Business Development Manager
Fixed term, full time (negotiable)
Salary: negotiable, dependent on experience
ABOUT THE POSITION
We are looking to recruit a Business Development Manager to work with the Creative Director and the
Company Administrator of an innovative, award winning, Wellcome Trust supported Theatre company to
develop a robust business model in order to secure the company’s legacy and future through a strategic
programme of relationship development and income generation.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Theatre of Debate continues the unique legacy of Y Touring, theatre company that over 20 years pioneered
the use of theatre and digital technology as a model of public engagement, exploring the personal, social,
ethical and cultural impacts of biomedical research.
Theatre of Debate’s unique product is delivered by some of the UK’s most exciting young actors and
playwrights, and offers our audiences the confidence to engage in informed debate on complex
contemporary issues, inspiring them to do so through high quality, challenging theatre and the use of
digital technology.
The historical model of funding for the work of Theatre of Debate has depended on a succession of discrete
project awards, largely from the Wellcome Trust. These awards have led to the development of a unique
approach to engagement of scientist, researchers, educational professionals and theatre professionals to
create theatre experiences for a range of audiences that inform, inspire and make one think. We have
worked with over 60 leading research scientists and performed to around two million young people in
schools.
We are strong believers in the role of live performance in the educational, intellectual and emotional
development of children and young people, and as such our work targets school-based audiences; however
the quality of the work and specialised nature of its focus attracts and engages a much wider audience,
including the general public and specialist sectors such as teachers, trainers, drama and medical students,
science communicators, researchers and evaluators.
ROLE SPECIFICS
The Business Development Manager, supported by the Director and Company Administrator, and a range
of experienced advisers and partners will:
 Develop and test a business model that will lead to Theatre of Debate becoming a
sustainable business
 Scope and assess potential partnerships which will contribute to TOD’s future success
 Lead and manage a fundraising strategy including development of proposals to key
funders.
 Supporting the setting up of Theatre of Debate as a charity.
 Identify additional avenues for income generation, including identification of and
application to relevant funding streams
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development
 Research new funding opportunities in the UK.
 Use existing knowledge to work with the Director to devise, implement and monitor a
fundraising strategy and financial plan in order to develop, secure and retain support from all
available resources
 Work with the Director to proactively seek out and identify new sources of income in
support of Theatre of Debate's key objectives
 Support the company in maintaining existing relations with funders including individuals,
public bodies and philanthropic institutions, and help develop new ones
Financial
 Work closely with the Company Director and Company Administrator to ensure inclusion of
achievable financial goals within the Business Plan/Model
ATTRIBUTES
Essential
 A commitment to arts, education and Theatre of Debate's mission.
 A thorough understanding of the funding landscape within the arts and have specialised
knowledge of national and local policies affecting the arts, education third sector and public
engagement
 Proven track record in the delivery of successful funding bids with arts councils, trusts and
foundations in the arts, education and/or third sector
 Demonstrable experience of effective prioritisation and delivering to tight deadlines
 Excellent communication, both written and verbal
 Experience of effectively managing budgets
 Self-motivation and team spirit
 Substantial knowledge/understanding of:
 Legislative frameworks
 Policies and issues relevant to sub-sector
 Well-developed skills/experience in:
 Leadership and strategic planning
 Networking
 Negotiation and influencing
 Programme management
 Research and analysis
 Fundraising, Financial
 Basic to good understanding of:
 Financial statements
Desirable
 Previous experience of working with a touring company
 Interest/experience of the science communication/ public engagement sector
 Experience of non-traditional/newer forms of fundraising.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Working hours are 10am – 6 pm Monday to Friday, but are negotiable. Initially the contract will involve
remote working.
This is a fixed term, full time post which will begin as soon as the right candidate is available. Initially this is
a five month post with the opportunity for extension.
Please send in a cv and covering letter to info@theatreofdebate.co.uk, detailing your experience, and
evidencing how you meet the job requirements and criteria.
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact nigel@theatreofdebate.co.uk.
The closing date for completed applications is midnight on Sunday 4th October 2015.
Theatre of Debate Ltd. Registered Office: 6 Cornwall Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RT. Registered in England No.
09299573