Serious – Overview Serious is one of the UK’s leading producers of live jazz, international and new music events. Working with artists and partners from all over the world, we create world-class festivals, concerts, tours and special events including the EFG London Jazz Festival, the UK’s largest annual celebration of jazz. Widely acknowledged for delivering world-class artists and emerging stars, the Festival continues to take jazz to a massive audience, in one of UK's landmark music events. However, our work spans much further than the Jazz Festival, we produce more festivals throughout the year in broader musical genres, provide programming consultancy, and produce a rich year-round programme of Creative Engagement and Talent Development projects. The role We are seeking a Fundraising Manager to provide specialist fundraising support for Serious Trust, with a focus on securing funding from Trusts and Foundations, stewarding relationships with donors, managing the Serious Trust, and delivering a targeted campaign for the 20th anniversary of Take Five. We are looking for a proactive, experienced fundraiser with a strong background in arts fundraising who can easily step into the role and quickly understand who we are, what we do, and our unique approach to supporting artists and audiences in the music sector. The ideal candidate will be adept at balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, ensuring seamless continuity in our fundraising efforts. This role will require two days per week working in the office in Hackney, with one day remote. Attendance at in-person meetings and events with Trustees and donors will also be expected as part of the role. The role will involve working on EFG London Jazz Festival in November 2025, and events could fall on weekend days. Structure The Fundraising Manager works as part of the Fundraising Team, usually headed by the Head of Fundraising. During the Head of Fundraising’s maternity leave, we are looking for an experienced freelance fundraiser who can comfortably work at Manager level and report to Director Ope Igbinyemi, keeping on top of all administration and fundraising strategy for the Serious Trust. Main responsibilities 1. Trusts and Foundations Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned with Serious Trust’s goals. Prepare and submit high-quality funding applications to T&Fs, aiming for one to two applications per month. Monitor and report on the progress of existing funding agreements, ensuring all reporting requirements are met. 2. Stewarding New and Existing Donors Build and maintain relationships with individual donors to ensure ongoing engagement. Develop and implement donor stewardship plans, including email updates, personal meetings, and tailored communication strategies. Plan and execute individual giving campaigns, such as the Big Give, to meet specific fundraising goals. 3. Serious Trust Management Act as the primary liaison for Serious Trust, maintaining regular communication with Trustees. Attend and contribute to quarterly Trustee meetings in April, July, and October. Prepare agendas, reports, and other materials for Trustee meetings. Support recruitment and onboarding of new Trustees as needed. Oversee governance and ensure compliance with Trustee terms and Serious Trust policies. 4. Take Five 20th Anniversary Campaign Lead on the fundraising campaign for the 20th anniversary of Take Five. Develop and deliver a detailed campaign plan, including timelines, targets, and key milestones. Collaborate with the programming team to align campaign messaging with the broader objectives of Take Five. Cultivate relationships with potential sponsors and donors, ensuring clear communication of the campaign’s impact and value. Skill set & experience Proven Track Record in Arts Fundraising: Demonstrable success in securing funding from Trusts and Foundations and individual donors, with specific experience in the arts and culture sector. Quick Learner: Ability to quickly understand the organisation’s mission, values, and unique approach to working with artists and audiences. Donor Stewardship Expertise: Experience in maintaining and deepening relationships with donors, including planning and executing donor campaigns. Strategic and Operational Skills: Ability to create and implement effective fundraising strategies and meet campaign targets. Governance and Trust Management: Experience in supporting Trustee governance, preparing meeting materials, and liaising with senior stakeholders. Strong Interpersonal Skills: Confidence in engaging with stakeholders, including Trustees and donors, through in-person meetings and events. Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to craft compelling cases for support and communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. The ideal candidate will… Love what they do and have a strong and genuine interest in arts fundraising. Have a good market knowledge and a strong understanding of the live music sector and charity sector. Love our work as much as we do; the ideal candidate will have a passion for music and fully understand and believe in our purpose and be able to influence our strategic goals. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of what it is like to work successfully as part of a small but passionate team. Nice to have Knowledge of the music which Serious produces and promotes An existing network in the fundraising sector. Other information This is a part-time post, based at Serious’ office in Hackney, London where you will be required to work. You will be given desk space and equipment at Serious’ office. Serious works on a hybrid model, where we currently have 2 core office days and the option to work from home for 3 days. Office hours of work are between 10am to 6pm, but because of the nature of the organisation, the role would be expected to undertake some additional evening and weekend work (time off in lieu is dealt with on a case by case basis in agreement with your line manager). Serious is committed to equal opportunities in recruitment and employment, and embraces diversity of all kinds. We are keen to create a work force that is representative of wider society and inclusive of all ethnicities, nationalities, socio-economic backgrounds, gender identities and physical and neurological abilities. Jobs are appointed on merit. How to apply To apply please send a CV and covering letter by email via the button below. First-round interviews will take place online, followed by a second in-person interview.