Dancer with leg and arm outsretched

Vacancy: Philanthropy Executive

Northern Ballet is the UK's foremost narrative ballet company. 

We tell unexpected stories that move our audiences across the country and online. We aim to reach as many different people and places as possible with our passionate storytelling, mastery of classical dance technique and live music. 

We believe in the power to change lives through dance and are committed to engaging with people from all different sectors of the community. We have an absolute commitment to our leading role as an international ambassador for world-class dance, often showcasing our exceptional home-grown artistry on the world-stage. 

Our Priorities 

  • Creating Stories that connect 
    We create stories that connect with people and invite a range of diverse voices to bring fresh perspectives to stories old and new. 
  • Develop new voices & artists. We build inclusive pathways for the next generation of creative voices to learn, develop and flourish through our Academy, Learning programme and the work we commission on our stages 
  • Sharing the joy of dance with everyone. Through an open access and Inclusive Dance programme for people of all ages and abilities we create opportunity for people to experience the physical and emotional impact of dance. We believe dancing improves people’s health and wellbeing, as well as bringing joy and we want to share that joy! 

Main Purpose of the Job

We are seeking to appoint a Philanthropy Executive to join our small but dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual with proven fundraising experience to help shape and grow Northern Ballet’s individual giving programmes. With a dual focus on donor stewardship and using data and our CRM database to drive success, the successful candidate will play a key role in engaging our supporters and ensuring the smooth operation of our Development department.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build and steward relationships with individual supporters across all levels of giving.
  • Use the Spektrix CRM database to identify and research potential donors, building a strong pipeline of support.
  • Create and implement a programme of appeals to support key fundraising campaigns for the Company.
  • Work alongside colleagues to deliver bespoke supporter events in Leeds and in venues across the UK.
  • Support the efficient running of the Development department.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

  • Knowledge of using and interrogating databases, preferably Spektrix. 
  • Ability and confidence to steward and engage with a range of supporters and to represent Northern Ballet at events 
  • Experience of prospect research and an understanding of how to maximise supporter journeys- acquisition, engagement, retention and income generation.
  • Experience of monitoring income and expenditure and analysing data.
  • Understanding of data protection legislation.
  • Knowledge of email marketing systems, preferably Dotdigital.
  • Experience running fundraising appeals.
  • Highly organised and able to effectively manage competing priorities, with excellent attention to detail.
  • Previous experience in a development role.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Interest in the work and impact of Northern Ballet.
  • Excellent team player with a positive and collaborative approach to work.

Desirable Criteria

  • Knowledge of fundraising and cultural sector in Yorkshire, London and nationally
  • Experience of working in the arts or charity sector 

Other Details

  • Salary: £27,000 to £30,000 per annum depending on experience plus excellent benefits
  • Hours: 35 hours per week
  • Interviews will take place in Leeds week commencing 31 March 2025

Application

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Northern Ballet strives to understand, respect and champion diversity in all its forms. We believe in embracing diversity within our workforce, repertoire and practices and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

As part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Employer scheme, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this role. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact hradmin@northernballet.com so we can make the necessary arrangements. Adjustments could include providing documentation in alternative formats (large print, braille, or audio), adapting the interview environment, or allowing additional time for responses.

Due to the high volume of applications, if you do not hear from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Join us in shaping the future of dance—apply today!