At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising, oversee concert production, and manage a small team.
- Company: Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, a historic cultural institution in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a vibrant team culture and exciting events.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a significant impact in the arts community.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior management, fundraising, and financial management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
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 jonathan.brigden@brightonphil.org.uk 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 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 vibrant community in Brighton, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing our fundraising efforts and audience development while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the arts and culture sector, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development and operations director
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We think you need these skills to ace Development and operations director
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Development and operations director, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
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.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
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Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
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