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- Tasks: Join our team to drive fundraising efforts and connect with music lovers.
- Company: The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, a leading UK orchestra with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the arts while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: Passion for classical music and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and networking in the arts.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 31000 £ per year.
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the UK’s leading orchestras, seeks a highly motivated Philanthropy Officer to play a key role in our fundraising activities. The Orchestra performs regularly in Oxford and London and has an expanding touring programme overseas and organises a number of special fundraising events. This is a permanent, full‑time role based in our London office, with occasional travel to Oxford. Some evening and weekend work will be necessary for concerts and fundraising events. The holiday entitlement is 20 days plus 8 bank holidays. Candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Reporting to the Philanthropy Manager, the Philanthropy Officer will work with the Head of Philanthropy, the Music Director and other Directors.
Duties- Managing the Friend and Patron schemes, acting as the point of contact
- Researching current and prospective donors
- Donor aftercare: writing formal thank‑you letters and donation receipts, managing processes in gift acknowledgment and supporting Gift Aid processes
- Updating and maintaining CRM database, entering donation records
- Taking notes and compiling briefings for meetings
- Providing admin support to the American Friends of the Orchestra organisation
- General administrative duties
- Supporting the Box Office department, including dealing with customer queries
- Cultivating existing and potential donors through meetings and at events
- Preparing template and bespoke proposals and cases for support, with accompanying budgets; liaising with colleagues and demonstrating strong copy‑writing and persuasive writing skills
- Developing and managing a portfolio of donor relationships, predominantly individuals, but also some trusts and corporates
- Developing engaging print and online copy for event literature, invitations, newsletters and the Orchestra’s website
- Coordinating and executing fundraising campaigns
- Managing pipeline reporting and updates for leadership/Board
- Adhering to donor confidentiality, GDPR requirements and due diligence processes
- Representing OPO at concerts and special events, nationally and internationally as required
- Working with Board members to support their advocacy for OPO
- Supporting and motivating colleagues to engage in fundraising
- Passion for classical music, particularly orchestral music
- Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Good IT skills
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with listening, influencing, negotiating and diplomacy
- Strong copywriting and persuasive writing skills
- Motivated team‑player
- Ability to work under pressure and with tenacity to achieve goals
- Aware of cultural sensitivities and ability to navigate these professionally
- Willingness to work outside business hours and undertake national or international travel
- Proven track record of development experience in the arts or another sector, but candidates with no relevant background may also apply
- Experience in research, presenting customer lists and managing pipelines
- Experience of working with customer databases
Salary £27,000 - £31,000 dependent on experience
Philanthropy Officer employer: Airborne Comrades Association
Contact Detail:
Airborne Comrades Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events related to classical music and fundraising, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in reaching out to potential donors. Don’t wait for them to come to you; show your enthusiasm for the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and its mission. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the orchestra’s recent projects and fundraising campaigns. We want to see your passion for classical music and how you can contribute to our goals. Bring your ideas to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and supporting the arts.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music: When you're writing your application, let your love for classical music shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and donor relations, and show us how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Remember, we’re looking for strong copywriting skills, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the Philanthropy Officer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airborne Comrades Association
✨Know Your Orchestra
Before the interview, dive deep into the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra's history, mission, and recent projects. Understanding their fundraising activities and how they engage with donors will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since strong copywriting is essential for this role, prepare examples of your writing. Bring along a few tailored proposals or thank-you letters you've crafted in the past. This will demonstrate your persuasive writing abilities and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like managing donor relationships or coordinating fundraising events. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges and be ready to share them.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the orchestra's future fundraising goals or how they measure success in donor engagement. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.