Development Manager OR Development Officer Recruitment

Pack Information (Job closing date 19th Jan 2025).

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the Acosta Dance Foundation (ADF). ADF was created in 2011 by Carlos Acosta’s own life experience from living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Havana, Cuba, to becoming one of the most talented dancers of his generation. ADF reflects Carlos Acosta’s artistic approach that melds Caribbean and Cuban influences with classical ballet, alongside creating opportunities for developing talent. ADF started in Havana, Cuba and since its creation, has delivered special projects that have enabled the best of European and Cuban ballet traditions to come together and train within one professional space. One outcome has been the highly acclaimed Acosta Danza Company which has successfully toured across the UK and internationally since 2015. Another is the Foundation’s Academy in Havana which continues to deliver high-quality dance training and offers full qualifications in dance, as well as providing opportunities for hundreds of young people and dance practitioners under one roof.

In 2023, ADF entered a new phase of development as it moved its focus from Cuba to become one of the resident companies at Woolwich Works, London. Central to this development has been the creation of the Acosta Dance Centre, and the range of activities offered in its studios that have benefitted the local, national, and international dance sector. The venue has become a vibrant hub for dance enthusiasts with its programme of community dance classes, workshops, and professional residences. Since opening in autumn 2022, over 3,500 people have benefitted from our activities, with over 2,700 participants taking part in our weekly programme of classes and workshops alone.

“The Acosta Dance Centre stands as the epitome of my life’s work, representing a global sanctuary for dancers of all backgrounds and a beacon of inspiration for the world of dance. It is a dream come true, born from my passion to create a place where movement becomes an extraordinary language, uniting people in the universal celebration of joy and creativity through dance.” Carlos Acosta

ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT ROLES

Development sits at the heart of the Foundation and Acosta Dance Centre’s activities. The individual will work closely alongside the Foundation/Acosta Dance Centre’s Managing Director, Javier Torres, and the Foundation’s Director, Carlos Acosta, to deliver and develop income streams from new sustainable partnerships and Individuals, Trusts and Foundations, Corporates, and Statutory Funders. 

The role is an essential and valued element to support and strengthen the sustainability of the Foundation’s projects while increasing contributions from individuals and groups and raising awareness of the charity. Carlos Acosta has developed solid and longstanding relationships with individuals and trusts and foundations that have allowed the ADF to deliver its work. Our plans are to drive this growth forward using Carlos’ vision of creating a dancer in every home as well as delivering on the Foundation’s commitment to develop and nurture the way dance engages with diversity.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced Development Manager or Development Officer to join our small and dynamic team based at Woolwich Works. The Development Officer will be supported by the Managing Director, Javier Torres, plus receive expertise and mentoring support from our Board member, Fern Potter who has over 30 years’ experience in fundraising. The Development Manager will be expected to come with the level of expertise needed to achieve our ambitions. The role will help us build capacity to raise funds around the best candidate, regardless of experience and/or seniority. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to develop their career and/or gain more experience across all aspects of development.

The post holder will be responsible for the management and stewardship of existing donors and developing new supporters from all areas of fundraising. You must be passionate about developing dance and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. You will have a demonstrable track record of planning and achievement, be a confident communicator and have loads of ideas.

This is a particularly exciting time for the Foundation as we embed our vision and shape our ambitions for the coming three years (2025-2028). Both roles will be critical to helping us achieve our full programme of work and develop a sustainable future.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – JOB DESCRIPTION

As Development Manager, you will provide the momentum and strategic steps behind our fundraising activities. The successful candidate should have the capacity to communicate about the art form in written communication, have strong project management experience, and have a passion and affinity for the Acosta entity/brand and our Cuban heritage. The candidate will have proven experience in raising income from Trusts and Foundations and from Individuals, Statutory Funders, and Corporate Sponsors and play a leading role in helping us to achieve our annual fundraising target of circa £450K.

N.B. The seniority of this role can be tailored to the right candidate. If you don’t feel you are at Manager level yet, you can apply for the Officer level, and we will invest in growing you into a Manager. We aim to build the team around the right candidate. Please get in touch to find out more.

Responsible to: Acosta Dance Foundation/Acosta Dance Centre Managing Director

Works with: Acosta Dance Centre Marketing Manager

Job context: The Development Manager is responsible for raising funds from all sources. Acosta Dance Foundation needs to circa £450K annually from various sources, including Trusts and Foundations, Corporate Sponsorship, Events, and Individuals.

Purpose of role: To develop and implement a strategy to generate income for all areas of Acosta Dance Foundation’s work, mainly through cultivating, managing, and maintaining support from private funders, including Trusts and Foundations, Corporates, Individuals, and statutory funders such as Arts Council England and Greenwich Borough Council. To plan, budget and deliver a variety of fundraising initiatives, including small- and large-scale cultivation and fundraising events.

Key Responsibility: To manage the implementation of the development strategy, encompassing all areas of fundraising.

