HAY FESTIVAL
Development Manager We are seeking a dynamic individual to lead and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned to the objectives of the charity. Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is a nationally and internationally recognised charity. Based in the booktown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, we bring together diverse voices to listen, talk, debate and create, tackling some of the biggest political, social and environmental challenges of our time. Hay Festival runs events and projects all over the world, from the historic town of Cartagena in Colombia to the heart of cities in Peru, Mexico, Spain and the USA. The charity reaches a global audience of millions each year and continues to grow and innovate, earning multiple awards over the years, including Festival of Sanctuary status from refugee charity City of Sanctuary UK and, in 2020, Spain's Princess of Asturias Award in Communication and Humanities. This is an exciting time to join Hay Festival and contribute to an innovative strategy and a world leading arts organisation. How to Apply Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how your experience fits the role. The closing date for applications is Friday 14th November. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact by an email. Key Responsibilities Strategic Objectives: Lead, develop and implement a comprehensive corporate sponsorship and income generation strategy to sustain and grow Hay Festival Foundation's (HFF) programmes in the UK and internationally. Build long-term, values-driven partnerships that align with Hay Festival's mission and global reputation for cultural excellence and sustainability. Diversify and strengthen income streams through corporate partnerships, individual giving and legacy programme Build, cultivate, and manage relationships with potential and existing funders, sponsors, and strategic partners. Act as an ambassador for Hay Festival, representing the organisation at public events, conferences, media opportunities, and sector forums. Interdisciplinary working across the team to ensure accurate representation and data use for all bids Sponsorship: Research, identify, and cultivate new corporate partners and sponsors whose values align with Hay Festival's mission and brand. Develop tailored sponsorship proposals, packages, and activation plans that deliver mutual value and measurable outcomes. Negotiate and secure sponsorship agreements, ensuring contractual clarity and alignment with HFF's ethical and sustainability standards. Secure significant, multi-year sponsorships to sustain the flagship festival in Wales and drive global support for international editions. Identify and convert smaller corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities to support specific HFF activities, programmes, and core overheads. Develop and implement an inspiring programme of cultivation events, communications, and engagement opportunities to build sponsor and donor relationships and retention. Individual Giving: Design and deliver the Hay Festival Legacy Programme, creating a structured approach to legacy giving and membership development across all Hay Festivals worldwide. Strategic Leadership & Relationship Management: Lead the development and delivery of the HFF Fundraising Strategy, covering corporate partnerships, major sponsorships, and other key income streams. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding policy, trends, and opportunities, benchmarking HFF's fundraising practices against sector best practice. Operations: Manage the development team, undertaking development staff PDR's. Ensure sponsors requirements are met at all festival venues at Hay Festival Wales, and maintain excellent working relationships with them through events, reporting and further cultivation meetings. Working with colleagues in the financial and communications departments to produce reports, and create fundraising promotional material for print, mailing programme, newsletters, websites and other media Reporting and Evaluation: Write and compile reports to funders and sponsors as required by contractual agreements. Providing ongoing reports to the CEO, Director of Finance and Resources and the Board on fundraising income, goals, and initiatives consistent with Hay Festival's short and long-term financial objectives. Working across and with the HFF team to deliver the HFF Strategy Other responsibilities: Lead by example, delivering promptly and professionally, upholding the HFF brand and reputation. Maintain accurate records and to input Hay Festival management systems, work transparently to support and demonstrate leadership relevant to charitable status Create and maintain professional relationships with sponsors, partners and funders and ensure that enquiries are dealt with promptly, accurately, and willingly. To promote and comply with current legislation including HFF policies including (and not exclusive) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; GDPR; Health & Safety and Safeguarding, in the delivery of services and the treatment of others. Create and maintain professional relationships with other members of staff Adhere to HFF Financial Regulations Ensure that fundraising follows good practice as laid down by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and those of the Charity Commission