Head of Development
Closing Date: Mon 6 January, 17:00 GMT 2025
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Applications
Please apply online, or alternatively, download the application form in Word and email it to hr@watershed.co.uk.
Do get in touch if you would like any of this information, or wish to apply, in another format.
Please do not include your CV as it will not be considered. Please put all relevant information on your application form.
Before you apply
Watershed's first value is Inclusive – We listen to and learn from our community, creating equity and addressing harm where it occurs. The information below lays out some of the steps we are taking to create a more inclusive recruitment process. Many of these steps are new to us, so feedback and questions are very welcome.
You may not have worked in a cultural organisation before, or in an organisation like Watershed. Please still consider applying as many other sectors offer transferable contexts.
If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the culture sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism or you are a disabled person (as defined by the Equalities Act 2010), or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - and you would like support to articulate how your experience is transferable to this role, you can book time with us to discuss it. We will ensure the person you meet is not involved in the recruitment process. Please request this by emailing hr@watershed.co.uk (we will not ask you to disclose your background).
We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome applications from those who bring balance to our team. Watershed welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do. Supporting our staff means they are not appointed to represent specific groups or organisations.
Job description
- Position
- Head of Development
- Salary
- £44,934 per annum
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Location
- In the building. Hybrid working option available (part working in the building and part remote). This post is not suitable for full remote working.
Purpose of job
The Head of Development will lead on the delivery of Watershed’s Development strategy, with a central focus on managing and growing our individual giving and corporate partnerships. The role is fundamental to Watershed’s continued progress, with particular responsibility for building unrestricted funding to support our core activity.
You will prioritise and champion development activities across the whole organisation, implementing a mix of new ideas and proven strategies. Part of Watershed’s Senior Management Team, the role involves working closely with the Executive Director, Executive team, and a cross section of teams across Watershed to develop new prospects and strategic fundraising opportunities.
You will also carry out all expectations involved in being part of the Senior Management Team.
Main responsibilities
- Delivery of our current three year Development Strategy, which aims to leverage and increase Watershed’s unrestricted funding.
- The role includes leading on the following areas of work, the majority of which will be delivered in house:
Individual Giving
- Devise and deliver effective fundraising campaigns to grow Watershed’s individual giving with the support of the Communications team and in line with Watershed’s values and brand.
- Ensure excellent and effective stewardship of all donors with a joined-up approach to relationship management, and ensuring workflows are integrated and streamlined.
- Forecast, track, analyse and report on individual giving income.
Corporate Partners
- Drive forward our new work on corporate partnerships, ensuring the work is values-led and delivered to a high standard.
- Create and manage an effective pipeline of prospects and plan approaches and campaigns accordingly.
- Meet with prospective partners and effectively build and steward mutually beneficial relationships.
- Forecast, track, analyse and report on corporate income.
Trusts and Foundations
- Responsible for our Trusts & Foundations pipeline, including the management of consultants or staff as needed.
- Ensure timely and accurate contracting and reporting.
Other
- Lead responsibility for ensuring Watershed’s Fundraising Policy and Due Diligence procedures are up-to-date and integrated across the organisation.
- Line manage and support staff to carry out expectations as outlined in Watershed's line management guidance.
Key performance indicators
- Successful delivery of our development strategy, making sure that it aligns with Watershed’s business plans and values and is responsive to new opportunities and the current environment in the cultural sector.
- Effective management and reporting of organisational progress towards an agreed unrestricted income target, with associated pipelines in each key fundraising area.
- Fundraising activities are joined up, realistic and well-integrated across the organisation.
- Consultants and direct reports are well briefed, managed and are delivering.
- Watershed funders, donors and partners feel recognised, thanked and understand the impact of their support.
Essential criteria
- Proven track record in fundraising at a senior level particularly from individual donors and/or corporates.
- Experience of planning, delivering and reporting on a meaningful fundraising approach.
- Experience of successful income generation and budget management.
- Ability to think creatively and work under own initiative, with strong self-management skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills and effective relationship management, including confidence in approaching new contacts and public speaking.
Application process
Closing date:
We will be conducting short online interviews with all applicants who meet the essential criteria. A shortlist will then be invited to a longer second interview.
First round interview / presentation (if relevant): -
Second round interview:
Working at Watershed
Find out more about staff benefits, our values and more about our approach.
Access
Watershed will work with candidates to ensure their access needs are met during the interview process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making.
Equal opportunities monitoring
We are striving to understand more about who applies to work with us. At the end of the application process we invite you to complete our anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form, which will not be shared with anyone involved in the recruitment process.
Opening hours
At full operation, Watershed is open seven days a week, including Bank Holidays (Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the only exceptions). Watershed is a public building, which operates a diverse range of cultural and commercial activities. The post holder will need to be comfortable working in this environment.
Watershed Values
As a registered charity and social enterprise, Watershed has well-established brand values. We seek to apply our values in everything we do and ask staff, partners, suppliers and collaborators to do the same.
Our values are:
- Inclusive We listen to and learn from our community, creating equity and addressing harm where it occurs
- Transparent We share our approach openly and clearly, working at a pace which enables everyone to participate who wishes to
- Responsible We use our resources generously and sustainably, considering our impact on future generations
- Kind We are careful and caring with ourselves and with others
- Hopeful We celebrate culture, creativity and wonder as paths to a better future
Watershed is a Social Enterprise Mark holder. Social Enterprises are businesses whose products and services create both social and environmental benefits.
Closing Date: Mon 6 January, 17:00 GMT 2025