Specific tasks

Trusts and Foundations

• Creating and implementing an annual fundraising plan for approaching Trusts and Foundations.
• Researching, writing applications and reports, and maintaining a tracking system.

Individual Giving

• Creating and implementing an annual fundraising plan for approaching individuals.
• Implementing effective use of CRM fundraising software to research donor prospects, generate leads and manage relationships with existing donors to secure future donations.
• Developing and managing effective relationships with donors: new, existing or lapsed, with the highest standard of care, communicating to a high standard by phone, letter, personal or general emails and ensuring all benefits are delivered as required.
• Working with the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta to cultivate new donors, and plan and develop a legacy campaign.

Corporate

• Assisting the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta in developing Corporate Partnerships by identifying prospects, and managing and suggesting ideas for building on existing relationships.
• Acting as main point of contact for corporate clients regarding event requirements, account managing and delivering.

Statutory

• Developing positive relationships with statutory funders including ACE, Greenwich Borough Council and London Culture Forum.
• With the Managing Director, writing applications and reports, and maintaining a tracking system.
• Researching and approaching where appropriate, potential sources of non-revenue funding, e.g., local authorities, national and international government agencies.

General tasks

• Preparing web content for the fundraising-related pages and ensuring website content is up to date.
• Reviewing and implementing the Foundation’s development strategy and contributing to the Foundation’s Business Plan as required.
• Keeping abreast of developments within the sector, but also within the dance industry and wider society, also attending meetings and networking events which might impact the work of the Foundation.
• Identifying areas of work that might be appropriate for funding and working with the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta, to source and develop more strategic applications and new initiatives.
• Leading to the further improvement of the CRM system (Good CRM).
• With the Managing Director, maintaining our relationship with Woolwich Works.
• Carrying out administrative work generated by the above activities, including maintaining systems (database and spreadsheets) for effective fundraising, recording activity, filing patron information as required, undertaking research and record keeping, report writing.
• Attending Board, subcommittee and other meetings as required.

Other

• Representing the organisation as appropriate, maintaining the security and confidential status of all information, and always conducting activities in a professional manner.
• Complying with the Foundation’s policies at all times including the Foundation’s Ethical Fundraising Policy.
• Ensuring that fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, including GDPR, the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice, and Gift Aid.
• Demonstrating a commitment to achieving our goals of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan. 
• Undertaking any other duties as may reasonably be required.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience

• Demonstrable experience of fundraising within voluntary, charity or arts sector.
• Experience of working towards, and delivering on, personal and team targets.
• Proven effectiveness at building relationships with at least one of the following: potential donors; high net worth individuals; trusts and foundations.
• Ability to write proposals for fundraising and track record of success.
• Numeracy skills, with good working knowledge of budget creation and management, with an understanding of charity accounting.
• High level of working with computer software and knowledge of client relationship databases.
• Managing events including planning, budgeting, and delivery of activities.
• Managing own workload and multiple priorities.
• Enterprising and confident, able to liaise with senior volunteers, prospects, donors, and other funders with ease.
• Familiarity with/interest in dance or arts sector generally.

Essential Skills

• Strong and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly organised, with strong administrative skills.
• Excellent networking skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Takes responsibility for delivering tasks, achieving high standards and learning from mistakes.
• Ability to work quickly but accurately to meet deadlines.
• Proactive manager and team player, with ability to problem solve.
• Knowledge of basic social media and using digital channels for fundraising.
• Open to development and proactively looks for opportunities to improve delivery of a role.

Desirable Skills

• Able to demonstrate a belief in dance as an art form.
• Understanding of Gift Aid and other charity law.
• Basics of Marketing and PR and using digital media.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Contract: Permanent with 6 months’ probation.

Hours: Full-time position (35 hrs per week); office working hours are normally 9.00 am to 5:30 pm (or alternative hours by prior negotiation; hybrid office/home working will be considered). The post holder will require working outside these hours, including attending evening shows and occasional weekends as necessary.

Location: Acosta Dance Centre, Building 40, 1 Artillery Square, Woolwich Arsenal, London. SE186BH.

Salary: circa £34,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Holiday Entitlement: 20 days plus bank holidays.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER – JOB DESCRIPTION

As Development Officer, you will have responsibilities across the breadth of fundraising, with a key role in developing and maintaining strong relationships with new and current donors. You will be responsible for managing our prospect database, ensuring our fundraising pipeline is maintained for effective fundraising activity. You will have strong research skills and be responsible for sourcing new, prospects for cultivation to help us grow our donor and patron supporter base. You will be central to helping us to implement strategies to achieve our fundraising target of circa £450K annually.

N.B. The seniority of this role can be tailored to the right candidate. If you are considering taking the next step in in your career, this role has potential to grow into a Development Manager and we can invest your professional growth to support you through this transition. We aim to build our development function around the best candidate, who have both the right skill sets and great potential. Please get in touch to find out more.

