The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has a clear mission to enrich lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence, wide-ranging in their appeal and inclusive in their delivery. Performing approximately 200 concerts each season and with a global live and online audience of more than 60 million people, the Orchestra acts as a cultural ambassador for the UK on the world stage, whilst enhancing the social and cultural fabric of local communities through a wide range of community, education, inclusion and wellbeing programmes. As the Orchestra looks forward to its 80th Anniversary in 2026, we are seeking to appoint a dynamic, highly motivated and experienced fundraising professional to shape and implement a new fundraising strategy that will achieve ambitious financial targets and enable the RPO to continue in its mission. The RPO's Business Development Department generates revenue for the Orchestra from donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales. It also communicates the Orchestra's key messages to audiences and supporters in ways that maximise the value and impact of the RPO brand and inspire journeys of discovery. The Head of Development reports to the Deputy Managing Director / Business Development Director and 2 works closely with the Head of Sales and Marketing to plan and fulfil the Orchestra's fundraising strategy and meet Arts Council England's 'Let's Create' objectives. The Head of Development will lead the Development Team in delivering a refreshed Development Strategy that will form part of the RPO's 5-year business plan and achieve ambitious fundraising targets to support the Orchestra's annual schedule of performances, events and community and education programmes. An impressive track record in fundraising for major gifts, with demonstrable experience securing HNW and UHNW donors, significant corporate sponsorships, and multi-year commitments from charitable trusts in the UK and internationally. Experience in devising and implementing impactful campaigns to generate donations. Strategic thinker and planner with a proven track record in developing and implementing fundraising strategies. Full competence using CRM systems, preferably Spektrix. Exceptional communication, influencing, negotiation and presentation skills. Proven ability to create and communicate a compelling written case for support. Calm, articulate, professional and self-motivated Experience of line management. Good knowledge of numeracy and proven management of significant budgets. Willingness to work out of office hours, attend RPO concerts and travel on a regular basis, as required Desirable attributes. Inspire and lead the RPO Development Team to maximise fundraising opportunities through a refreshed Development strategy that strengthens the intrinsic loyalty of existing supporters, and attracts a new and diverse donor base for the future. Manage the Individual Giving Manager to shape and inform a refreshed RPO individual giving strategy that contributes directly to the RPO Business Plan and annual financial targets. Work with the Business Development Director and Head of Sales and Marketing to communicate across all marketing and communication channels a compelling case for support that articulates the impact and social value of the RPO. Increase individual giving by the RPO's existing pool of donors. Introduce initiatives to cultivate new individual donors, with a clear strategy for increasing loyalty to the RPO, including use of the RPO's existing membership schemes (RPO Chair Patrons, RPO Young Patrons, RPO Benefactors etc). Please submit your CV and a letter of application, addressed to Huw Davies, Deputy Managing Director, via the apply now link.Job Summary
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