Major Gifts Manager

Salary: £41,855 per annum

Hours: Full time or flexible hours considered

Location: Hybrid working - London based twice a week and the rest home working

Sadler s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. Sadler s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other theatre in the world from tango to hip hop, ballet to flamenco, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary dance. With an innovative, year-round programme of performances and learning activities, this is the place where artists come together to create dance, and where we welcome everyone to experience dance and be inspired.

The Role

The Major Gifts Manager will work closely with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to provide support on all gifts at £12,000 and above. The role combines face-to-face fundraising of the annual Major Donor levels of Artistic Director s Circle and Avant Guardians, implementing the strategy to recruit further support at these levels as well as supporting recruitment at the Major Project Support level which begins at £50,000. There is regular and proactive collaboration with development department colleagues and the wider Sadler s Wells team to deliver a dynamic programme of donor cultivation and stewardship.

What are my responsibilities?

Fundraising

• Manage the annual Major Gifts programme (Avant-Guardians and Artistic Director s Circle), overseeing stewardship, retention and recruitment as well as the implementation of the five-year fundraising strategy of this income area.

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with own portfolio of major donors as the Primary Worker

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to deliver special fundraising events for cultivating and stewarding Major Project Supporters and annual Major Gifts Supporters.

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to identify and cultivate Major Project Supporter prospects from current Sadler s Wells donors.

• Support on administration of Major Project Support, including writing reports, gift agreements and stewardship touchpoints with donors.

• Along with other team members, support administration of Sadler s Wells America, our 501 (c)(3) US entity.

• Build strong relationships with other departments and project teams to foster a deep understanding of, fluency with, and confidence in talking about the work and vision of Sadler s Wells and related disciplines.
• Recognise and exploit key crossovers exist between all income areas (e.g. Individual Giving/Corporate Giving/Sponsorship/Trusts and Foundations) and liaise with colleagues as appropriate to ensure best results.

• Attend regular Development evening events as necessary.

• Network and gain knowledge across the fundraising spectrum.

Management and Administration

• Line Management and development of the Major Gifts Officer including carrying out annual reviews and objective setting.

• Ensure the team maintain accurate financial records and cultivation and stewardship plans.

• Ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Keep abreast of developments in fundraising best practice, new funding programmes and legislation and contribute to any changes in procedures and practices as appropriate.

• Represent Sadler s Wells at external meetings and events.

Who should apply?

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and personal qualities.

Experience and knowledge

• A proven track record in achieving fundraising targets from major donors at the £25,000 and above level

• A personal track record in initiating and securing new gifts and retaining support from individuals

• Experience of creating and developing strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders at all levels

• The ability to work both as part of a team, and autonomously

• Experience of managing expenditure and income budgets and in communicating and presenting financial information

• Thorough knowledge of fundraising database systems

• Experience of Line Management and supporting others within their role/s, with positive performance management

Skills and abilities

• Ability to think strategically and creatively and contribute effectively to department strategy

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet challenging targets, multi-tasking and delegating where needed

• Excellent written and oral communications skills with keen attention to detail

• Excellent IT skills; including spreadsheets and presentation packages

• Proactive, entrepreneurial and creative in identifying new income sources

• Diplomatic, with a professional approach to good customer care

• Ambitious, collaborative and enthusiastic

• Available to work in the evenings on a regular basis

• Demonstrable interest in the performing arts

• Must currently hold the right to work in the United Kingdom

Additional, but not essential

• Experience of working within an arts organisation / charity

Why Work for Us?

You will be a key part of our mission to make and share dance that inspires us all and delivering our vision to create, through dance, a depth of connection beyond borders, cultures and languages, so we see ourselves in each other.

• You will get 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata), with an additional 3 days after five years service

• You will be enrolled into the Sadler s Wells Trust Ltd. pension scheme

• You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your wellbeing

• Engage in learning and project opportunities to develop personally and professionally, and support your career journey

• You can access an interest-free Season Ticket Loan and a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme

• You will be eligible for a death in service insurance policy covering twice your annual salary

• You will be encouraged to attend performances at both theatres with a discretionary allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability), and a staff discount at the Garden Court Café

• We welcome everyone through our doors and encourage and enable people to be the best versions of themselves and to feel confident and capable in their roles

• We celebrate diversity in the dance we share and showcase, and in our workplace. We are working hard to be more inclusive and increasing access both on stage and off and have several anti-racism commitments to make lasting changes in the way we work

Application

To apply, please send Anna Ludeman your CV and a letter (max. 2 pages) letting us know why you would like this role and what you can bring to us here at Sadlers Wells.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Sadlers Wells. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small.

We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

Closing date: 26th January 2026