Development Operations Officer

Development Operations Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Coordinate donor stewardship activities and develop the RCM Friends programme.
  • Company: Join the Royal College of Music, ranked No. 1 for Music and Performing Arts globally.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
  • Why this job: Be part of a prestigious institution that values creativity and impactful storytelling.
  • Qualifications: Experience in donor stewardship and project management is essential.
  • Other info: Position available from June 2025.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Founded in 1882, The Royal College of Music (RCM) is a world leading music conservatoire with a prestigious history and contemporary outlook. Our excellence was recognised by the 2025 QS World University Rankings, in which we were ranked as the global No. 1 institution for both Music and Performing Arts. The College has held this world-leading place in Performing Arts for four successive years, while Music is a new subject introduced to the rankings in 2024.

The RCM Development & Alumni Engagement team raises significant support from individuals, companies, charitable trusts and foundations annually, ranging from £52 Friends memberships to seven figure gifts. The Development Operations Officer co-ordinates stewardship activities for donors at all levels, including regular communication pieces, and develops and delivers the RCM Friends programme, encouraging visitor and additional giving when appropriate.

We are looking for candidates who:

  • Enjoy crafting succinct, accessible stories about our students and staff, including cutting edge research
  • Have experience delivering complex donor stewardship, running a membership scheme or increasing visitor giving
  • Can balance a diverse range of projects efficiently with excellent attention to detail

This post is offered on a permanent basis and is available from June 2025.

Development Operations Officer employer: ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC

The Royal College of Music is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and engagement within a prestigious institution recognised globally for excellence in music and performing arts. Joining our Development & Alumni Engagement team means being part of a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact the future of music education and the arts.
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Contact Detail:

ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Operations Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Royal College of Music's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to excellence in music and performing arts will help you align your passion and experiences with their goals during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the RCM, especially those in development or alumni engagement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations of the position, which can be beneficial for your approach.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in donor stewardship and membership schemes. Highlighting your successes in these areas will demonstrate your capability to manage the responsibilities of the Development Operations Officer role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on trends in fundraising and donor engagement within the arts sector. Being knowledgeable about current practices will show your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing to the RCM's success.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Operations Officer

Donor Stewardship
Membership Programme Management
Fundraising Strategies
Storytelling Skills
Project Management
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
Event Coordination
Data Management
Marketing Skills
Research Skills
Time Management
Creative Writing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Development Operations Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the role.

Craft Your Narrative: Focus on crafting succinct and engaging stories about your past experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and manage donor relationships. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any experience you have in donor stewardship, membership schemes, or fundraising initiatives. Make sure to detail how you successfully managed projects and increased engagement or giving.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and concise, reflecting the attention to detail that the role requires.

How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC

✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

Since the role involves crafting stories about students and staff, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in a simple and engaging way. Think about specific instances where your storytelling made an impact.

✨Demonstrate Donor Stewardship Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience with donor stewardship or membership schemes. Highlight any successful strategies you implemented that increased engagement or donations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Emphasise Attention to Detail

Given the need for excellent attention to detail, consider preparing a few examples where your meticulousness led to successful outcomes. This could be in project management or communication pieces that required precision.

✨Prepare for Project Management Questions

The role requires balancing diverse projects, so expect questions about your project management skills. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and ensure quality across multiple initiatives.

Development Operations Officer
ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC
R
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