Charity fundraising: a guide to trustee duties - GOV.UK () Observe organisational values, culture and practices, administrative procedures, internal communications, staff training and development. Undertake other duties as required Skills Specification The Development Director will be a self-motivated target driven individual who has an understanding of the funding landscape across the UK for charities and the cultural sector. Essential Fundraising Expertise: Proven success in securing significant sponsorships or corporate partnerships, ideally in arts, culture, or not-for-profit sectors. Strong understanding of corporate partnerships, brand alignment, and sponsorship activation. Knowledge of fundraising compliance, ethics, and due diligence. Skilled in research and analysis to identify new markets and partnership opportunities. Relationship Management & Communication: Excellent relationship-building and networking skills with senior corporate leaders, philanthropists, and public stakeholders. Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication, including compelling sponsorship proposals. Skilled negotiator, securing mutually beneficial, long-term agreements. Diplomatic, discreet, and culturally sensitive in high-profile engagements. Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership and team-working skills; able to inspire and collaborate across departments. Experienced in cross-functional collaboration to ensure joined-up delivery of sponsorship benefits. Able to manage multiple projects under pressure while maintaining quality and professionalism. Personal Attributes: Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-oriented, with a creative approach to partnership development. Passionate about the arts, culture, and ideas, aligned with Hay Festival's mission and values. High integrity, professionalism, and resilience in a fast-paced environment. Willing to travel and represent Hay Festival in the UK and internationally. Desirable: Understanding of tax-efficient giving. Welsh speaker. Location Hay Festival office, Hay on Wye or Hay Festival office, London or remote working, are all options. If not located in Hay on Wye the post holder will be expected to regularly travel to Hay for meetings. The post holder will be required to be on location in Hay on Wye during festival periods. Accessibility and Inclusivity We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. Disabled applicants are invited to contact us in confidence at any point during the recruitment process to discuss steps that could be taken to overcome operational difficulties presented by the job, or if any adjustments or support are required regarding the recruitment process.
Development Manager We are seeking a dynamic individual to lead and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned to the objectives of the charity. Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is a nationally and internationally recognised charity. Based in the booktown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, we bring together diverse voices to listen, talk, debate and create, tackling some of the biggest political, social and environmental challenges of our time. Hay Festival runs events and projects all over the world, from the historic town of Cartagena in Colombia to the heart of cities in Peru, Mexico, Spain and the USA. The charity reaches a global audience of millions each year and continues to grow and innovate, earning multiple awards over the years, including Festival of Sanctuary status from refugee charity City of Sanctuary UK and, in 2020, Spain's Princess of Asturias Award in Communication and Humanities. This is an exciting time to join Hay Festival and contribute to an innovative strategy and a world leading arts organisation. How to Apply Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how your experience fits the role. The closing date for applications is Friday 14th November. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact by an email. Key Responsibilities Strategic Objectives: Lead, develop and implement a comprehensive corporate sponsorship and income generation strategy to sustain and grow Hay Festival Foundation's (HFF) programmes in the UK and internationally. Build long-term, values-driven partnerships that align with Hay Festival's mission and global reputation for cultural excellence and sustainability. Diversify and strengthen income streams through corporate partnerships, individual giving and legacy programme Build, cultivate, and manage relationships with potential and existing funders, sponsors, and strategic partners. Act as an ambassador for Hay Festival, representing the organisation at public events, conferences, media opportunities, and sector forums. Interdisciplinary working across the team to ensure accurate representation and data use for all bids Sponsorship: Research, identify, and cultivate new corporate partners and sponsors whose values align with Hay Festival's mission and brand. Develop tailored sponsorship proposals, packages, and activation plans that deliver mutual value and measurable outcomes. Negotiate and secure sponsorship agreements, ensuring contractual clarity and alignment with HFF's ethical and sustainability standards. Secure significant, multi-year sponsorships to sustain the flagship festival in Wales and drive global support for international editions. Identify and convert smaller corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities to support specific HFF activities, programmes, and core overheads. Develop and implement an inspiring programme of cultivation events, communications, and engagement opportunities to build sponsor and donor relationships and retention. Individual Giving: Design and deliver the Hay Festival Legacy Programme, creating a structured approach to legacy giving and membership development across all Hay Festivals worldwide. Strategic Leadership & Relationship Management: Lead the development and delivery of the HFF Fundraising Strategy, covering corporate partnerships, major sponsorships, and other key income streams. