Description

We are seeking an exceptional fundraiser to motivate and lead our Development Department to achieve a fundraising step-change in support of this conservatoire’s ambitious Strategic Plan. Trinity Laban is striving to achieve excellence beyond tradition, creating a home for performing artists in which boundaries are pushed, collaborations are key, and artistic pioneers are made. We are a world-leading home for students from non-traditional backgrounds with a programme of activity that reaches out to all sections of society, 
centring the performing arts as a force for cultural and social progress. 

Our Development Department is on a growth path, and this will be an exciting and career enhancing role for the right individual. With opportunities to build support for Trinity Laban and its students in a period of transformation and working with some of the most innovative and future-focussed artists of our time, there isn’t a better time to join the team. 

We’re looking for someone with a strong track record of establishing and nurturing relationships with potential supporters with the capacity to make transformational gifts. You will be able to evidence successful complex institutional philanthropic bids and have experience of devising fundraising strategies supported by a compelling case for support. You will have opportunities to engage with partners and contacts globally and be based at our internationally renowned campus including the World Heritage Site in Greenwich and Stirling Prize Award-winning Laban Building.

You will be capable of leading and enabling the development team and a wider network of supporters and advocates focused on major gifts from individuals, artists, and influencers, as well as charitable trusts. You will bring an entrepreneurial and driving spirit and sophisticated communication and relationship skills, practised in operating at a strategic level. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

Please note all applications submitted will be shortlisted anonymously by our recruiting panel, so please ensure that your name and personal details are not included to your supporting statement, otherwise we will not be able to consider your application. 

If you think this might be just the job for you, please register an account with our eRecruitment system (or login if you have an account) and complete an online application form using the following link https://jobs.trinitylaban.ac.uk/

Closing Date: 23:59 hours BST, Monday 19 January 2026 (No Agencies)

Interview Date: Thursday 29 January 2026 

For any queries about this position that are not covered in the job pack, please email
Katerina Filosofopoulou, Talent Resourcing and Organisational Development Officer on: staffrecruitment@trinitylaban.ac.uk

Requirements

Context

The postholder reports to the Director of Corporate Affairs who is a member of the executive team. The Head of Philanthropy and Corporate Development is a member of the senior team for Corporate Affairs which together manages professional service departments for student recruitment and international relations, brand and communications, alumni relations, development, and data and business insights. A dedicated data manager maintains and supports the database through which development functions are managed, prospect management, gift processing, record-keeping, finance reconciliation, and reporting. The postholder will also work in collaboration with the Blackheath Halls, a subsidiary of Trinity Laban, which is engaged with local supporters.  

The development department is small and highly focused, enjoying Board level support to expand its capabilities to achieve income growth. Its primary focus is on student scholarships for the most talented young artists in our artforms, gifts that enhance the student experience and funding towards our internationally renowned campus buildings. It is a mature operation with well-established processes, and significant potential to build the number and scale of donations and grants. Philanthropy is well supported at senior level and by key academics. 

Purpose of Role

The role of the Head of Philanthropy and Corporate Development is to enhance the work of Trinity Laban by securing support from philanthropic sources, commercial bodies, and other partnerships of value to the conservatoire. The department also leads or coordinates bids to public sector agencies and works closely with public engagement teams in support of their fundraising targets. The postholder will define and implement the next phase of strategic development to support Trinity Laban’s future aspirations, building on the influence and support of senior colleagues and volunteers.

Revise and develop the development strategy from 2025, with the aim of increasing major gifts, public sector grants and corporate income, and creating the conditions for transformative donations.

Support the work of the Development Board and other volunteers, and maintain and grow a culture of philanthropy across Trinity Laban Guide, motivate and empower the development department.

Guide, motivate and empower the development department.