure that Bush staff represent the communities we serve. We actively encourage people with different backgrounds to join us. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of colour and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in our team. All disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview. If you would like to apply through our Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please let us know. You can state anywhere in your application: ‘I would like to apply through the Minimum Criteria Guaranteed Interview scheme’. If you have any questions or need any of this information in a different format, please contact our People And Culture Manager, Dorothy Ekema-Walla, by emailing: jobs@bushtheatre.co.uk or phone 0208743 3584.

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Development Director

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