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding policy, trends, and opportunities, benchmarking HFF's fundraising practices against sector best practice. Operations: Manage the development team, undertaking development staff PDR's. Ensure sponsors requirements are met at all festival venues at Hay Festival Wales, and maintain excellent working relationships with them through events, reporting and further cultivation meetings. Working with colleagues in the financial and communications departments to produce reports, and create fundraising promotional material for print, mailing programme, newsletters, websites and other media Reporting and Evaluation: Write and compile reports to funders and sponsors as required by contractual agreements. Providing ongoing reports to the CEO, Director of Finance and Resources and the Board on fundraising income, goals, and initiatives consistent with Hay Festival's short and long-term financial objectives. Working across and with the HFF team to deliver the HFF Strategy Other responsibilities: Lead by example, delivering promptly and professionally, upholding the HFF brand and reputation. Maintain accurate records and to input Hay Festival management systems, work transparently to support and demonstrate leadership relevant to charitable status Create and maintain professional relationships with sponsors, partners and funders and ensure that enquiries are dealt with promptly, accurately, and willingly. To promote and comply with current legislation including HFF policies including (and not exclusive) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; GDPR; Health & Safety and Safeguarding, in the delivery of services and the treatment of others. Create and maintain professional relationships with other members of staff Adhere to HFF Financial Regulations Ensure that fundraising follows good practice as laid down by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and those of the Charity Commission Charity fundraising: a guide to trustee duties - GOV.UK () Observe organisational values, culture and practices, administrative procedures, internal communications, staff training and development. Undertake other duties as required Skills Specification The Development Director will be a self-motivated target driven individual who has an understanding of the funding landscape across the UK for charities and the cultural sector. Essential Fundraising Expertise: Proven success in securing significant sponsorships or corporate partnerships, ideally in arts, culture, or not-for-profit sectors. Strong understanding of corporate partnerships, brand alignment, and sponsorship activation. Knowledge of fundraising compliance, ethics, and due diligence. Skilled in research and analysis to identify new markets and partnership opportunities. Relationship Management & Communication: Excellent relationship-building and networking skills with senior corporate leaders, philanthropists, and public stakeholders. Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication, including compelling sponsorship proposals. Skilled negotiator, securing mutually beneficial, long-term agreements. Diplomatic, discreet, and culturally sensitive in high-profile engagements. Leadership & Collaboration: Strong leadership and team-working skills; able to inspire and collaborate across departments. Experienced in cross-functional collaboration to ensure joined-up delivery of sponsorship benefits. Able to manage multiple projects under pressure while maintaining quality and professionalism. Personal Attributes: Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-oriented, with a creative approach to partnership development. Passionate about the arts, culture, and ideas, aligned with Hay Festival's mission and values. High integrity, professionalism, and resilience in a fast-paced environment. Willing to travel and represent Hay Festival in the UK and internationally. Desirable: Understanding of tax-efficient giving. Welsh speaker. Location Hay Festival office, Hay on Wye or Hay Festival office, London or remote working, are all options. If not located in Hay on Wye the post holder will be expected to regularly travel to Hay for meetings. The post holder will be required to be on location in Hay on Wye during festival periods. Accessibility and Inclusivity We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. Disabled applicants are invited to contact us in confidence at any point during the recruitment process to discuss steps that could be taken to overcome operational difficulties presented by the job, or if any adjustments or support are required regarding the recruitment process.
