Director of Development
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Closing date: Mon, 11 May 2026
- Full time
- £50k+
- Apply now
Fri, 01 May 2026 "> published -
Job Description
As a member of the RPO Leadership Team the Director of Development will be responsible for agreeing and delivering fundraising income targets, building on a portfolio which currently provides circa £1.4 million per annum for the Orchestra's work. The Director will set a clear fundraising strategy which will include all current income streams: individual giving, Trusts and Foundations, Corporate support and partnerships and the American Friends of the RPO, as well as exploring areas not yet exploited, but believed to hold opportunities for significant development. The Director will manage the Development team, supporting their professional growth and work collaboratively with colleagues to develop partnerships and opportunities to raise funds from a variety of sources.
Job Requirements
Successful track record of raising significant funds from a range of income streams/sources
Leading and motivating a team to achieve clearly defined objectives
Experience of making direct asks for support from corporates, major donors and others
Experience of negotiation with grant funding bodies, preparing reports and applications for funders.
Preparation and effective management of budgets
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Good IT skills and knowledge - can produce and edit accurately word and excel documents
Analytical - can use and apply CRM and external data to inform decision making and planning
Has confident networking skills
Can develop and maintain strong relationships and rapport with a wide range of people
Can motivate and support the team towards the achievement of goals, able to share and be inclusive with knowledge and skills
A confident leader with the ability to inspire others
Job Responsibilities
Develop a fundraising strategy in line with the Business Plan, mission, vision and values of the RPO
Ensure the fundraising team meets annual income targets through effective delivery of the fundraising strategy
Lead the management of the relationships with donors across all income streams
Actively cultivate new donors across all fundraising areas using various networks including those of other supporters and senior volunteers. Ensure the RPO are maximising all possible donor recruitment opportunities through a targeted, proactive approach
Lead the development of imaginative corporate support opportunities - whether from local, regional, national or international businesses
Oversee the application processes and approaches to Trusts and Foundations, ensuring these are coordinated and of the highest quality
Ensure that all possible opportunities to leverage funding are taken advantage of as artistic activity is planned and realised
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Director of Development
- Salary: £50k+
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Music
- Role: Fundraising
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 11 May 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Director of Development
Job: Director of Development
Organisation: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Postcode: HA9 0BP
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a letter of application, addressed to Sarah Bardwell, Managing Director, via the link.
- Contact name: Sarah Bardwell
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s (RPO) mission to enrich lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence and inclusive in their appeal, places it at the forefront of music-making in the UK and internationally. Typically performing approximately 200 concerts a year and with a worldwide live and online audience of more than 60 million people, the Orchestra is proud to embrace a broad repertoire and reach a diverse audience.