Trusts and Grants Manager

The Barbican is an arts, learning, and conference centre in the heart of the City of London.

We’re passionate about showcasing the most exciting art from around the world, pushing traditional artistic boundaries and helping us understand our lives in new and unexpected ways. Each year we present thousands of different performances, events and exhibitions that entertain and inspire millions of people, create connections, provoke debate, and reflect the world we live in.

About the Role

The Development department is responsible for generating income from a range of sources including donations, grants, patronage, sponsorship and corporate memberships. This funding supports the Barbican’ inspiring programme of artistic events, learning activities and community work.

The team works closely with colleagues across the Centre, partner organisations, the Board and Trustees to maximise income and strengthen support for our arts and learning programmes. This is a pivotal and exciting time for the Barbican as we enter a period of Renewal as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2032 – shaping the future of our programme and our place through a major capital programme.

The Development department will play a key role in realising this vision, working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership to develop relationships and support for the new initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Senior Trusts & Grants Manager on the delivery of the fundraising strategy, independently managing your own mid to large sized funding opportunities from Embassies, Cultural Institutions, Trusts and Liveries.

• Contribute to and support the overall strategy for Trusts and Grants fundraising, including supporting on major capital proposals.

• Take responsibility for identifying prospects and developing a pipeline of donors– implementing cultivation and solicitation plans effectively.

• Lead on stewardship and relationship building of mid to large sized grant giving organisations alongside the Senior Trusts and Grants Manager.

• Ensure a high-quality experience for any existing or potential funders visiting the Barbican – including direct meetings, invitations to performances, and larger bespoke cultivation events geared towards sharing our programmes with potential donors.

• Proactively connect with potential grant makers, both over the phone and in person, to discuss Barbican priorities and funding needs.

• Manage the reporting schedule for existing grants, working with the Development Writer & Research Officer to draft and deliver reports and ensure on-going communications are timely and effective.

• Write compelling text and clear budgets on a range of projects across the arts and learning programme.

• Identify and assess new potential funders and work with colleagues to move them forward.

• Take a lead on identifying and planning key cultivation events for Trusts and Grantmakers within the Centre.

• Support senior team members in developing major (six-figure +) grant applications.

About You

We are currently looking to recruit a Trusts & Grants Manager to join the team.

The successful candidate will have a substantial and proven track record of raising money from trusts, foundations and other grant makers as well as statutory funders. Their enthusiasm and passion for the arts will be matched by their ability to successfully identify, secure and steward major gifts across a range of projects and programme areas. They will be skilled at writing compelling proposals and reports, managing budgets, working to deadlines and communicating effectively with colleagues, grant makers and senior volunteers.

For more details, please see the ‘Job Information Pack’.

What We Offer

• Barbican Membership

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service

• Access to Barbican Centre discounts including offers at the Barbican Shop and hospitality outlets

• City Corporation staff benefits and discounts throughout the City of London, including at Tower Bridge, Guildhall Art Gallery and others

• Reciprocal entry to a number of galleries and museums across London

• Employee volunteering scheme (up to 2 days per year)

• A vibrant, creative, inclusive workplace at one of the world’s leading arts centres