DANCERS' CAREER DEVELOPMENT

“I will forever be grateful to DCD for not only the financial support, but also theirencouragement and guidanceduring one of the most dauntingperiods of my adult life.” DCD Supported DancerFundraiser RecruitmentBrochureAmbitious forDancers’ Futures Thank you for your interest in Dancers’Career Development, the UK’s only charitydedicated to dancer career progression.Image:EVOLVE London DCD workshop Photography: Becky Lee BrunCONTENTSWelcome from the Executive Director..........About Dancers’ Career Development.............About the role..................................................................Purpose of role................................................................Key responsibilities......................................................Person specification....................................................How to apply.................................................................... 03050708091113WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORHave you ever considered what happens todancers when their performance careerscome to an end? These talented artists whotrain for years to hone their technical andcreative skills, have all too-frequently shortcareers, due to the physical and psychologicaldemands of the profession. The prospect ofleaving a job you love and have invested somuch in, is naturally daunting.  Dancers’Career Development (DCD) is the onlynational charity committed to enablingdancers to develop and progress their careersbeyond performance, as such we have playeda vital role in the dance sector for 50+ years.DCD is ambitious for dancers’ futures. We arehere for professional dance artists from alldance genres and backgrounds, during andbeyond their performing careers. Helpingdancers through professional and personalchange is the lifeblood of DCD, removingbarriers to career progression, enablingcareer sustainability, and creating life-longlearning opportunities.DCD is a curious and agile charity, able to flexto best respond to the needs of those wesupport. We aim to think differently andfoster a culture of self-development, learningand growth. DCD believes in the power andpotential of individuals. We recognisedancers as unique human beings, withexceptional skills and qualities.In 2024 we completed a year of celebrationand delivered activities throughout the UK, tocelebrate DCD’s 50th Anniversary, our legacyand to determine the charity’s futurestrategy.  Throughout 2025 we have built onthe success of our anniversary year, engagingwith more dancers across the UK, raising ourprofile nationally and internationally,strengthening existing and developing newstrategic partnerships, cultivating newsources of funding and income andincreasing our social impact.DCD’s Fundraiser will work closely with theExecutive Director and be instrumental inincreasing fundraised and revenue income. Our ideal candidate will be a creative thinkerwith an open mindset to propose and explorenew avenues of fundraising and incomestreams. This role is ideally suited to a self-starter with a passion for the performing arts,who is motivated to make a tangibledifference to the quality of dancers’ lives.The ideal candidate will relate strongly withDCD’s values and be passionate aboutempowering dancers to take their nextcareer step.  If you are excited by thisopportunity, and want to make a differenceto dancers’ lives, we would love to hear fromyou.Vanessa LefrançoisExecutive DirectorImage:James FogertySHIFT Hip Hop2025/26 participant‘”A practical, friendly and firm hand to hold you whileyou ponder, while you feel lost, or while you try andbuild something new. A lifeline, even.”Dancer & Personal and Career Coaching ParticipantWhy work forDCD?Dancers’ Career Development is a uniquenational charity: committed to ensuringdancers thrive, personally and professionally,during and beyond their performance careers.Our main focus is on the design and delivery ofprofessional development programmes thatenable dancers to explore and prepare for theirpost-performance careers, either within orbeyond the Creative Industries.We work in partnership with dance companies,sector support organisations and non-artscompanies to ensure dancers have healthy,sustainable and rewarding careers; including:Our Partner Companies The Royal Ballet,English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet,Northern Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet,Rambert; and collaborators ZooNation: TheKate Prince Company and Boy Blue;Fellow members of the InternationalOrganisation for the Transition ofProfessional Dancers (IOTPD);Dance/Arts sector partners such as OneDance UK, People Dancing, CloreLeadership; vocational dance schools andconservatoires; andOther strategic partners and volunteersincluding recruitment firm add-victor,BlackRock, The Global Leaders Instituteand mentors from the corporate sector. We are dynamic and responsive to the needs ofthe dance sector, delivering a range of bespokeservices including retraining grants, individualcoaching sessions, mentoring, networking, andprofessional development and wellbeingworkshops. We also deliver customisedprogrammes for our Partner Companies,vocational dance schools and Conservatoires,and for freelance Hip Hop dance artists.We engage with hundreds of dancers eachyear, with demand for support fromindependent dancers regularly outstrippingresources available. We aim to significantlyincrease our income in order to meet theincrease in demand for our services.OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIESWe are currently in a period of business anddigital transformation: