Development Manager
Oxford International Song Festival Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
- Part time
- £30k-£40k
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
This is a practical, hands-on development role in a small team with wide-ranging opportunities to develop new skills and gain experience of development and working in a growing arts organisation.
This role will work closely with the Development Director to make sure fundraising is well organised, professionally delivered to the highest of standards and followed up by the appropriate team member. The postholder will play a key role in managing the funding pipeline, research, communications, partnerships and supporter activity needed for Oxford Song's plans through to 2028.
Job Requirements
We are looking for someone who: is organised, accurate and attentive to detail, writes clearly and can adapt their style for different audiences, is comfortable managing deadlines, systems and information, is proactive, calm, dependable and willing to learn, understands that good fundraising depends on thoughtful relationships and reliable follow-up, can work independently while staying connected to a small team, is interested in the arts, education, charities or the role culture can play in people's lives
brings good judgement, discretion and warmth to working relationships.
While we expect to appoint at Development Manager level, candidates should normally have at least two years' relevant fundraising experience, including ideally experience of trusts and foundations, donor stewardship or fundraising administration. We would also consider appointing a strong entry-level candidate at Development Officer level where they can demonstrate excellent writing, strong organisational skills.
Job Responsibilities
Trusts and foundations: Manage the application and reporting pipeline; research prospective funders; draft high-quality applications, proposals and reports; and ensure grant conditions and deadlines are met.
Prospect research and fundraising systems: Research prospective supporters and maintain accurate fundraising, prospect, pledge and gift records, particularly through Spektrix Opportunities, to support effective segmentation and follow-up.
Donor communications and stewardship: Draft donor correspondence, renewals, updates and fundraising materials; support thoughtful stewardship of existing and prospective supporters; and ensure gifts and relationships are appropriately acknowledged and followed up.
Partnerships: Support the Development Director in developing and managing partnerships, identifying opportunities for fundraising, sponsorship, audience development and wider supporter engagement.
Events, donors and VIPs: Help plan and deliver receptions, cultivation events.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Development Manager
- Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Music
- Role: Fundraising
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Wed, 30 Sep 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsSouth East
Job: Development Manager
Job: Development Manager
Organisation: Oxford International Song Festival
Postcode: OX4 1TH
How to Apply
If you're interested in applying but would like to have a conversation first then feel free to be in touch. To apply please send your CV and a cover letter by email to the email address below, explaining why you would like to work for Oxford Song and how your skills and experience relate to the role to:
Alice Boff, Development Director
[email protected]
If possible, please also tell us: your possible start date, your preferred regular working days and hours, where you are usually based and whether you can travel to Oxford.
- Contact name: Oxford International Song Festival
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Oxford International Song Festival
Oxford International Song Festival (formerly Oxford Lieder Festival) was founded in 2002 to celebrate and rejuvenate classical song. The main focus of our activity is the Oxford International Song Festival, which takes place each October. The Festival brings many of the world’s leading singers and pianists to Oxford, as well as showcasing exciting emerging artists and engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in high-quality creative activity. In 2015, the Festival won a prestigious Royal Phil