HAY FESTIVAL
Development Officer We are seeking a dynamic individual to help deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned to the objectives of the charity. Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is a nationally and internationally recognised charity. Based in the booktown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, we bring together diverse voices to listen, talk, debate and create, tackling some of the biggest political, social and environmental challenges of our time. Hay Festival runs events and projects all over the world, from the historic town of Cartagena in Colombia to the heart of cities in Peru, Mexico, Spain and the USA. The charity reaches a global audience of millions each year and continues to grow and innovate, earning multiple awards over the years, including Festival of Sanctuary status from refugee charity City of Sanctuary UK and, in 2020, Spain's Princess of Asturias Award in Communication and Humanities. This is an exciting time to join Hay Festival and contribute to an innovative strategy and a world leading arts organisation. How to Apply Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how your experience fits the role. The closing date for applications is Friday 14th November. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact by an email. Summary The Development Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing funding for Hay Festival from trusts, foundations, and public sources. The role plays a vital part in managing relationships with funders, developing new income opportunities, and ensuring fundraising targets are achieved while upholding the highest standards of communication and engagement. Key Responsibilities: Cultivate, build and manage successful relationships with potential new funders, identifying potential trust and foundation and public funding sources. Develop, write and submit funding applications to trusts and foundations and public funding bodies to a high standard drawing Information and data from across the organisation Establish timelines for the successful development of specific funding proposals or other materials to present to specific funders. Monitor and report on funding awards, tracking compliance with funder requirements. Help create and devise new sponsorship opportunities for Hay Festival, Wales, working across the team Manage and develop sponsors and patrons and benefactors' engagement including invites, complimentary tickets, and reception spaces at Hay Festival, Wales Ensure sponsors requirements are met at all festivals, and manage complimentary ticket requests Contribute to evaluation methodology and implementation to ensure sponsor and funders criteria are met Carry out extensive research into potential new sources of funding and keep abreast of current fundraising policy and practice Help organise and deliver fundraising and sponsorship events (e.g., receptions, dinners). Act as an ambassador for Hay Festival at public, media, and sector events. Maintain accurate records, online sponsor profiles, and internal management systems. Other Responsibilities: Responding to general enquiries by email or telephone, manage own workload and maintain an online diary, using the festivals agreed systems. Maintain accurate records and to input Hay Festival management systems. Creating and maintaining professional relationships with funders, sponsors, and partners ensuring that enquiries are dealt with promptly, accurately and willingly. Creating and maintaining professional relationships with other members of staff To promote and comply with current legislation including Hay Festival policies on Equality and Diversity and Health & Safety, Safeguarding, in the delivery of services and the treatment of others. Adhere to HFF Financial Regulations Uphold the HFF brand and reputation at all times Observing organisational practices, administrative procedures, internal communications, staff training and development. Undertake other duties as requested. Skills Specification The Development Officer will have a strong understanding of the funding landscape across the UK and have successfully fund-raised from trusts and foundations and public bodies. The role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills articulating the case for support, setting targets and leading fundraising efforts for festivals, special projects and capital campaigns. Essential: Demonstrable knowledge of trusts and foundations and public funding application processes and the ability to write strong, precise and persuasive proposals. Experience of writing evaluation and impact reports for funded projects or programmes Financially literate with an understanding of tax and legal issues affecting fundraising activity. Ability to network confident in meeting new people and establishing lasting professional relationships with a wide range of people, both internally and externally An understanding, and up-to-date knowledge of, the cultural sector. Strong organisational skills with excellent time management, ability to multi-task and consistently meet differing deadlines. A creative mindset with the ability to create new fundraising approaches and generate imaginative proposals and campaigns. Persuasive communication skills, in both writing and speaking. Flexible and responsive approach to working as part of a team and with external stakeholders. Passionate and articulate about the value of the cultural sector. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. (Word, PowerPoint) and Excel (spreadsheets) Desirable: Experience of working in a charitable environment. Experience of fundraising for arts and culture Welsh speaker
