DanceEast is looking for a passionate and skilled fundraiser to join their team as Development Manager. This newly created post will be key to delivering the organisation’s 2024 – 2029 fundraising strategy, working closely with Bryony Hope, the organisation’s Head of Communications and Development to do so. Bryony says:
“It is an exciting time for fundraising at DanceEast. We are building momentum with trusts and foundations, and with individual giving. There is a great feeling of optimism and opportunity, underpinned by our new fundraising strategy. This runs to 2029 and focuses on securing investment for three important areas of our programme, around creative health and communities, young people, and supporting a strong and sustainable dance sector.
Fundraising at DanceEast is incredibly fulfilling. Our base, the Jerwood DanceHouse on the Ipswich Waterfront, is one of the best dance facilities in the UK, with five dance studios, a theatre, and a digital suite. We have a very diverse programme. Our activities include: supporting positive health and wellbeing for people with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease through specialist dance provision; creating access for children and young people to experience the many benefits of dance; investing in the creation of outstanding new dance works by emerging and established artists; programming two theatre seasons and a festival season annually.
We always focus delivery on where we can have the greatest impact, and everything we do is needs-led: we bring joyful and life-affirming dance to those who need it most. The breadth of our programme, and the impact it delivers for people and communities in Suffolk and the wider dance sector, makes DanceEast very rewarding to fundraise for.
DanceEast has a small, but very supportive and collaborative team. One of the joys as a fundraiser is being able to work so closely with colleagues to bring our programmes to fruition. As well as working with a wonderful team, being based at the Jerwood DanceHouse itself is a joy. Currently, we have a building full of 60 children taking part in our holiday club, many of whom are eligible for free school meals. We also have artists working in our studio: choreographic duo Ekleido who we are presenting as part of a triple bill of emerging dancemakers in the Autumn, and Olivier Award winner Dickson Mbi, who we are commissioning to make a new work with support from Jerwood Foundation. This is a normal week at DanceEast and provides a fantastic energy that is very motivating for fundraising.
DanceEast is one of the UK’s leading dance organisations, and an inspiring place to be. The Development Manager role would be very fulfilling for a fundraiser looking to make a real difference through dance for people, communities, and audiences, in the East of England and beyond.”
You can contact Bryony at bryony.hope@danceeast.co.uk for an informal discussion about the role, or visit our careers page to apply: Careers – DanceEast. The deadline for applications is midday Thursday 29 August, with interviews on Wednesday 4 or Thursday 5 September.
