The Organisation
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
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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.
- 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.
Management and Administration
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Keep abreast of developments in fundraising best practice, new funding programmes and legislation and contribute to any changes in procedures and practices as appropriate.
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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
Skills and abilities
Additional, but not essential
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.
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You will get 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata), with an additional 3 days after five years’ service
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You will be enrolled into the Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd. pension scheme
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You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your wellbeing
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Engage in learning and project opportunities to develop personally and professionally, and support your career journey
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You can access an interest-free Season Ticket Loan and a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme
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You will be eligible for a death in service insurance policy covering twice your annual salary
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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
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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
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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