Senior Corporate Development Manager

Summary

We’re seeking a passionate and strategic Senior Corporate Development Manager (Maternity cover) to lead corporate fundraising at Chichester Festival Theatre. Contributing to our £1.8 million annual target, of which c£300,000 is corporate income, you will be responsible for driving innovative sponsorships, memberships, and partnerships.

More Details

Senior Corporate Development Manager

Full Time (maternity cover)

£34,000 – £37,000 pa dependent on experience

Full details of the role can be found on our website https://www.cft.org.uk/jobs/senior-corporate-development-manager

This is an exciting time to join CFT as we launch a bold new business plan and have recently opened a brand-new fringe venue, The Nest. You will play a pivotal role in building and expanding relationships with local and national businesses to support our productions, Learning, Education and Participation (LEAP) programme, and wider community engagement.

Job Purpose

The Senior Corporate Development Manager will lead the planning and delivery of CFT’s corporate fundraising strategy. You will secure new sponsorships, steward existing relationships, and develop high-value, multi-year partnerships that align with both CFT’s priorities and our supporters’ objectives.

As line manager to the Development Officer (Corporates & Trusts), you will provide guidance, support and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring best practice in fundraising and partnership management across the organisation.

We’re looking for someone who has:

  • Proven experience of securing and managing high-value corporate partnerships or sponsorships
  • Demonstrable track record of successful prospecting, proposal writing, and pitching at senior level
  • Strong negotiation, presentation, and public speaking skills
  • Excellent relationship management skills with commercial awareness
  • Experience of using CRM systems to manage partnerships (ideally Spektrix)
  • Ability to work to financial targets, prioritise effectively, and problem-solve creatively
  • Strong interpersonal skills with diplomacy, tact and integrity
  • Tenacious, target-driven, and a confident self-starter
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Commitment to CFT’s values: Creatively Ambitious, Community Driven, Inclusivity Champions, Sustainably Minded

Desirable Criteria

  • Knowledge of the arts sector and an understanding of theatre
  • Experience of event management
  • Familiarity with Spektrix CRM system

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter, or video, to recruitment@cft.org.uk by the deadline, quoting job reference: 2509SCDM in the subject line. In your covering letter or video, please let us know why you are applying for the role, what excites you about joining CFT and how your experience and skills match the person specification.

Please email recruitment@cft.org.uk if you’d like to arrange for an informal chat about the role before applying.

Organisation

Chichester Festival Theatre

Salary (Exact)

£34,000 – 37,000 dependent on experience

Closing Date

19/10/2025

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Job Type

Business Development & Partnerships

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