developing newrelationships and initiatives to enable dancersto raise their career aspirations through theprovision of high-quality professionaldevelopment opportunities, that deliver greaterequity across the dance sector.Our five key objectives are to:Improve life-chances and social-mobility ofdancersBroaden DCD’s impact and reach nationally Invest in dance sector talent developmentand retention Strengthen DCD’s financial resilience Advocate dancers’ value to society OUR VALUES:Dancer-led: Dancers are at the heart ofeverything we do. Dancers inform our decisionmaking, co-create our programmes and help uselevate their voices, within and beyond thedance sector.Pioneering: Building on our heritage as the firstdancer career transition programme globally,we continue to develop our expertise, beforward-thinking, courageous and world-leading.Ambitious: We are ambitious for dancers. Thereis no limit to what dancers are able to achievewith the right interventions, inspiration andsupport.Supportive: We are supportive of the dancersand partners we work with, and each other. Weare committed to realising dancers’ potentialand respect their individuality and unique path.Accountable: We are accountable to thedancers we support, our funders, partners,supporters and to each other.Inclusive: We commit to embed Equity,Diversity & Inclusion in our programmes andculture, with a commitment to deliveringgreater equity of opportunity to independentdancers.“To me, DCD embodiesguidance, inclusivity, open-mindedness, and possibility. Not only have they openeddoors for me to venture intonew fields and equipped mewith all the resourcesnecessary to pursue aMasters degree in Education& Technology at UCL, butthey have also persistentlyshaped through theirworkshops, events andcoaching sessions both mymindset and that of thewhole industry.My gratitude towards DCD iseverlasting.”Edit Domoszlai, former Rambertdancer and DCD retraining grantrecipient, REACH ambassadorand Beyond Dance menteePhotography: Camilla Greenwell About the roleImage:Sherisse Bisram Dancer & ChoreographerPhotography: Michal JeckDCD’s Fundraiser will work closely with the Executive Director and be instrumental in increasingfundraised and revenue income. Our ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with an open mindset to propose and explore newavenues of fundraising and income streams. This role is ideally suited to a self-starter with a passionfor the performing arts, who is motivated to make a tangible difference to the quality of dancers’lives.The Fundraiser will support the Executive Director to realise DCD’s ambitious fundraising targetsacross all development areas, including but not limited to: Trusts & Foundations, individual giving,campaigns, events, earned income and legacies.DCD is a remote working organisation, so the post-holder will need to be able to work comfortablyfrom home.Job Title:Fundraiser Salary:£35,000 per annum pro-rataReporting to:Executive DirectorWorking closely with: Executive Director, Senior Staff and TrusteesContract:Permanent Full-TimeProbation Period:3 months Start Date:As early as feasibly possibleLocation:This is a remote working role, with monthlyin-person team meetings which take place inLondon or Birmingham. Due to additional in-person events and meetings, as appropriateto the role and usually in London, theFundraiser should be either based in Londonor within commutable distance.Benefits:23 days holiday (pro-rata) initially, plusBank Holidays, increasing to 28 days withlength of service5% employer pension contributionHealth & Wellbeing support packageProfessional development programmesand trainingFlexible working and family-friendlypoliciesPurpose of RoleThe charity’s development function isresponsible for delivering more than half ofDCD’s annual revenue, currently circa£350,000. The immediate focus of the rolewill be to deliver a step change in fundraisingactivity through revenue innovation,cultivation and stewardship of individualdonors, and engaging with Trusts &Foundations not currently engaged withDCD. The post holder will play a significant role inhelping to maintain and develop excellentrelationships with a broad range ofstakeholders, working collaboratively withDCD staff and Trustees.The Fundraiser will work collaboratively withthe Executive Director, DCD staff andTrustees to generate new revenue streams toensure the long-term financial resilience ofthe charity. The post holder will beinstrumental in cultivating and embedding afundraising culture and mindset across theorganisation. Key RelationshipsAs a member of DCD’s small remote workingteam, you will work closely with colleaguesacross the organisation to fulfil your role, inparticular with DCD’s Executive Director,Marketing & Communications Manager andRelationship Managers.The post holder will be the main point ofcontact and responsible for maintainingregular contact with existing donors andwork with the Executive Director to cultivateand nurture relationships with new funders.Image:DCD 50th Anniversary Inspiration Event Panel Discussion Photography: Sophie BradburyKey ResponsibilitiesGENERALWork closely with the Executive Directorto develop and implement DCD’sdevelopment strategy.Identify, engage and expand DCD’snetwork of philanthropic prospects whohave the greatest propensity to supportits mission, in liaison with the ExecutiveDirector.Research and explore alternative revenuestreams, working with the commercialarts sector, funders and businesses asappropriate.Support the Executive Director to developand manage DCD’s relationship with ArtsCouncil England, including applicationsand reporting