At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising, oversee concert production, and manage a small team in a vibrant arts environment.
- Company: Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, a historic organisation with a bold vision for the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with flexibility and a chance to shape the future of BPO.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a significant impact on the arts community.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior management, fundraising, and financial management is essential.
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 FTE, depending on experience
Hours: 0.7 FTE to full-time
Location: Brighton office, with hybrid flexibility
Deadline: 14 September 2026
About Us
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has served audiences in Sussex for over 100 years. We perform a season of large orchestral concerts at Brighton Dome. Our musicians come from leading London orchestras and from talented young professionals. Joanna MacGregor CBE leads BPO as CEO and Music Director. Our vision is bold: to become a regional orchestra with national significance. Alongside our concerts, we run education and outreach programmes, early-career musician schemes, and a growing membership programme.
The Role
We need an Operations & Development Director, a senior leadership role. You will help BPO grow and stay financially strong during an exciting period of development. You will report to the CEO and work closely with the Board. You will lead our fundraising strategy. You will build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, funders, and other supporters. You will also raise BPO's profile and help grow our audiences and membership. You will oversee concert production, marketing, and membership. The Concerts & Marketing Manager will report to you and handle day-to-day delivery. You will also manage our part-time Finance Manager. This is a broad, hands-on role in a small team. You must think strategically and be ready to handle daily tasks and solve problems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead BPO's fundraising strategy and build relationships with Friends, Patrons, donors, and sponsors
- Grow trust, foundation, and corporate income through a proactive funding pipeline
- Oversee financial management, budgets, and reporting to the Board, working with the Finance Manager and Treasurer
- Support governance, compliance, and risk management
- Support the CEO and Board in developing and delivering BPO's long-term strategy
- Oversee concert production and maintain key relationships with Brighton Dome, artists, and suppliers
- Set priorities for marketing, membership, and audience development
- Manage contracts with third-party contractors, including our social media agency and orchestral fixer
- Support recruitment, team development, and a positive team culture
What We Need from You
- Experience in a senior management, leadership, or operational role
- Experience in fundraising, income generation, or business development
- Experience building relationships with individuals, funders, or corporate partners
- Experience in financial management and budgeting
- Experience working with a Board, Trustees, or a similar governance group
- Experience managing projects, programmes, or complex operations
- Experience managing people within a small team
Experience in an orchestra or a professional performing arts organisation is desirable, but not required. This is a deliberately broad role. We do not expect any one candidate to have every skill listed above. If you have strong experience across most of these areas, and the curiosity and enthusiasm to grow into the rest, we would very much like to hear from you.
Salary and Hours
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 FTE, depending on experience. Hours: 0.75 FTE to full-time. You will be based at our Brighton office, with some flexibility for hybrid working. You must attend rehearsals, concerts, and events, which are mostly at weekends. We provide time off in lieu. Some travel within Sussex and to London is required.
How to Apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter, up to 2 A4 pages, to the chair of trustees, Jonathan Brigden at or apply through LinkedIn. Please tell us your current salary and notice period. We review applications as we receive them, so early applications are preferred. Application deadline: 14 September 2026. Start date: October/ November 2026. We can offer flexibility for the right candidate.
Development and operations director in Brighton employer: Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of a prestigious regional orchestra. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to engage with a passionate community, you will play a pivotal role in driving our fundraising strategy and enhancing our outreach programmes. Located in vibrant Brighton, we provide a flexible working environment that values creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the arts.
Contact Details:
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development and operations director in Brighton
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We think you need these skills to ace Development and operations director in Brighton
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Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
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