Newcastle Theatre Royal Trust

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Development

Department: Development

Reports to: Director of Audience & Communications

Responsible for: Development Coordinator

About Us

At Theatre Royal, we’re a bold, creative, and collaborative team. We are always looking ahead – embracing new ideas and delivering with purpose.

We’re here to achieve the organisation’s strategy, and we believe everyone plays a part in shaping our success.

Our Values:

• Ambitious – We strive for excellence and quality in everything we do.
• Inclusive – We celebrate diversity and welcome different voices and perspectives.
• Collaborative – We build trust and work in partnership to achieve shared success.
• Creative – We nurture creativity and celebrate imagination and originality in everyone.
• Progressive – We’re forward-thinking, embracing change and looking to the future.

About the Role

This role exists to support Theatre Royal’s mission and strategy by contributing your skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver excellent outcomes for the organisation and our audiences.

Key responsibilities of the role are outlined below. We value flexibility and ask all colleagues to be willing to undertake reasonable duties within their skills and experience to help achieve our shared goals. You’ll also work in line with our policies, procedures, and legal requirements, including health and safety, safeguarding, and data protection.

The Head of Development will be responsible for the creation and implementation of the Development Strategy to deliver the Trust’s external fundraising engagement and hands on delivery of raised income. They will generate sustained income from a range of different sources including sponsorship, local businesses, membership schemes as well as major donors and individual giving. They will work closely with colleagues and consultants to lever grants from trusts and foundations and public grant sources. They will develop audience loyalty, increase membership and grow general donations and legacy income.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
Lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s Development strategy in alignment with the strategic plan, in collaboration with Trustees, senior leadership, and external consultants such as TRG Arts.

Donor & Sponsor Development
Identify, recruit, and cultivate high-net-worth individuals, sponsors and other funding partners. Build trusted relationships and lead on prospect research, cultivation plans, and solicitation strategies.

Trust & Foundations

Build and maintain strong relationships with trusts and foundations, ensuring well-researched and compelling funding proposals. Track funding deadlines and reporting requirements, ensuring high-quality submissions and stewardship.

Revenue Generation & Innovation
Proactively explore and develop new income streams, sponsorship opportunities, and innovative fundraising models, ensuring alignment with the trust’s mission and strategy.

Events & Engagement
Plan and deliver a comprehensive programme of fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and advocacy events to engage donors and stakeholders.

Communications & Advocacy
Act as a key advocate and ambassador for the trust, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment across fundraising communications, including oversight of the Annual Review.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

Oversee the fundraising database, manage financial reporting, track pledges, and ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting standards.

Responsibilities for a Head of Department

• Develop and deliver departmental plans aligned with organisational strategy.
• Lead and support teams to achieve high standards of performance and creativity.
• Manage budgets, resources, and reporting within your area.
• Maintain oversight of compliance within your department, ensuring policies and procedures are followed, including health and safety, safeguarding, and data protection.
• Lead on implementing and monitoring statutory obligations and best practice in your area.
• Contribute to organisational decision-making and collaborative projects.
• Support a culture of learning, inclusivity, and innovation.
• 

Application deadline:

• Monday 10th November 2025. Please apply via the linked application form.

Interviews:

• Tuesday 18th November 2025 

2nd Interviews:

• Thursday 27th November 2025

Hours

• Full Time (39hours per week)

Salary

• £50,113.62

Employee benefits

• Critical Illness and Death in Service Cover
• Employee Assistance Programme available to all staff and their household members
• Discounted Travel Scheme - Annual Metro and bus travel.
• Discounted Tickets - Access to staff discounted tickets for performances, subject to availability
• NE1 Discount card - Access to city centre discounts and activities.
• NGCV Discounts - Theatre Royal staff have access to discounts across 10 Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues.

Working at the Theatre

We recognise that only once every member of our team feels a sense of belonging they will truly thrive during their time working with us. 

You will be welcomed at the Theatre.  If you need any adjustments at the time of applying or within the role please let us know at any stage in the process by contacting: recruitment@theatreroyal.co.uk

A Special Time to join us
It’s an exciting time to become part of Newcastle Theatre Royal as we celebrate 20 years of pantomime magic with Danny and Clive. Their partnership has become a much-loved tradition for audiences across the region, bringing laughter, warmth and festive spirit to our stage every year.

Joining us during this special anniversary means becoming part of a team that continues to create memorable experiences and uphold one of the region’s most celebrated theatrical traditions.