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- Tasks: Lead fundraising campaigns and manage a small team to achieve ambitious income targets.
- Company: Join the iconic Royal Ballet and Royal Opera at Covent Garden.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to impact the arts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the cultural sector while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, project management, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a prestigious arts organisation.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64400 £ per year.
Salary: c.£46,000 per annum based on skills and experience
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week
Based in: Covent Garden, London
The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. 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 focus of the Senior Fundraising Manager role will be to deliver and run the successful fundraising appeals and draws function, delivering against targets of c. £1.25m for 2025/26. Managing a small appeals team within the wider membership function, you will grow our income and innovation in this space, ensuring fundraising best practice principles are adhered to.
Our ideal candidate will be results driven, with an open, curious, intelligent approach to analysis and reporting. You will be able to work successfully in partnership with other teams and departments as well as influence key stakeholders across the organisation. You will be able to lead and develop a small team, exercise diplomacy and discretion and contribute to the wider fundraising conversation and pipeline.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- Substantial professional experience of the project management of appeals and campaigns fundraising gained within a charity or other fundraising organisation including their planning, development, running and evaluation
- Experience of running fundraising appeals or campaigns across a range of channels and running lotteries or draws for fundraising
- Outstanding written communication skills, including the ability to tailor communications for different audiences and media whilst maintaining consistent tone and messaging
- A track record in setting and meeting income targets
- Excellent project management skills, with evidence of having successfully delivered concurrent projects
- 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 supporters is critical for this role.
Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, Sunday 22nd February 2026. Interviews will be held over two stages. The 1st stage will be online via Microsoft Teams w/c 2nd March 2026. The 2nd stage will be in person at ROH Covent Garden w/c 9th March 2026.
Senior Fundraising Manager employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fundraising Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising and arts sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera thoroughly. Understand their fundraising strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your past successes in fundraising and project management. The more comfortable you are talking about your achievements, the more confident you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fundraising Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Fundraising Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing fundraising appeals and campaigns, and don’t forget to showcase your outstanding written communication skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: We want to see your successes! Include specific examples of how you've met income targets and delivered projects in the past. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve raised significant funds or led successful campaigns, let us know!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value an open and curious approach, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for fundraising and the arts. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at Covent Garden!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Fundraising Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to meet income targets. Brush up on your past fundraising achievements and be ready to discuss specific figures and outcomes. This shows you’re results-driven and can back up your claims with solid evidence.
✨Tailor Your Communication
Outstanding written communication skills are a must for this role. Prepare examples of how you've tailored messages for different audiences in previous campaigns. Think about how you can convey the value of the arts persuasively, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Project Management Prowess
Be ready to talk about your project management experience. Have a few examples of concurrent projects you've successfully delivered, focusing on your planning, execution, and evaluation processes. This will highlight your organisational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks.
✨Show Your Passion for the Arts
While deep knowledge of opera and ballet isn't essential, showing a genuine interest in these art forms can set you apart. Research the Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, and be prepared to discuss how you can effectively communicate their value to supporters. This enthusiasm can make a big difference!
