The Culture Network LCR is recruiting for a Head of Partnerships and Fundraising to develop funding opportunities, sponsorships and strategic partnerships that support the city region’s cultural sector.
About the job
The funding and partnership broker turning the city region’s cultural programme into investable, bed-night-driving activity.
The Essentials
- Salary: £37,520 per year (32 hours; £46,900 full-time equivalent), or freelance fee to £45,024
- Hours: 32 hours / 4 days per week, hybrid and flexible
- Contract: 12 months fixed term, with intention to extend (funding dependent)
- Apply by: 10am, Monday 14th September 2026
- Interviews: Wednesday 23rd or Thursday 24th September 2026 (in person, Liverpool city centre)
- Start: as soon as possible; if PAYE, no later than 21st December 2026
- To apply: include answers to our three questions in your CV document (see How to Apply)
The Role (View Full Job Description)
The Culture Network LCR is a membership CIC representing more than 80 cultural organisations across the Liverpool City Region. As our Head of Partnerships & Fundraising, you’ll build the funding and partnership pipeline that turns the region’s cultural programme into investment: ABID subvention propositions, funding bids, sponsorship and commercial partnerships that fill hotel beds and strengthen the Network itself.
You’ll work hand in hand with our Marketing & Communications Manager, who makes sure the activity you fund is seen and reaches the right audiences. The role is funded by the Liverpool Accommodation BID (hotel bed levy); continuation is subject to a formal ROI assessment of the ABID partnership.
What You’ll Do
- Horizon-scan members’ forward programmes and their visitor economy potential, spotting what can extend stays and fill off-peak periods
- Build and manage a live pipeline of funding opportunities: public, private, trust, foundation and commercial
- Act as the single point of contact between members and ABID for events subvention
- Build sustained relationships with ABID, levy-paying hotels and destination partners, co-developing joint propositions
- Set a clear ROI framework and report quarterly to the Board, ABID and hospitality partners
What We’re Looking For
- 2 to 4 years’ experience in funding development, sponsorship or philanthropic income generation, ideally cultural, creative or place-based
- Experience across complex multi-stakeholder environments, managing funding pipelines or multi-partner propositions
- Strong commercial awareness: able to build and communicate both monetary and social ROI cases
- Understanding of destination marketing, and of SROI or equivalent social value frameworks
- No formal qualifications required; relevant experience is prioritised
Salary & Contract Options
- Option A, 12-month fixed-term PAYE: £37,520 per year (32 hours; equivalent to £46,900 full-time), pension contribution, 24 days’ holiday including bank holidays
- Option B, 12-month fixed-term freelance: fee equivalent to a maximum £45,024 annual value, invoiced monthly against agreed deliverables
Both options are 4 days / 32 hours per week with hybrid and flexible working.
How to Apply
Apply via this listing by 10am on Monday 14th September 2026.
LinkedIn sends us only your profile and CV, so please include your written answers to the three questions below within your CV document itself, on a single page at the start or end (around 200 words each). Your answers are how we shortlist, so an application without them can’t go forward.
- Why are you interested in working for The Culture Network LCR?
- Tell us about a time you secured funding, sponsorship or investment for a cultural or place-based project. What was your role, and what difference did it make?
- Pick a cultural event or season you know well. How would you turn it into a proposition that a hotel or funder would want to invest in?
Questions before the deadline? Contact dan@culturenetwork.co.uk
The Culture Network LCR is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
We grow stronger, together.
For more information and to apply visit the LinkedIn job post.