At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors to support Chetham's mission.
- Company: Join Chetham’s, the UK's largest specialist music school in vibrant Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, subsidised lunches, gym access, concert tickets, and a Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with ambitious goals and exciting development plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in arts and education while working with passionate individuals.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of fundraising experience and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42082 - 42082 £ per year.
Chetham’s is seeking a driven and collaborative Senior Development Manager to become a pivotal part of our Development team. Chetham’s 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 Chetham’s. 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 Chetham’s 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’re 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 Chetham’s. Working closely with the Director of Development and Chetham’s senior leadership, the Senior Development Manager will build Chetham’s donor base, developing meaningful relationships with existing and new supporters to secure donations aligned with Chetham’s 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 Chetham’s 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.
Closing date 9am, Friday 26th June 2026.
Senior Development Manager in Manchester employer: Orange Recruitment
Chetham’s offers a unique and inspiring work environment in the heart of Manchester, where you can contribute to the UK’s largest specialist music school and a historic library. As a Senior Development Manager, you will be part of a dynamic fundraising team with ample opportunities for professional growth, supported by a culture that values collaboration and creativity. Enjoy benefits such as subsidised lunches, access to an on-site gym, and free concert tickets, all while making a meaningful impact in the arts and education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join relevant groups, 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 Chetham’s! When you get the chance to meet with someone from the team, 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 Chetham’s inside out. 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 community.
✨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 Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Chetham’s 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 Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant fundraising experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve successfully secured donations and built relationships with donors.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the Senior Development Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Chetham’s.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orange Recruitment
✨Know Chetham’s Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Chetham’s history, mission, and current projects. Understanding their fundraising goals and community impact will help you tailor your responses and show genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨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 Chetham’s ambitious targets.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating Chetham’s case for support in a compelling way. Whether it’s through proposals or during face-to-face meetings, being able to communicate effectively will be key in showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Chetham’s future plans and the Development team’s strategies. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge how you can contribute to their goals and culture.
