Join Our Team at Theatre Porto – Freelance – Development & Fundraising Specialist (Arts & Community)
About Theatre Porto
Theatre Porto is a specialist theatre and cultural centre based in Whitby Park, Ellesmere Port. Formerly known as Action Transport Theatre, the company has been creating original, imaginative theatre ‘for, by and with’ children and young people for over 35 years. In August 2022, they opened a new, purpose-built venue—the only one of its kind in Cheshire and one of a small number across England—dedicated to young audiences and community engagement. Theatre Porto continues to produce bold, inclusive work that inspires creativity and participation.
Fee: £5,000 | June–November 2025
Remote, with occasional on-site work in Ellesmere Port
Theatre Porto is looking for a proactive and strategic freelancer to help us make progress with our financial sustainability goals — across fundraising, sponsorship, and venue-based income.
This is a hands-on, time-limited role — we want to make progress fast. But just as importantly, we want to build tools, plans, and confidence that will help our small team continue the work after the contract ends. That means taking action yourself while also supporting and upskilling key staff to sustain the work long term.
You’ll be supported by a collaborative team and have access to a small marketing budget to help you deliver printed materials, digital content, or event costs as needed.
We’re hoping for someone who can work between 1-2 days a week between June and Oct/Nov. You are welcome to work at our venue or remotely.
There is an opportunity to have a continued freelance relationship with Theatre Porto, which builds on this work.
Your Work Will Focus On:
- Fundraising
- Work closely with the Executive Director and CEO to:
- Research, write and submit at least three major funding bids, which may include (subject to discussion):
- National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund
- Arts Council England Project grants – Touring
- Paul Hamlyn
- Create or refine core bid content and templates to support future fundraising
- Share insights and build capacity for ongoing bid development
- Business Engagement & Sponsorship
- Work with the Executive Director and Communications Manager to:
- Develop a clear and compelling case for support and sponsorship proposition or pack
- Plan and deliver a business-facing event during our summer festival
- Aim: Build new relationships and secure a sponsor for our Christmas show or 2026 festival
- Offer practical tools to support the team in continuing business engagement
- Communications to Support Income Growth
- Collaborate with the Comms Manager to:
- Create or commission case studies, testimonials and messaging that show our impact
- Produce or support social and print content to strengthen our case for investment
- Leave us with reusable content and simple frameworks for future use
- Commercial Income (Venue Hire & Catering)
This area involves a slightly different skill set, so please don’t be discouraged from applying if it’s not within your experience — we’re open to discussing how best to cover this element.
Working with our Head of Facilities, we’d love support to:
- Initiate or secure conversations with potential long-term building users
- Identify event partners who could help boost our bar and catering income
- Recommend improvements to our venue hire offer, marketing approach, and follow-up process
You Will Be:
- An experienced fundraiser with success in the arts/community sector, including:
- Arts Council England and National Lottery
- Skilled in clear messaging, storytelling, bid writing and producing comms that show impact
- Confident and strategic when working with businesses, sponsors, and commercial partners
- Collaborative and generous with your knowledge — happy to build capacity, not just deliver
- Independent, efficient, and ready to make a meaningful impact in a short space of time
We’re Offering:
- A freelance fee of £5,000.
- Flexible delivery across June–November 2025
- Remote working, with occasional on-site work in Ellesmere Port
- Support from a small, friendly team — with direct links to our CEO, Executive Director, Head of Facilities, and Communications Manager
- Access to a small marketing budget to support your delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Express Interest
To express your interest in this freelance opportunity, please send the following by Monday 26 May 2025, 10am:
- A CV outlining your relevant experience
- A short letter (1–2 pages) explaining why you believe you’re a good fit for this role
- Your freelance rate and estimated number of days you propose for this work
If you would like to share your expression of interest in another format for reasons of access, just let us know.
Please email your EOI to admin@theatreporto.org with the subject line:
EOI – Development & Fundraising Specialist
We will shortlist candidates following the deadline and may invite a small number to an informal interview. We aim to appoint the role by mid-June 2025, with work starting shortly after.
