Development & Events Manager
Polka Theatre Closing date: Mon, 13 Apr 2026
- Full time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Fri, 27 Mar 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
This is the role for you, if you:
- Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.
- Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.
- Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.
- Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.
Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka's individual giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre.
The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka's donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.
Job Requirements
This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors.
This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.
Salary: £32-35,000 per year depending on experience
Hours: full-time, 5 days per week, Monday to Friday. You may need to work some additional hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays (we operate a Time Off In Lieu, 'TOIL' system).
Location: primarily on site at Polka in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home.
Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.
Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Development & Events Manager
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Fundraising
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 13 Apr 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Development & Events Manager
Job: Development & Events Manager
Organisation: Polka Theatre
Postcode: SW19 1SB
How to Apply
For a Recruitment Pack with more information about who we are and what we're looking for in this role plus how to apply please visit our website. https://polkatheatre.com/jobs/
Deadline 9am on Monday 13 April 2026
Interviews Tuesday 21 April or Thursday 23 April 2026
Ideal start date as soon as possible
- Contact name: Georgina Davey, Head of Development
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Polka Theatre
Polka Theatre is a pioneering and unique children’s theatre, staging exceptional productions and developing industry-leading Creative Learning experiences which are accessible for all children to enjoy. In 2024 we won the UK Theatre Award for Most Welcoming Theatre, as well as Merton Best Business, and in 2025 we received our first Olivier Award nomination.