Fundraising Officer

The reason I love doing the job I do is because I get to make a difference. As someone who is registered blind, one of the great things about the Rep is its programme of activities where people can get involved in workshops regardless of disability. We also have a large outreach programme of performances specifically tailored to people with additional needs.

Hello, I’m Richard. I’m the Fundraising Officer here at the Birmingham Rep, and my job is essentially to raise money so we can deliver all the charitable activities we run both on site and across the city.

Alongside the qualifications you gain at school, I’d say softer skills are really important – things like problem‑solving, teamwork, and above all communication, because I meet with lots of different people from many different backgrounds.

I’ve worked in theatre for 25 years, and my current role is really the culmination of all the other jobs I’ve done along the way. I started out in customer service roles, front of house, then moved into back‑of‑house positions, and gradually worked my way into fundraising.

In terms of hours, theatre work often involves evenings and weekends. I’m fortunate that most of my working week is Monday to Friday, nine to five, though if we have evening events I’ll take that time back later.

My work environment is office‑based, alongside the other members of the fundraising team – myself and two colleagues, including our Director of Fundraising and a colleague who manages trusts and grants. I look after individual giving and corporate fundraising. We also work closely with the marketing and communications team, which is about 12 people in total.

We have a hybrid working arrangement, so while some days are from home, we’re all in the office together at least two or three times a week.

If I had one piece of advice for someone interested in fundraising, it would be this: you must be passionate about the cause you’re fundraising for. Genuine interest and belief in the work you’re supporting is vital.