Head of Development

Head of Development The Line

As The Line enters its next chapter following its tenth anniversary, we're seeking an ambitious and strategic fundraising leader to help secure our long-term financial sustainability. This is a rare opportunity to shape fundraising for one of London's most distinctive cultural organisations.

The Line is East London's public art trail that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, following the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian. Our mission is to connect communities and inspire individuals through a dynamic outdoor exhibition programme where everyone can explore art, nature and heritage for free.

Locally rooted and internationally significant, The Line enables artists to connect with people and place in new ways. Recent installations include works by pioneering minimalist sculptor Rasheed Araeen, the first public artwork in the UK by artist Zineb Sedira, and a co-commission with the local community by Turner Prize-winning artist Helen Cammock.

The role

This role is suited to an experienced fundraiser with a strong track record of securing significant income, including six-figure gifts, within the charitable sector. Working closely with the Director and Board, the Head of Development will lead fundraising strategy, strengthen supporter relationships, and diversify income streams to support The Line's future growth and impact.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, you'll secure income from trusts and foundations, individual donors, corporate partners and other sources; build and manage relationships with funders and supporters; identify new opportunities for growth; and ensure excellent stewardship across all fundraising activities. You'll also line manage the Development Coordinator and oversee freelance fundraising support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and implementing The Line's fundraising strategy, delivering against agreed income targets and diversifying revenue streams
• Developing a robust pipeline of trusts, foundations, corporate partners and individual donors
• Translating organisational priorities into compelling funding proposals, cases for support and reports
• Building and stewarding relationships with funders, donors, patrons and corporate partners
• Setting and managing income targets, budgets and forecasts with the Director and Director of Finance
• Ensuring fundraising complies with relevant legislation and best practice
• Acting as an ambassador for The Line and its mission

What we're looking for

We're looking for an experienced fundraiser with proven success in generating significant income within the charitable sector, ideally in arts and culture. You'll have:

• Demonstrable experience securing six-figure funding through trusts and foundations, individual giving, public funding and corporate partnerships
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Strong understanding of the UK cultural funding landscape and fundraising best practice
• Experience using CRM systems and managing supporter data
• Financial literacy, with experience developing budgets and funding bids
• Commercial awareness and experience negotiating partnership agreements
• Knowledge of GDPR, fundraising regulation and compliance requirements
• Ability to motivate colleagues and drive results

Desirable: senior management experience, established fundraising networks and sector relationships, knowledge of tax-efficient giving, and experience managing donor programmes internationally.

What we offer

• Salary of £51,000 per annum
• 25 days' holiday plus statutory Bank Holidays
• Contributory NEST pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing support
• Hybrid working (minimum 2 days per week in our canal-side Olympic Park office)
• Commitment to your professional development through training and development courses

At The Line, we value an open, inclusive and nurturing environment to promote collaboration, creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the transformative impact of art and nature, and are committed to increasing access to the arts and challenging barriers to participation.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce and in all opportunities. Our recruitment process is open to all, but we would particularly like to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those who identify as disabled, as these groups are currently underrepresented in the cultural sector more widely.

How to apply

Please complete the application form, including your CV (no more than 2 sides) and a covering letter (no more than 2 sides) telling us how you meet the essential and desirable experience in the person specification. Please also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Thursday 30th July 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 10th August 2026.

If you would like any further information, have any specific requirements, or would like to discuss any aspect of the role in confidence, please get in touch to arrange a call.