Job Title : Head of Development and Partnerships
Department : Development
Responsible to : Chief Executive
Responsible for : Development Manager (part time)
Key working relationships :
Executive Director
Artistic Director
Marketing and Communications Director
Head of Creative Engagement
Purpose of the Post The Head of Development and Partnerships plays a key role in delivering sustaining and increasing income for the Mercury Theatre across both subsidised and commercial activities and projects. This role is responsible for implementing funding strategies and securing support from a variety of sources including trusts and foundations, statutory and lottery funds, individual donors, sponsorships, corporate partnerships and commercial investments. It also oversees the growth and stewardship of membership schemes and fundraising events, collaborating closely with colleagues across departments to maximise funding opportunities.
Income Generation and Fundraising Strategy Implementation Lead on securing income to meet financial targets from: Trusts and Foundations
Statutory funders and lottery sources
Individual giving and legacies
Public sector strategic partnerships
Corporate partnerships
Commercial co‑production investment
The membership schemes
Development and maintenance of corporate partnerships
Support the large‑scale projects and ongoing revenue opportunities
Develop and maintain effective donor journeys and stewardship practices
Work closely with the Commercial and Operations Director to develop a new commercial strategy to grow hires and events
Identify potential partnership opportunities to support and engage commercial producers to premiere and present their work at the Mercury
Responsibilities Trusts and Foundations Identify, research and build relationships with new funding opportunities
Write proposals, manage key relationships, fulfil reporting requirements
Assist with the preparation of large trust applications
Support any capital appeals
Identify and develop ongoing revenue opportunities as required
Regularly update key stakeholders with accurate, branded and professional correspondence
Statutory Funds Research relevant funding schemes and prepare tailored applications
Build strong working relationships with public sector and lottery bodies
Track application progress and fulfil all reporting and communication obligations
Corporate Partnerships Identify and engage corporate partners to support our work both locally and nationally
Support the growth of our Corporate Partnership Scheme including preparing presentations and proposals, managing relationships, reporting and branded correspondence
Oversee associated schemes such as employee engagement, volunteering and in‑kind support from the sector
Provide partners with regular updates, offers and priority sale information
Provide complimentary tickets to relevant stakeholders including corporate partners, VIPs and press
Ensure that information on our website and all other channels of communication is up to date and impactful
Identify and acknowledge larger donations with thank you correspondence and encourage future support
Research Use a range of research tools to identify potential supporters to the Mercury, including individuals, grant‑making trusts and companies
Research existing and potential individual donors and maintain a “watching brief” over high‑value funders and grant‑making bodies
Monitor sector developments and policy changes related to fundraising and Gift Aid
Individual Giving Support the Chief Executive to implement our individual giving strategy
Act as a key contact for legacy giving and in memoriam donations
Deliver excellent supporter care and stewardship
Manage membership schemes and steward donors through events and regular updates
Encourage high‑level members to further support our work
Support the Senior Management Team in developing and delivering fundraising events
Collaborate with colleagues and oversee event logistics and delivery as needed
Communications Oversee planning and ensure timely submission of all funding proposals and reports
Ensure accurate and up‑to‑date database and financial records
Collaborate with marketing on the development of fundraising materials and communications
Ensure the Support Us pages of the website are correct and up to date
Finance and Reporting Monitor, process, and report departmental income and expenditure
Prepare regular updates to the Chief Executive and contribute to reports as requested
Prepare regular financial updates and ad hoc reports for the Senior Management Team
Provide regular reports to funders and SMT as required
Maintain accurate records in Spektrix for each funding area
General Duties Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the Theatre’s wider artistic programme, including its Creative Engagement activities
Represent the Mercury at relevant local, regional or national meetings or bodies
Maintain positive and effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation
Adhere to all Mercury Theatre policies including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and environmental policies
Attend and contribute to staff meetings and/or training sessions
Undertake any further duties as may be reasonably requested
This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required in this position. It is neither wholly comprehensive nor restrictive and does not preclude change or development that might be required in the future. It does not form part of the contract of employment.
Person Specification Personal Qualities Self‑disciplined, organised and self‑motivated
Ability to coordinate a varied workload in a complex environment
Great team member regularly contributing ideas and supporting others
Adaptable and open to innovative ideas and approaches
Resilient under pressure and able to manage competing deadlines
Excellent people skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate at all levels
Commercial awareness and able to identify income opportunities
Analytical, with attention to detail and an ability to see the broader picture
Proven experience of securing income in a fundraising context
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Experience building and maintaining successful partnerships
History of completing successful funding applications
Demonstrable experience working with trusts, foundations, individual donors, and corporate partners
Ability to manage a demanding and varied workload successfully
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Strong research and prospect development skills
Confident in approaching and networking with individuals at all levels
Experience of fundraising within the arts or charity sectors
Creative in identifying new income streams and partnership opportunities
Experience of working with relational databases or CRM systems
Familiarity with prospect research tools and techniques
Outline of Terms and Conditions Salary : £34,000 to £38,000 (depending on experience)
Hours : 37.5 hours per week. The post may require occasional evening and weekend work to attend shows, meetings, and events. Time off in lieu is available.
Annual leave : 20 days per year plus statutory bank holidays. After one year’s service the entitlement increases by one day each year up to a maximum of 25 days at five years’ service.
Probationary period : Six months
Notice period : One month during probation and then three months by either party.
Pension : The Mercury operates a pension scheme that meets the government’s requirements under auto‑enrolment.
Benefits Discount on drinks and meals in the Mercury’s bar
Access to a discounted staff menu in the café bar
Interest‑free season ticket loan
Attendance at performances with an allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability and the Mercury’s ticket policy)
How to Apply To apply for this post, please send a letter of no more than 2 sides of A4, explaining what attracts you to this position, and evidence of your ability to meet the job description and person specification.
In addition, with your application, please supply:
Your CV
Names and contact details for two employment/professional referees; however, we will not take up references until an offer has been made.
Applications should be submitted via Staffology by 10am on Monday, 18 May 2026. Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
The Mercury Theatre is an equal opportunities employer and actively promotes diversity in the staff team. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
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