Development Officer We are seeking a dynamic individual to help deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy aligned to the objectives of the charity. Hay Festival Foundation Ltd. (HFF) is a nationally and internationally recognised charity. Based in the booktown of Hay-on-Wye, Wales, we bring together diverse voices to listen, talk, debate and create, tackling some of the biggest political, social and environmental challenges of our time. Hay Festival runs events and projects all over the world, from the historic town of Cartagena in Colombia to the heart of cities in Peru, Mexico, Spain and the USA. The charity reaches a global audience of millions each year and continues to grow and innovate, earning multiple awards over the years, including Festival of Sanctuary status from refugee charity City of Sanctuary UK and, in 2020, Spain's Princess of Asturias Award in Communication and Humanities. This is an exciting time to join Hay Festival and contribute to an innovative strategy and a world leading arts organisation. How to Apply Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how your experience fits the role. The closing date for applications is Friday 14th November. If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact by an email. Summary The Development Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing funding for Hay Festival from trusts, foundations, and public sources. The role plays a vital part in managing relationships with funders, developing new income opportunities, and ensuring fundraising targets are achieved while upholding the highest standards of communication and engagement. Key Responsibilities: Cultivate, build and manage successful relationships with potential new funders, identifying potential trust and foundation and public funding sources. Develop, write and submit funding applications to trusts and foundations and public funding bodies to a high standard drawing Information and data from across the organisation Establish timelines for the successful development of specific funding proposals or other materials to present to specific funders. Monitor and report on funding awards, tracking compliance with funder requirements. Help create and devise new sponsorship opportunities for Hay Festival, Wales, working across the team Manage and develop sponsors and patrons and benefactors' engagement including invites, complimentary tickets, and reception spaces at Hay Festival, Wales Ensure sponsors requirements are met at all festivals, and manage complimentary ticket requests Contribute to evaluation methodology and implementation to ensure sponsor and funders criteria are met Carry out extensive research into potential new sources of funding and keep abreast of current fundraising policy and practice Help organise and deliver fundraising and sponsorship events (e.g., receptions, dinners). Act as an ambassador for Hay Festival at public, media, and sector events. Maintain accurate records, online sponsor profiles, and internal management systems. Other Responsibilities: Responding to general enquiries by email or telephone, manage own workload and maintain an online diary, using the festivals agreed systems. Maintain accurate records and to input Hay Festival management systems. Creating and maintaining professional relationships with funders, sponsors, and partners ensuring that enquiries are dealt with promptly, accurately and willingly. Creating and maintaining professional relationships with other members of staff To promote and comply with current legislation including Hay Festival policies on Equality and Diversity and Health & Safety, Safeguarding, in the delivery of services and the treatment of others. Adhere to HFF Financial Regulations Uphold the HFF brand and reputation at all times Observing organisational practices, administrative procedures, internal communications, staff training and development. Undertake other duties as requested. Skills Specification The Development Officer will have a strong understanding of the funding landscape across the UK and have successfully fund-raised from trusts and foundations and public bodies. The role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills articulating the case for support, setting targets and leading fundraising efforts for festivals, special projects and capital campaigns. Essential: Demonstrable knowledge of trusts and foundations and public funding application processes and the ability to write strong, precise and persuasive proposals. Experience of writing evaluation and impact reports for funded projects or programmes Financially literate with an understanding of tax and legal issues affecting fundraising activity. Ability to network confident in meeting new people and establishing lasting professional relationships with a wide range of people, both internally and externally An understanding, and up-to-date knowledge of, the cultural sector. Strong organisational skills with excellent time management, ability to multi-task and consistently meet differing deadlines. A creative mindset with the ability to create new fundraising approaches and generate imaginative proposals and campaigns. Persuasive communication skills, in both writing and speaking. Flexible and responsive approach to working as part of a team and with external stakeholders. Passionate and articulate about the value of the cultural sector. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. (Word, PowerPoint) and Excel (spreadsheets) Desirable: Experience of working in a charitable environment. Experience of fundraising for arts and culture Welsh speaker
