Jobs

Drive the Funding Strategy for County Durham’s New Cultural Landmark

Opening in summer 2026, The Light will be County Durham’s bold new cultural venue—an ambitious home for contemporary arts, science, innovation and community engagement. To support its pioneering programme, we’re recruiting a strategic and energetic Fundraising & Development Officer to lead the development of our fundraising portfolio from the outset.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, you will play a pivotal role in building the financial foundations that enable The Light’s creative vision to flourish.

About the Role

As Fundraising and Development Officer you will:

• Design and deliver a fundraising strategy across trusts & foundations, corporate partners, government and arm’s-length bodies, and individual giving
• Lead successful bids, cultivate prospects and grow a strong network of supporters
• Develop donor journeys, stewardship activity and compelling cases for support
• Build individual giving and major donor programmes aligned with artistic and community ambitions
• Lead fundraising campaigns, storytelling, supporter events and digital giving initiatives
• Monitor budgets, income targets and reporting, ensuring excellent financial and data management
• Work collaboratively across the venue and wider Culture Service to maximise opportunities

This is a unique chance to help create a sustainable, future-focused funding model for a major new cultural institution.

About You

You will be:

• An experienced cultural fundraiser with a track record of generating significant income
• Skilled in bid writing, prospect research, donor stewardship and partnership development
• A confident communicator able to inspire funders, donors and stakeholders
• Strategic, organised and commercially aware, with excellent project management skills
• Creative in your approach to storytelling, campaigning and supporter engagement
• Collaborative, adaptable and motivated by building something new from the ground up

What We Offer

• The chance to shape the fundraising strategy for a landmark cultural venue at launch
• A supportive leadership environment with meaningful opportunities for innovation
• Strong sector networks and the ability to influence The Light’s long-term growth
• Competitive salary, local government benefits and flexible workingJoin us and help power The Light’s creative ambition for County Durham.

For more information about Working at The Light please visit our website.
 

WHAT WILL I NEED?
 
You should have a NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 

 
INTERVIEWS
 
It is expected interviews will take place week commencing 23rd March 2026.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
 
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
 
HOW TO APPLY 
 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website. 
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email  RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
 
CONNECT WITH US
 
Follow us on Instagram   
Like us on Facebook 
Visit our website 

#VPRS/161

Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152

Location: Durham, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Officer