The Leeds International Piano Competition brings the world's most exciting young pianists to Leeds, and to stages, streets and schools well beyond it. None of that happens without the people who choose to fund it, and we're looking for a Development Manager to help us look after them properly. This is our sole dedicated fundraising and development post, so it's a genuine chance to own your own portfolio: our membership and patron scheme, legacy giving, donor events, and trusts and foundations, plus the CRM that ties it all together as our database champion. We need someone who brings real rigour to the detail, records kept accurate, thanks sent promptly, reports that actually land, alongside the warmth to build donor relationships that last. Systems and spreadsheets one day, a reception full of supporters the next. We're a small, passionate team doing a lot with limited hands, and we're genuinely excited to welcome someone who wants to make a visible, personal impact on fundraising for the 2027 Competition and beyond. The Development Manager is the organisation's sole dedicated fundraising and development post, central to sustaining and growing the philanthropic income that underpins the Competition's artistic programme. Working closely with the CEO and the trustee Development Committee (DevCo), the role manages day-to-day fundraising delivery, from memberships and donor events, to trusts and foundations as the organisation's database champion, helping the wider team get the most from our systems and records. This is a hands-on role for someone who is as comfortable building a relationship with a donor at a concert as they are keeping our paperwork in perfect order the next morning. You will need genuine credibility with classical music audiences: a real interest in and knowledge of the art form that donors and supporters will recognise (or enthusiasm to learn), alongside the rigour to make sure nothing, and no one, falls through the cracks. Key Responsibilities: Stage 1 is a CV (max 2 pages) and a covering statement (max 500 words) setting out your fundraising track record and why the role appeals to you, with two referees named but not contacted at this stage. Please combine everything into a single PDF, clearly labelled with your name, and email it to Fiona Sinclair, CEO, at [email protected]. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented within the arts and classical music sectors, and those whose lived experience reflects the communities we serve, in Leeds, across Yorkshire and internationally. We’re committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications in alternative formats; if an informal conversation would help before applying, or you have specific access needs, please get in touch. Please apply by 5pm, 9 October 2026.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Job Responsibilities
Fundraising & Income Generation
Donor Stewardship & Events
Fundraising Communications
Database, Admin & Reporting
Governance, Compliance & Ethics
Supporting the Development Committee & Trustees Useful Links
How to Apply