as applicable.Work closely with DCD’s ExecutiveDirector and Marketing &Communications Manager, to develop acompelling narrative and case for supportand ensure this is widely communicatedto the charity’s staff, volunteers andexternal stakeholders.Develop a deep understanding andappreciation of DCD’s specific placewithin the sector and develop jointfundraising initiatives with partners asappropriate.Maintain a high profile for DCD byattending key events, including eveningand occasional weekend functions, toidentify new opportunities and buildrelationships with a range of stakeholders.INDIVIDUAL GIVINGWith support from the Executive Directorand Trustees, identify potential donorsand develop personalised giving journeyswhich reflect each donor’s interest.Cultivate DCD’s individual giving pipelineand steward its donor portfolio to solicitregular gifts. Work closely with the Marketing andCommunications Manager to engagewith DCD’s international alumni network,to cultivate regular giving and legacyprospects.Promote DCD’s living legacy initiative,amongst supporters and former DCDbeneficiaries.TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONSMange DCD’s Trusts & Foundations portfolio,ensuring the annual cycle of applications andreports are submitted promptly and all terms,conditions and requirements are met;including:Work closely with colleagues to produceapplications to funders, making a well-researched and evidence-based case forsupport, providing accurate data andcompelling case studies. Mange the communications with Trustsand Foundations representatives,providing progress reports on grantdeliverables and updates on DCD’sachievements.Ensure evaluation requirements areintegrated into funded programmes fromthe outset and that reports are conciseand accurate: outlining the impact ofsupporter’s funding in line with grantaward agreement and delivered in atimely manner.  Research and identify prospectivefunders, setting up meetings for and withthe Executive Director to discusspropensity for funding requests.Work closely with Relationship Managersto be fully cognisant of current andemerging services and projects andwhere possible create attractive fundingpackages around these.EVENT MANAGEMENT Work with DCD colleagues to create anannual programme of varied andengaging stewardship events forsupporters, to incentivise regular givingand encourage them to introduceprospective new donors to the work ofDCD.Manage events from design phase tocompletion, with support from colleagues,including but not limited to managingthe guest list, logistics, curation, allaspects of health and safety, and postevent communications. COMPLIANCE & REPORTINGDCD has a CRM database and utilises theEnthuse fundraising platform. The postholder will:Maintain and manage DCD’s fundraisingplatform.Ensure complete records of supportersand prospects are captured accurately,and tagged appropriately, on the CRMsystem.Initiate and coordinate fundraising viaalternative platforms e.g. Easyfundraising. Ensure all necessary systems, policies andprocedures are in place to enablefundraising to be carried out efficiently,ethically and in a coordinated manner.Work within DCD’s Ethical FundraisingPolicy, in accordance with theFundraising Regulator and governmentguidelines at all times, ensuring gifts areprocessed in accordance with charitiesSORP and conducting due diligence onpotential donors as required.Maintain excellent knowledge ofcharitable and arts sector fundraisingtrends, regulation and compliance,disseminating information to staff andTrustees as appropriate. Maintain high standards in financialprocesses and record-keeping, includingthe administration of Gift Aid declarations,processing of payments and GDPRcompliant records of personal data.Be responsible for monitoring progressagainst targets and providing reports tothe Board and Finance, Audit & RiskCommittee on a quarterly basis.CAMPAIGNSWorking closely with the ExecutiveDirector and Marketing &Communications Manager, design andmanage innovative and dynamicfundraising campaigns to publicly raiseawareness of DCD and develop anddiversify our supporters.Working with the Marketing &Communications Manager create mailinglists and develop copy to promotecampaigns via email and across DCD’ssocial media platforms.Keep accurate records of all donations,ensuring donors are appropriatelythanked for their support and Gift Aidpermissions captured. Support and encourage dancersdelivering fundraising campaigns onbehalf of DCD, working with theMarketing & Communications Manager tohelp promote their projects.REQUIREMENTS OF ALL DCDSTAFFContribute ideas to develop DCD’sservices and business model, to evolve thecharity and support dancers.Comply with legal, statutory and DCDlegislation and policies, inc. EDI, GDPRand Safeguarding.Role model exemplary behaviour,upholding DCD’s values, and act as DCDambassador at all times.Able to work remotely and collaboratively,interacting regularly with team onlineand in meetings.Have a flexible approach, with awillingness to undertake other duties asreasonably requested.Participate in DCD meetings, training andprofessional development opportunitiesas appropriate.DCD 50th Anniversary Inspiration Event  Photography: Sophie BradburyImage:William Bracewell Principal Dancer, The Royal Ballet and former REACH Ambassador   Person SpecificationWe would love to hear from you if you are a creative, self-motivatedand experienced fundraiser who wants to make a tangibledifference to dancers’ lives, and possess all or most of the followingskills and/or experience:Creative thinker who can help shape and implement a successful fundraising strategy.Experience of raising funds within and/or a good understanding of the dance/performing artssector. Track record of producing successful fundraising applications and sustaining relationshipswith Trusts and Foundations.Experience of statutory fundraising including Art Council England.Proven track record of delivering successful fundraising campaigns.Experience of producing and managing events.Well networked, with the appetite and ability to expand DCD’s pool of supporters.Proven track record of cultivating and stewarding donors, with the ability to developpersonalised giving journeys that align with supporters’ values and objectives.Meticulous attention to detail in written communication, planning and reporting.Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across multiplecommunication channels and make a compelling case for support.Experience of giving platforms, gift aid reporting and managing data using CRM software tocreate targeted, segmented campaigns and mailings.Thorough understanding of fundraising and       regulation in the not-for-profit sector.Image:Maiya LeekeFormer DCD EDI Working group memberCandoco Dance Company Our preferred candidate will possess the followingqualities and attributes:A creative self-starter with the ability to prioritise and manage own workload.Results orientated, focussed on DCD’s strategic priorities and accomplishing targets.Commitment to DCD’s values and genuine enthusiasm for their charitable work.Excellent people and communication skills, with ability to collaborate effectively withcolleagues and partners whilst working remotely and in-person.Committed to developing a company culture and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.Ability to prioritise work, be flexible and multi-task, to meet competing deadlines.The job description above is a guide to the nature of the work required of the prospectiveemployee and does not form part of the contract of employment. It is neither whollycomprehensive nor restrictive and therefore does not preclude change or development that willinevitably be required in the future. For a more detailed outline of specific tasks please contactrecruitment@thedcd.org.uk.How to applyTo apply for this role please send your CV anda personal statement (no more than two-sides of A4) explaining how your experience,qualities and values align with the jobdescription and personal specification. Pleaseprovide examples and evidence from yourworking track-record as appropriate.Please confirm you have completed DCD’sEquity, Diversity and Inclusion MonitoringForm here prior to submitting yourcompleted application.The deadline for applications is: 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026First round interviews will take place online,during the week commencing 2 February.Second round interviews will take place in-person on Thursday 12 February.If you would like a more detailed jobspecification please request this by emailingrecruitment@thedcd.org.uk. Please notethat, due to Christmas closure, emails will notbe responded to between 23 December and5 January 2026.Please let us know if you have any additionalrequirements to support your application.Data Protection Act, 2018. The informationthat you provide as part of your applicationwill be used in the selection process only. Allinformation about you will be securely heldand access restricted to colleagues directlyinvolved in dealing with the selectionprocess. Unless you are appointed your datawill be kept for 6 months following theclosing date and then destroyed. By signingand submitting your application and theselection monitoring questionnaire, you aregiving your consent to your personal databeing stored and processed by DCD.You can find our privacy notice here:www.thedcd.org.uk/privacy-policy/Legal status: Dancers’ Career Developmentis a company limited by guarantee registeredin England and Wales (registered companynumber 10137622) and a registered charity(registered charity number 1168958) whoseregistered office is International House, 61Mosley Street, Manchester M32 3HZ.DCD operates a Positive Action policy(Equality Act 2010) to better represent thedance communities we support and toreflect our wider society. DCD is an inclusivecharity that believes diversity leads to betterdecision making. We positively encourageand welcome applications by people whoidentify as from the Global Majority and/orpeople who identify as D/deaf, disabledand/or neurodivergent. Those who do andmeet the essential criteria listed in the personspecification will be guaranteed an interview.We are open to applications from formerdancers who do not meet all the essentialcriteria but are able to explain anddemonstrate how their previous experience,skills and knowledge can be successfullyapplied to enable them to excel in this role.Image:EVOLVE London DCD workshop Photography: Becky Lee BrunWe hope this pack contains all relevantinformation but please do take a look atour website and social media platforms formore information on DCD:Instagram: @dcd_dancersFacebook: @dancerscareerdevelopmentLinkedIn: @dancers-career-developmentWe look forward to receiving your application.ContactEnquires should be sent to: recruitment@thedcd.org.uk“Dancers’ CareerDevelopment have beenextremely supportivethroughout myretraining. I think thisorganisation literallysaves lives.”DCD Supported DancerImage (back): Constance DevernayScottish Ballet PrincipalPhotography: Graham WylieImage (front):ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company dancersDCD’s 50 Anniversary Gala, Royal Opera House thPhotography: Andrej Uspenskiwww.thedcd.org.uk