At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build lasting relationships with high-value donors.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a cultural icon in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and supporting candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, based on skills and experience
Permanent contract
Full time: 40 hours per week with flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends as required
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
The Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced fundraising professional who will work closely with the senior team on strategy development, generating opportunities to increase philanthropic giving by attracting new and lasting relationships and high value donors. Individually, you will make a substantial contribution to the current targets by managing and developing a portfolio of significant relationships, working to department best practice.
The ideal candidate for this post will be a team player with excellent communication and relationship management skills. You will play an active role in mentoring and developing junior members of the team and show your potential as a future leader. You will be able to demonstrate:
- A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.
- Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management.
- Strong people management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels.
- Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax-efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices.
- Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors.
- Strong relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills.
A background in the arts is not essential, though an interest in/the aptitude to upskill quickly in our art forms will be highly regarded. A firm understanding of the UK Philanthropic community and landscape is critical.
To submit your application, please provide a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience match the essential criteria listed above. Your supporting statement will be reviewed by the shortlisting panel, so please do take the time to consider your response and use this to highlight your suitability for, and interest in, the role.
We recommend drafting your response in a separate document and then copying the final version into the application form. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.
We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: Midnight, 5th January 2026.
Interviews will be held across 2 stages - the first online via MS Teams and the second in person at the ROH Covent Garden.
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Senior Philanthropy Manager - WC2E 9DD in Brixton Hill employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in the arts at our iconic Covent Garden location. We prioritise employee growth through mentorship opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. With a focus on inspiring creativity and fostering meaningful relationships, we provide a fulfilling environment for those passionate about philanthropy and the performing arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Philanthropy Manager - WC2E 9DD in Brixton Hill
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Philanthropy Manager - WC2E 9DD in Brixton Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Senior Philanthropy Manager - WC2E 9DD role at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
