Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager in Glasgow

Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 32000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Scottish Opera

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with donors and develop corporate partnerships to support Scottish Opera.
  • Company: Join Scotland's national opera company, making opera accessible to all.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, free tickets, and enhanced policies.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while building meaningful relationships.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.

Location: Hybrid, with 3 days per week based in the Scottish Opera head office in Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow.

Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 p/a. Benefits include 8% employer pension contribution, free tickets to dress rehearsals, EAP and enhanced policies.

Hours: Standard office hours are 35 hours per week, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour for lunch. This post also requires evening and weekend working when necessary.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio‑described and dementia‑friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under‑26s, refugees, asylum seekers, and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland.

We have developed our fundraising strategy and identified corporate partnerships as a clear area of growth and potential. As a result, we are bringing in this brand-new role to provide dedicated capacity and focus. The post holder will proactively develop the corporate pipeline, securing new partners and provide excellent account management to existing, valued partners.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a relationship fundraiser. It is a people‑first role where engaging with donors over the phone and face‑to‑face will be the norm. You don’t have to have a background in philanthropy – you could have experience across community fundraising, corporate partnerships, individual giving or mid‑value fundraising. The most important factor is that you understand fundraising and enjoy building great relationships with supporters and donors. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to step into a management‑level role, or for a candidate looking to specialise in mid‑value, Patrons and membership fundraising.

Qualifications and experience:

  • Experience in fundraising, ideally in corporate partnerships or mid‑value giving.
  • Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.
  • Experience engaging donors face‑to‑face and phone.
  • Understanding of fundraising principles.

We are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that no one is denied opportunities or discriminated against through prejudice or exclusion due to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people that are under‑represented in the Performing Arts and at Scottish Opera including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. We have supportive working practices and work towards providing wherever possible a working environment that is inclusive and accessible for those with caring responsibilities. Scottish Opera strives to be an equal opportunities employer and is subsidised by the Scottish Government.

Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager in Glasgow employer: Scottish Opera

Scottish Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being. With a generous benefits package including an 8% employer pension contribution and opportunities for professional growth in the arts sector, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while engaging with the community through meaningful fundraising initiatives. Located in the heart of Glasgow, this hybrid role allows for flexibility while being part of Scotland's largest performing arts organisation, dedicated to making opera accessible to all.

Scottish Opera

Contact Details:

Scottish Opera Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager in Glasgow

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 Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Scottish Opera. It’s all about being visible and passionate!

We think you need these skills to ace Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager in Glasgow

Fundraising Experience
Corporate Partnerships
Mid-Value Giving
Relationship Building
Communication Skills
Donor Engagement
Understanding of Fundraising Principles

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 Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Patrons & Fundraising Engagement Manager role at Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Scottish 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 Scottish Opera. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.