We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Development team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about the arts and eager to build a career in fundraising.
As part of our small, dynamic and purpose-driven team, you will play a key role in helping to grow support for our work. You will bring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to collaborative working and high professional standards. With previous administrative experience, confidence using Microsoft Office, and a background in a customer-focused environment, you will feel at home in this varied, people-focused role.
Alongside your core responsibilities, you will help maintain our organisational database and support the coordination and delivery of a diverse programme of supporter events—ensuring that every guest enjoys an exceptional experience. (Please note that some evening and weekend work will occasionally be required.)
A key feature of this role is the comprehensive training programme built in to support your professional growth. You will receive structured development across all areas of fundraising—including trust and foundation fundraising, individual giving, stewardship, event management and data management. This is a role with real potential; you will learn, grow, and see your work make a meaningful and visible impact.
As Development Executive you will
- Manage the Spektrix CRM database
- Work alongside colleagues to deliver bespoke supporter events in Leeds and at venues across the UK
- Research and collate data to support fundraising activities
- Work with colleagues to draft funding bids and reports
- Support the smooth running of the Development department
- Be supported with an in-depth training programme to develop your skills as an arts fundraiser
We are looking for someone who
- Has administrative experience, organisational and time-management skills – able to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Has experience using or an interest in learning how to use CRM systems (ideally Spektrix) to manage data and support fundraising activities
- Is a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to engage with Northern Ballet’s supporters
- Has a passion for arts and culture
Responsibilities
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Database and Financial Management
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- Maintain and update the database, ensuring all information is entered accurately and consistently to support gift administration, including coding and recognition.
- Enter donation information, prepare reports, and liaise with the Finance Department on all aspects of donations.
- Track and monitor income and prospect pipelines
- Administer monthly income reconciliations, identifying and flagging any late or lapsed renewals or payments.
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Events
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- Support the planning, organisation and delivery of a variety of development events.
- Arrange and coordinate donor visits, including welcoming and hosting supporters.
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Donor Engagement
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- With the support of the Philanthropy Manager, manage and support the growth of the Northern Ballet Patron programme
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Trusts & Foundations
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- Work closely with the Head of Trusts and Foundations to learn and develop skills in charitable trust fundraising.
- Carry out prospect research and collate data, case studies and supporting information for applications and reports.
- Draft short reports and applications with guidance and support.
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Administration
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- Manage all ticket holds and bookings.
- Oversee all stewardship activities related to dancer sponsorship, including arranging introductory meetings, preparing and sending welcome packs, organising rehearsal visits, coordinating Christmas cards, end-of-season updates, casting updates and any required ticket bookings.
- Maintain the stewardship matrix and ensure all key activities and deliverables are met.
- Provide general administrative support to the Development team as required.
- Work within the rules and expectations set out by the Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
- Collaborate with Finance and Communications colleagues to ensure compliance with HMRC and GDPR regulations.
Person Specification
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Essential Skills and Attributes
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- Good numerical and literacy skills to A Level
- standard or equivalent.
- Experience working with confidential or sensitive data.
- Experience in a customer-focused environment.
- Previous administrative experience.
- Strong IT skills with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Ability to act with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills, with a positive and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve shared targets and KPIs.
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Desirable
-
- Experience of working or volunteering within a cultural environment.
- Previous experience in a Development or fundraising role.
- Knowledge of databases, ideally Spektrix.
Other Details
- Salary: £25,000
- Hours: Our full-time hours are 35 per week. We are open to applications from candidates wanting to work full-time or part-time (e.g. four days a week). We are based on Leeds, hybrid working is available
- Annual leave: 25 days (full-time equivalent, pro-rated for part-time roles)
- Probationary period: six months
- Notice period: One month subject to successfully completing probationary period
- Pension: The Company operates a group personal pension scheme, with contributions from both the employer and the employee. Current contributions are Employer 5.75%, Employee 4.25%. Permanent full and part time staff are automatically enrolled after 12 weeks in post
- Closing date for applications: Thursday 18 December 2025, 17.00pm
- Interviews in Leeds will take place week commencing 5 or 12 January 2026
How to Apply
Please submit a copy of your CV, along with a covering letter stating why you would like to be considered for this role, to recruitment@northernballet.com
Please also complete the Equal Opportunities form.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms and believes in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices. Therefore, we support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. As part of our commitment to the disability confident employer scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies.
If you require any adjustment during any stages of our recruitment process, please contact recruitment@northernballet.com and we will be in touch with you to make the necessary arrangements. Some examples of adjustments could include sending documentation in alternative formats such as large print, braille or audio. Adapting the environment for the interview or allowing additional time for you to answer questions.
Header image from Merlin with dancers dancers Yu Wakizuka, Albert González Orts, Andrew Tomlinson and Kevin Poeung; footer image of Kevin Poeung as Merlin. Both photos by Tristram Kenton.
About Northern Ballet
One of the world's leading ballet companies. Based in Leeds, UK, we tour the UK with our unique brand of dance storytelling, on a mission to make ballet accessible to everyone.
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Northern Ballet is the UK’s widest-touring ballet company, bringing the joy of the arts to hundreds of thousands of people every year who otherwise would have limited opportunities
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