At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a flagship membership programme, building relationships with Patrons.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading arts organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while connecting with passionate supporters.
- Qualifications: Experience in membership or philanthropy, with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
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.
This role sits within the highly committed and successful Development and Advocacy Department, which generates over £41m revenue annually, plus additional capital funds, and secures the annual Arts Council England grant (currently £22.9m). The Department’s revenue generation and advocacy to Government of the value of our creative sector ensures the RBO can retain the best artists and crafts people, deliver our thriving National Schools’ Programme, maintain our beautiful grade I listed building, deliver on our charitable mission, and continue to produce world class performances.
The Membership Team, responsible for Friends and Patrons, are responsible for circa £10m annually. Friends and Patrons also make up 30% of ticket income, 55% of other donations and 88% of legacies, emphasising the importance of community building, good processes and customer service. The Patrons of the Royal Ballet and Opera are a core loyal audience who provide vital philanthropic support to the RBO. As a thank‑you for their support, they enjoy premium benefits including a concierge Box Office and special events.
The Senior Patrons Manager at the RBO is a high‑impact role for an experienced membership or philanthropy professional ready to take ownership of a flagship scheme. We’re looking for someone who is confident managing the day‑to‑day delivery of a membership programme, proactive in identifying and recruiting new Patrons, and committed to building meaningful, long‑term relationships that encourage renewal and deeper support.
Our ideal candidate will be results driven, with a pro‑active, can‑do attitude that is role modelled in the small team of reports and more widely across the Department. You will be solutions focused with experience of taking accountability for improvements and resolutions. You will be able to lead and develop a small team, manage a busy workload with high output and productivity and demonstrate highly effective influencing skills.
You will have:
- Senior‑level experience within a membership, patrons or philanthropic environment, ideally involving high‑net‑worth individuals.
- Proven track record of driving income growth against targets and KPIs, with strong commercial and analytical judgement.
- Sound knowledge of Gift Aid and relevant charitable legislation, ensuring best practice compliance.
- Experience managing and growing donor relationships, including face‑to‑face engagement.
- Experience leading membership or patron schemes, identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
- Proactive, accountable and outcome‑focused, with the ability to manage a substantial and fast‑paced workload.
An understanding and knowledge of the art forms is not essential but the ability to learn and communicate effectively and persuasively about opera, ballet, music and dance to Patrons is critical for this role.
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.
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.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 7th June 2026. Interviews will be held over two stages: The 1st stage will be online via Microsoft Teams w/c 15th June 2026. The 2nd stage will be in person at ROH Covent Garden w/c 22nd June 2026. To ensure a fair process, late applications will not be considered under any circumstances. Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Senior Patrons Manager in London employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in the rich heritage of London's Covent Garden. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusivity, we provide opportunities for professional development within a dynamic team dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with our Patrons. Our focus on diversity and support for individuals from all backgrounds ensures a rewarding environment where creativity thrives, making it an inspiring place to contribute to the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Patrons Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts sector, especially those connected to the Royal Ballet and Opera. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the Royal Ballet and Opera’s mission and values. Show us you’re not just passionate about the arts but also understand how your role as Senior Patrons Manager can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to reflect our commitment to community building and philanthropy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with membership programmes and how you’ve successfully built relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the Royal Ballet and Opera. Let’s make magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Patrons Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Patrons Manager role. Highlight your experience in membership or philanthropy, especially with high-net-worth individuals, and show how you can drive income growth.
Showcase Your Results:We want to see your proven track record! Include specific examples of how you've met targets and KPIs in previous roles. This will demonstrate your results-driven approach and ability to manage a busy workload.
Communicate Passionately:Even if you’re not an expert in opera or ballet, show us your enthusiasm for the arts! Use your application to convey your willingness to learn and your ability to communicate effectively about our mission and values.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, we love seeing applications that come directly from our platform.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research The Royal Ballet and Opera. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in membership or philanthropy roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven income growth and built relationships with high-net-worth individuals. Use metrics to demonstrate your success and impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Patrons Manager, you'll need to lead a small team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate, develop, and drive results within a fast-paced environment.
✨Engage with Passion
While knowledge of opera and ballet isn't essential, showing enthusiasm for the arts is crucial. Think about how you can communicate effectively about these art forms and engage potential Patrons. Your passion can make a significant difference in how you connect with the interviewers.