Responsible to: Acosta Dance Foundation/Acosta Dance Centre Managing Director

Works with: Acosta Dance Centre Marketing Manager

Purpose of role: To help generate income for all areas of Acosta Dance Foundation’s work, mainly through cultivating, managing, and maintaining support from private funders, including Trusts and Foundations, Corporates, Individuals, and statutory funders such as Arts Council England and Greenwich Borough Council. To deliver a variety of fundraising initiatives, including small- and large-scale cultivation and fundraising events.

Key Responsibility: To assist with the implementation of the development strategy, encompassing all areas of fundraising.

Specific tasks

Trusts and Foundations

• Researching, writing applications and reports, and maintaining a tracking system.

Individual Giving

• Implementing effective use of CRM fundraising software to research donor prospects, generate leads and administer relationships with existing donors to secure future donations.
• Helping to manage effective relationships with donors: new, existing or lapsed, with the highest standard of care, communicating to a high standard by phone, letter, personal or general emails and ensuring all benefits are delivered as required.
• Working with the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta to cultivate new donors, and implement a legacy campaign.

Corporate

• Assisting the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta in developing Corporate Partnerships by identifying prospects, and suggesting ideas for building on existing relationships.
• Acting as main point of contact for corporate clients regarding event requirements, account managing and delivering benefits.

Statutory

• With the Managing Director, and supported by Board Member, Fern Potter writing applications and reports, and maintaining a tracking system.
• Researching and approaching where appropriate, potential sources of non-revenue funding, e.g. local authorities, national government agencies.

General tasks

• Preparing web content for the fundraising-related pages and ensuring website content is up to date.
• Reviewing and implementing the Foundation’s development strategy.
• Keeping abreast of developments within the sector, but also within the dance industry and wider society, also attending meetings and networking events which might impact the work of the Foundation.
• Identifying areas of work that might be appropriate for funding and working with the Managing Director and Director, Carlos Acosta, to source potential supporters.
• Leading to the further improvement of the CRM system (Good CRM).
• With the Managing Director, maintaining our relationship with Woolwich Works.
• Carrying out administrative work generated by the above activities, including maintaining systems (database and spreadsheets) for effective fundraising, recording activity, filing patron information as required, undertaking research and record keeping, report writing.
• Attending Board, subcommittee and other meetings as required.

Other

• Representing the organisation as appropriate, maintaining the security and confidential status of all information, and always conducting activities in a professional manner.
• Complying with the Foundation’s policies at all times including the Foundation’s Ethical Fundraising Policy.
• Ensuring that fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, including GDPR, the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice, and Gift Aid.
• Demonstrating a commitment to achieving our goals of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan. 
• Undertaking any other duties as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience

• Strong interpersonal communicator with excellent writing skills and attention to detail, able to adapt your style to suit different funders.
• Numeracy skills, with good working knowledge of budget creation and management.
• High level of computer literacy including experience across a range of computer software, with database management skills.
• Working on special events and delivering activities as required.
• Proactive attitude and ability to problem solve.
• Highly organised and proficient in managing own workload and multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with/interest in dance or arts sector generally.

Essential Skills

• Well organised, with strong administrative skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Ability to work quickly but accurately to meet deadlines.
• Proactive team player who works with others respectfully, collaborating and with understanding.
• Takes responsibility for delivering tasks, achieving high standards, and learning from mistakes.
• Open to development and proactively looks for opportunities to improve delivery of the role.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of fundraising within voluntary, charity or arts sector.
• Experience of working towards, and delivering on, personal and team targets.
• An understanding of data protection regulation, Gift Aid, and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Able to demonstrate a belief in dance as an art form.
• Basics of Marketing and using digital media.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Contract: Permanent with 6 months’ probation.

Hours: Full-time position (35 hrs per week); office working hours are normally 9.00 am to 5:30 pm (or alternative hours by prior negotiation; hybrid office/home working will be considered). The post holder will require working outside these hours, including attending evening shows and occasional weekends as necessary.

Location: Acosta Dance Centre, Building 40, 1 Artillery Square, Woolwich Arsenal, London. SE186BH.

Salary: circa £24,000 per annum – depending on experience.

Holiday Entitlement: 20 days plus bank holidays.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We foster a diverse and inclusive culture at the core of what we do. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in our values and principles, and we are committed to actively celebrating colleagues’ different abilities, sexual orientations, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages of their journey with us. We will guarantee first-round interviews for candidates currently underrepresented in our organisation and the dance sector. 

NB: Both roles are being offered as full time, 5 days/week, but working arrangements may be flexible to suit the candidate subject to mutual agreement.

How to Apply: To apply for either post, please send a CV, covering letter detailing your relevant skills and experience and a completed Equality Monitoring Form. Applications by email to Javier Torres, ADF/ADC Managing Director: javiert@acostadancefoundation.org.uk

For an informal, confidential discussion about the role, please contact Javier Torres at javiert@acostadancefoundation.org.uk  or on +44 330 500 2187