An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the highly motivated Development Team at Wales’ leading producing theatre, Theatr Clwyd, following our major capital redevelopment. Working closely with the Capital Campaign Director and Head of Development, the Trusts & Foundations Manager will maximise income from trusts, foundations and statutory sources to support the company’s strategic priorities.

Purpose of the Role:

Reporting to the Head of Development, the Trusts and Foundations Manager is responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to support the growth of income from trusts and foundations to support the organisation's revenue needs and special projects. The development team at Theatr Clwyd are responsible for all philanthropic donations to the organisation including the Music Service and William Aston Hall. They have an annual revenue target of £480,0000, commencing financial year 25/26. This will be made up of mixed income from trusts and foundations, individuals and corporates. The team comprises a Head of Development, Trusts and Foundations Manager, Development Assistant, and is supported by a Development Director with some responsibility for major Trust and Foundation fundraising (revenue plus special projects, which sit outside of the department’s core fundraising priorities).

About Us

Theatr Clwyd is a cultural hub, producing world-class theatre in the hills of North Wales. Since 1976 we have been serving our communities and delivering the highest quality theatre and arts experience for the people of North Wales and beyond.

Our mission is increasingly important to us in all that we do.

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

We are fortunate enough to be one of very few theatres in the UK to build sets, make costumes, paint scenery and create props inhouse. These essential theatre making skills ensure that we can push theatrical boundaries to create stunning shows from the seed of a writer’s imagination. Since 2018 this has been recognised by the theatre industry with awards from UK Theatre, The Stage and the Olivier’s.

The development of theatre makers in our community is key to sustaining Wales and the UK’s cultural sector. We have spaces for writers and companies dovetailed with technical apprenticeships and trainee directors to create a building which supports emerging creatives in developing artistic excellence.

We use our skills to underpin social transformation in our communities. We creatively address social and educational challenges such as youth justice while bridging social and economic divides. We recognise the immediate impact and long term benefits the arts can provide to aid psychological and physical wellbeing. We collaborate with Wales’ largest NHS health board and local social services to meet the challenges facing health and social care by supporting our communities.

We have a recent annual turnover of around £7m and are funded by a combination of Arts Council Wales, Flintshire County Council, box office ticket sales, commercial income and fundraising from individuals, trusts and foundations and corporate sponsorship.

Job Description

Role Title - Trusts and Foundations Manager
Contract Type - Permanent
Family - Experience
Team Specialism - Development
Hours - 37 hours per week
Starting Salary - £31,000
Salary Grade - M1
Reports to - Capital Campaign Director

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and implement fundraising strategy towards the achievement of fundraising from charitable trusts and foundations.
• Research, prepare, submit fundraising proposals and secure income from charitable trusts and foundations in relation to supporting Theatr Clwyd’s core revenue programmes and special projects. The total annual target for funding from Trusts and Foundations is £400,000 for 2025/26. Develop a pipeline of donors, implementing cultivation and solicitation plans.
• Set up and monitor a rolling programme of submissions, updates and progress reports. Maintain a good understanding of all company projects and Theatr Clwyd’s objectives and liaise closely across all specialist areas to collate information and materials to inform fundraising proposals. Maintain good relationships with current and prospective funders, acting as the key point of contact for Theatr Clwyd and responding promptly to enquiries by phone and email, and ensuring Trusts and Foundations are thanked in a timely manner.
• Liaise internally with all team specialists to ensure prompt feedback, evaluation and monitoring reports to Trusts and Foundations.
• Employ high quality administrative management to ensure all contact with grant making bodies relating to fundraising and development is recorded and tracked, including keeping Spektrix up to date to maximise its functionality.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing & Communications Team, manage the creation of a wealth of assets across both digital and non-digital platforms to support Trust & Foundation fundraising.
• Take an active role in the Development team specialism, contributing to and attending Development events and contributing to wider team plans.
• Deputise for and represent the Head of Development on occasion as required.
• Keep up to date with the UK’s Trust and Foundation activities, general fundraising practice and legislation.

General Responsibilities

• Proactively contribute to and support the overall fundraising strategy.
• Share information and contribute to improvements in procedures and working practices.
• Provide support to the Head of Development and Capital Campaign Director as required.
• Work closely with the Development Assistant to develop their specialisation in fundraising.
• Undertake any other duties that might reasonably be requested by the Head of Development and appropriate to the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• A high level of fundraising experience with a proven track record in achieving fundraising targets.
• Exceptional communications and interpersonal skills – assuring solid relationships, both internally and externally.
• An ability to rapidly absorb and distil information and to devise the best strategy for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of each prospect.
• Ability to apply adaptive and lateral thinking, manage multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Significant knowledge of the Trust and Foundation landscape in the local area.
• Proven ability to devise, develop and deliver internal and external events, working with in house teams and suppliers.
• Experience of working with people across an organisation in different departments and levels of seniority.
• Excellent written & verbal communications skills, with the ability to write interesting, brand-voiced content.
• Ability to use social media, word, excel, power point to a high level.
• A commitment to excellence and a relentless drive to be the best.
• A resilience and positive attitude towards fundraising.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability in prioritising and working to deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience in engaging and developing relationships with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds.
• Strong budgeting skills.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the arts, cultural or heritage organisation.
• Strong networks and wide-reaching knowledge about the sector and trends in giving to the arts.
• Ability to appreciate and speak convincingly about all genres of the arts supported by Theatr Clwyd.
• Good working knowledge of box office/CRM systems.
• Full driving licence.
• Written and conversational Welsh.