Job Summary
Join Brixton Chamber Orchestra, bringing thrilling orchestral music to unexpected places and building community through bold, inclusive musical experiences. As Development Manager, you'll lead fundraising to sustain our distinctive mission, grow our ambitions and deliver a landmark 10th-anniversary.
Job Description
The Development Manager is BCO's fundraising lead, responsible for securing the income required to deliver its programme and support its long-term development. The role combines fundraising strategy, grant applications, major donor cultivation, individual giving, corporate sponsorship and supporter engagement. The postholder will identify funding opportunities, build relationships, develop compelling proposals and maintain a clear, realistic fundraising pipeline. Reporting directly to the Director, the Development Manager will work closely with the Director on artistic and strategic priorities, and with the General Manager on programme requirements, project costs and delivery plans. They will provide accurate information about prospective income, its timing and likelihood, enabling informed decisions about BCO's programme.
The role has three principal priorities:
- 1) Addressing BCO's outstanding £250,000 fundraising need for 2027.
- 2) Sustaining and developing core fundraising to support a growing management team.
- 3) Leading a £150,000+ fundraising campaign for BCO's 10th anniversary in 2028, in addition to regular project fundraising.
This role is 2 days per week, roughly 8-9 hours per day.
Job Requirements
- Experience of fundraising in the arts or cultural sectors, with evidence of securing income from at least two of the following: trusts and foundations, individual giving, and commercial partnerships.
- Excellent writing and research skills, with the ability to produce persuasive funding applications and reports.
- Strong relationship-building skills and confidence initiating conversations and fundraising approaches.
- Excellent organisation and project management, including managing multiple deadlines, relationships and follow-up actions.
- Financial literacy and the ability to understand budgets, funding requirements and income forecasts.
- A proactive, self-directed approach and the ability to prioritise effectively.
- A genuine interest in BCO's mission and its approach to orchestral music, community engagement and cultural participation.
- Some understanding of orchestral music.
- Experience of grant management, restricted funding, funder reporting and donor-facing events.
Job Responsibilities
Create and execute the fundraising strategy, including:
- 1. Trusts and foundations grant funding
- 2. Major donors and individual giving
- 3. Corporate sponsorship and partnerships
- 4. BCO's 10th-anniversary fundraising campaign, 2028
BCO is a registered charity (1181169) dedicated to bringing thrilling live orchestral experiences to diverse audiences in Brixton and beyond. Known for their innovative setlists and arrangements, BCO's performances span a wide range of genres and venues, from classical to jazz, grime to gospel, and beyond. They are deeply embedded in the community, performing in markets, pubs, clubs, parks, churches, and community centres.
Brixton Chamber Orchestra employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
