Vacancy: HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT (GRANTS / MAJOR GIFTS)

Create is seeking an ambitious, strategic and experienced fundraising leader to drive income from trusts, foundations, the public sector and major donors.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the UK’s leading charity empowering lives, reducing isolation and enhancing wellbeing through the creative arts. As part of our ambitious plans to double our reach and impact by our 25th anniversary in 2028, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Create’s fundraising strategy and securing the income needed to expand our work across the UK.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and joining our Senior Leadership Team, you will lead our grants and major gifts fundraising, manage a high-performing team, and build lasting relationships with funders and supporters who share our vision that everyone should have access to the life-enhancing power of the creative arts.

The successful applicant will:

  • Lead Create’s fundraising strategy for trusts, foundations, public sector grants and major donors.
  • Secure significant levels of project and core funding against ambitious income targets.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with trusts, foundations, statutory funders and high-net-worth individuals.
  • Write compelling, tailored funding applications and major donor proposals.
  • Lead, motivate and develop Create’s grants fundraising team.
  • Manage a strong fundraising pipeline, identifying new opportunities and driving sustainable income growth.
  • Work closely with the Chief Executive to cultivate key relationships and represent Create at meetings, networking events and project visits.
  • Oversee high-quality reporting, stewardship and CRM management to ensure excellent donor relationships.
  • Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of Create’s Senior Leadership Team.
  • Champion Create’s mission and help expand access to the creative arts for people facing disadvantage and isolation.

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience.

This is a full-time role, although requests for reduced hours (minimum 0.8 FTE) will be considered. Hybrid working is available following induction, with a minimum of two days per week in our London office.

How to apply

Download the application pack, which includes a full job description and person specification.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 20 July 2026.

1st Interviews: Thursday 23 July 2026 at Create’s London office

2nd Interviews: Wednesday 29 July 2026 at Create’s London office

To apply, please send a completed application form with a short email providing a telephone number where you can be contacted in confidence. Please also attach an example of a proposal or bid that you have personally written for a significant grant.

Completed application forms can be emailed to recruitment@createarts.org.uk (please type the job title in the subject field).

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.

No agencies / consultancies.

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