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- Tasks: Lead and grow individual giving and membership programmes at Longborough Festival Opera.
- Company: Join a world-class opera festival in the beautiful Cotswolds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team transforming lives through the arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and building relationships with high-level supporters.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of opera in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
As Individual Giving & Membership Manager, you will be responsible for retaining, growing and stewarding Longborough's community of individual supporters and members, with a particular focus on developing higher level giving and deepening long-term relationships.
Lead the strategy and delivery of all membership and individual giving activity. Grow and strengthen our upper-level membership schemes, including the Wagner Club. Develop and grow our American Friends scheme. Create inspiring journeys that move audiences into becoming committed donors and advocates. Ensure our supporters feel genuinely valued and connected and part of Longborough's artistic life.
This role balances proactive fundraising with excellent stewardship. It is as much about building trust, loyalty and emotional connection as it is about meeting income targets.
Reports to: Head of Development.
Manages: Membership areas of the Box Office Manager & Membership Coordinator and the Fundraising & Box Office Assistant.
Works closely with: Executive Director, Artistic Director, Trustees, Box Office, Marketing and wider team and sits on the Philanthropy Council.
Who We’re Looking For
Are you a warm, strategic and relationship-driven fundraiser who loves building long-term connections with supporters? Do you believe in the power of the arts to change lives and the importance of making donors feel genuinely part of that story? Longborough Festival Opera (LFO) is seeking an exceptional Individual Giving & Membership Manager to lead and grow our individual supporter and membership programmes at an exciting moment in our development. This is a senior influential role within a small, ambitious organisation, ideal for someone who combines strong fundraising instincts with outstanding stewardship, creativity and emotional intelligence.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategy and delivery of all membership and individual giving activity
- Grow and strengthen our upper-level membership schemes, including the Wagner Club
- Develop and grow our American Friends scheme
- Create inspiring journeys that move audiences into becoming committed donors and advocates
- Ensure our supporters feel genuinely valued and connected and part of Longborough's artistic life
Candidate Profile
- An experienced fundraiser in individual giving, membership or donor development
- Confident and credible in building relationships with high-level supporters
- Naturally warm, engaging and emotionally intelligent
- Strategic in outlook, but happy to be hands-on and operational within a small team
- Highly organised, proactive and collaborative
- Comfortable using CRM systems and data (ideally Spektrix) to guide decision making
Desired Experience
- A strong interest in the performing arts
- A proven track record of securing new individual supporters and building relationships to a level of 5 figures and above
- Experience in working in the arts or cultural sector is highly desirable, but not essential if you bring the right skills and approach
About LFO
LFO is a world-class opera festival based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each summer, we welcome audiences to our intimate theatre overlooking the Evenlode valley, offering bold, ambitious productions that have gained national and international recognition. We are especially known for our presentation of Wagner's operas, and alongside the festival, we nurture children and young people through our thriving year‑round education programmes. Founded with a spirit of audacity and creative endeavour, Longborough has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK's most exciting opera destinations. With a committed team, a loyal supporter base and a fast-growing reputation for high quality ambitious work, there has never been a more exciting time to join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and shape the future of opera in the UK.
Benefits & Details
- Salary: £40,000-£45,000 pro rata, depending on experience.
- Contract: Permanent, 0.6 FTE (0.8 during the Festival).
- Location: Longborough, the Cotswolds. Hybrid working possible outside of the Festival season.
- A driving licence and access to a car are required due to our rural location.
- Working pattern: Some evening and weekend work will be required, particularly during the Festival season and for events.
Giving & Membership Manager employer: LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA
Contact Detail:
LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Giving & Membership Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the arts! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your experiences and how they relate to the role of Individual Giving & Membership Manager – it’ll make you memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your connection and reinforce your interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications that come directly from our site. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of Longborough’s community and mission. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Giving & Membership Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts: When you're writing your application, let your love for the arts shine through! We want to see how you connect with our mission and how you can contribute to Longborough's artistic life.
Highlight Your Relationship-Building Skills: This role is all about building trust and loyalty with our supporters. Make sure to share examples of how you've successfully nurtured relationships in your previous roles. We love a good story!
Be Strategic and Hands-On: We’re looking for someone who can think strategically but also roll up their sleeves. In your application, balance your big-picture thinking with practical examples of how you've executed fundraising strategies.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at LONGBOROUGH FESTIVAL OPERA
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Longborough Festival Opera and its community. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in becoming part of their artistic life.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially those involving individual giving and membership development. Highlight how you've built relationships with high-level supporters and secured significant donations, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Since the role requires building trust and emotional connections, be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with supporters in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your warmth and ability to connect on a personal level, making donors feel valued and part of the journey.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Longborough's current strategies for individual giving and membership. Inquire about their vision for the future and how they see the role contributing to that. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the organisation's growth.
