Director of Development
Whitechapel Gallery
Salary in the region of £72,000 - £75,000 per annum
Excellent benefits including access to discounts, exhibitions and events
Full time | Permanent |Hybrid working
Whitechapel Gallery is a ground-breaking arts institution located in the heart of London’s East-End – one of the most diverse and creative quarters in the world. Locally embedded and globally connected, the Gallery was founded in 1901 to enrich the cultural offer for the people of East London. Our historic building houses six exhibition spaces, a fully equipped auditorium, a variety of study and studio spaces as well as a specialist bookshop and café.
In 2026, Whitechapel Gallery celebrates its 125th anniversary. This landmark occasion marks a pivotal moment in our history, and comes at a particularly significant juncture in the wider cultural, social and political landscape, when the role of cultural institutions to bridge social divides and inspire creativity and imagination has never felt more urgent or necessary.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, dynamic and outstanding individual to join the leadership team of one of the UK’s leading public galleries. Reporting to the Gallery’s Director, Gilane Tawadros, the Director of Development occupies a pivotal senior role, bearing strategic responsibility for the cultivation, stewardship and growth of philanthropic income that aligns with the Gallery’s mission, vision and values and underpins the Gallery’s long-term sustainability and ambition.
The postholder will lead the strategic planning, execution and growth of the Gallery’s fundraising efforts. This includes securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, leading fundraising campaigns and developing income streams from individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate sponsors.
A key focus for the role in 2026/27 will be leadership of a multi-million campaign for Whitechapel Gallery’s 125th anniversary, articulating a compelling narrative of the Gallery’s historic significance, contemporary relevance and future vision, and securing transformational support from donors, partners and stakeholders in the UK and internationally.
The successful candidate will have substantial experience in fundraising, preferably within the arts and culture sector, and a demonstrable record of securing major philanthropic support. You will have experience of leading complex, multi-strand fundraising strategies and high-profile campaigns and of managing Development teams, supporting and motivating them to deliver against agreed targets. You will demonstrate strategic leadership, sound ethical judgement and intellectual rigour, translating organisational ambition into fundraising priorities and tangible outcomes. Acting as a senior ambassador for Whitechapel Gallery, you will have exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities and proven experience of working effectively with Trustees at a senior level.
Whitechapel Gallery is a vital public platform for art and ideas, amplifying under-represented voices, driving change through collaboration, and advocating for social justice and democracy. If you feel inspired by our vision and believe you can help fulfil our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please click Apply.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities. We believe that a range of perspectives and experiences strengthens our organisation and helps us better reflect the audiences and communities we serve.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.
Closing date for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13th April 2026