At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors to support Chethams' mission.
- Company: Join Chethams, the UK's largest specialist music school in vibrant Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy subsidised lunches, gym access, concert tickets, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with ambitious plans and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in arts and education while growing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of fundraising experience and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42082 - 42082 £ per year.
Chethams is seeking a driven and collaborative Senior Development Manager to become a pivotal part of our Development team. Chethams is a magical place, home to the UK’s largest specialist music school, the oldest library in the English-speaking world and a world-class concert venue, all in the heart of Manchester.
Working as part of a recently expanded Development function, this is an exciting time to join Chethams. You will be part of an energetic fundraising team, raising funds from trusts and foundations, individuals and corporate partners to meet ambitious targets. You will build a pipeline of supporters, grow our community of donors, be a visible ambassador for Chethams and you will play a key role in embedding a fundraising culture across the organisation. From fundraising for capital works to library conservation projects, bursary support to community programmes, this is an exciting role for a motivated, organised and creative development professional.
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated fundraiser to manage and grow income from a mixed portfolio of donors, including trusts and foundations, individual supporters, legacies and corporate partners, supporting the full breadth of Chethams.
Working closely with the Director of Development and Chetham's senior leadership, the Senior Development Manager will build Chethams donor base, developing meaningful relationships with existing and new supporters to secure donations aligned with Chethams strategic priorities.
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years fundraising experience, significant experience securing income from individuals, companies or grant-makers, and will have outstanding interpersonal skills. They will be an excellent communicator, able to confidently share Chethams case for support in compelling proposals or in face-to-face donor meetings or pitches. A track record of securing five-figure gifts and a knowledge of database systems is highly desirable. Previous experience working in either an education, heritage or arts environment would be helpful, but not essential.
The Senior Development Manager will join a small, busy team with big ambitions. With major capital development plans ahead and milestone anniversaries for the School and Stoller Hall coming up, there is real scope to make an impact and launch new appeals and campaigns to maximise income.
This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week. 0.8FTE would be considered.
In return, salary SCP 32, £42,082.45 per annum. Benefits include subsidised catered lunches during term-time, on-site gym, free tickets to selected concerts & Cycle to Work Scheme.
Please ensure that you download and save the application form to your computer before completing the form, as completing within your browser may result in information not being saved.
Closing date: 9am, Friday 26th June 2026. Interviews will take place on: To be confirmed.
Senior Development Manager in Salford employer: Chethams School of Music
Chethams offers a vibrant and inspiring work environment in the heart of Manchester, where you can play a crucial role in shaping the future of the UK's largest specialist music school. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaborative culture, and exciting fundraising initiatives, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits like subsidised lunches, access to an on-site gym, and free concert tickets. Join us at Chethams, where your passion for development can flourish alongside our ambitious plans for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or colleagues. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Chethams! When you get the chance to meet with someone from the organisation, make sure to express why you’re excited about their mission. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Chethams thoroughly. Know their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after meetings or interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Chethams and its mission shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and why you're excited about the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising and relationship building. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Follow the Instructions:Don’t forget to download the application form and fill it out properly! We can’t stress enough how important it is to follow the application guidelines. Apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chethams School of Music
✨Know Chethams Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Chethams' history, mission, and current projects. Understanding their unique position as the UK's largest specialist music school and a cultural hub will help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially those involving five-figure gifts. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with donors and secured funding, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet Chethams' ambitious targets.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating Chethams' case for support clearly and compellingly. Whether in proposals or during face-to-face meetings, being able to communicate effectively will be key in showcasing your interpersonal skills and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working within a team, especially in fundraising contexts. Chethams is looking for someone who can collaborate with the Director of Development and senior leadership, so sharing examples of successful teamwork will resonate well.
