Head of Development

About the Role

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) is proudly independent, receiving no regular public funding. We thrive thanks to the generosity of individuals, trusts and foundations, creative partners, and commercial income.

Following a major £5 million capital renovation, we’ve launched a bold new five-year plan focused on strengthening our infrastructure and deepening our public impact through both contemporary and historical exhibitions.

We’re now ready to reshape our fundraising strategy to support this next chapter, growing income from trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate partnerships and fundraising campaigns. Our goal is to build a resilient, values-driven model of development that reflects the RWA’s ambition and supports our life-changing engagement work.

Help shape the Future of the RWA

We’re looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) into its next chapter.

Whether you’re an experienced development lead or a brilliant consultant looking for a meaningful partnership, this is an opportunity to make your mark at one of the UK’s most beautiful and historic art galleries. We’ve got big ambitions, and we expect you will too.

You’ll have the freedom to shape the role around your strengths and experience, working closely with the Director, our part-time Relationship Manager, and a highly engaged Board and Development Committee. Your work will be a vital part in helping us sustain a vibrant, inclusive, and creative organisation for artists and audiences in Bristol and beyond.

You might enjoy the breadth of the full role, or to specialise in one area working alongside a colleague. We’re open to finding the work pattern that suits your skills, and life, best.

What matters most is that you love what the RWA stands for and want to help tell our story.