Executive Director

The successful candidate will be a highly experienced fundraiser with a flair for creativity and a proven track record for generating income from a variety of sources. This should include individuals, trusts and foundations and the corporate sector. They will be adept at working independently and confident in leading a small team. The Executive Director will work closely with Michael Grandage and will report to the Board.

This part-time role requires someone with extensive fundraising experience and an understanding of philanthropy. They will have a passion for theatre and performance and a good knowledge of the theatre industry. If you feel that you can help us achieve consistently high levels of income year on year then we would like to hear from you.

BACKGROUND

Theatre director Michael Grandage CBE established MGCfutures as a charity in 2013 with the royalties from his first independent West End season.

Having transitioned mid-career from actor to director Michael is acutely aware of the obstacles and hardships that can prevent creative artists and technicians from achieving their true potential.

Since 2016 the charity’s primary focus has been its innovative bursary programme supporting career development across the theatre industry – from writers, directors and producers to costume designers, theatrical milliners and stage carpenters.

MGCfutures provides vital bridging support for theatre makers who reach a crucial stage in their chosen career.

The current Director, Andrew Broadley, is stepping down to pursue personal projects after seven years in the role. During his time with the charity there have been a total of 141 bursary awards amounting to more than £500,000.

As the programme continues to grow so does the charity’s need for funds.

The new Chair, Lady Lowy Mitchell (appointed in 2023) is committed to increasing the charity’s income and has considerable experience of fundraising and development. She intends to work closely with the incoming Director to achieve a minimum of £150,000 raised year on year.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Executive Director

Responsible to: The Board of Trustees

Responsible for: Developing a robust strategy for income generation 

Reporting regularly to the Board ensuring compliance with Charity Commission guidelines

Supervising the work of the Creative Administrator (Job Share)

Key purpose: To work with Michael Grandage and the Board to strategically develop the charity in line with its stated objectives, including but not limited to fundraising, project planning and management, liaison with bursary beneficiaries and governance.

Terms: Currently 2.5 days per week. PAYE or Freelance

Key tasks:

Fundraising

• Drive income generation for the charity 
• Devise and implement campaigns
• Lead and manage fundraising events including but not limited to Gala Performances and Fundraising Dinners
• Liaise and manage relationships with all patrons, donors and funders
• Deliver all reporting required by funding organisations and donors
• Lead on writing applications to Trusts and Foundations as appropriate

Governance, Finance & Business Planning

• Review and develop the charity’s business plan in consultation with Michael Grandage and the Board of Trustees to ensure the charity’s long-term growth, development and sustainability
• Lead on long term financial planning, creating and managing budgets
• Ensure compliance with Companies House, the Charities Commission, HMRC 
• Oversee preparation of the charity’s annual accounts
• Create an annual report which promotes the charity and its work to all external parties including potential funders

MGCfutures Bursary scheme

• Oversee the running of the bursary scheme ensuring the Creative Administrator (job share) delivers the programme as required
• Lead on developing regional relationships to ensure applications are geographically diverse
• Mentor recipients and attend their work, particularly in relation to the bursary award

Press and Communications

• Oversee press relations for the charity, working to raise profile and secure stories, features and photos
• Supervise and direct the Creative Administrator (Job Share)

General

• To keep abreast of all current industry and charity practice, guidelines, responsibilities and duties 
• To implement and adhere to charity statutory policies
• Undertake any other duties deemed reasonable and necessary to assist in the activities of the charity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience 

• A proven track record in raising significant sums from individuals, foundations and corporates
• Experience in stewardship, liaising with donors and keeping them informed 
• Experience of organising fundraising galas and events 
• Experience of working with/reporting to a Board

Essential Skills 

• Engaging written and verbal communication skills 
• Proven ability to work strategically
• Demonstrable experience of Communications and PR 
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Desirable Experience 

• Experience of working in a small team
• Experience of running campaigns

Desirable Skills 

• An understanding of the challenges facing freelance creatives in the theatre industry 
• A knowledge of professional career development in the theatre sector