Philanthropy Officer

Overview

The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the UK’s leading orchestras, seeks a highly motivated Philanthropy Officer to play a key role in our fundraising activities. The Orchestra performs regularly in Oxford and London and has an expanding touring programme overseas and organises a number of special fundraising events.

The chosen candidate will work with the Head of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Liaison, the Music Director and other Directors.

This is a permanent, full-time role. The position is based in our London office, but occasional travel to Oxford will be required. Some evening and weekend work will be necessary for concerts and fundraising events. The holiday entitlement is 20 days, plus 8 bank holidays.

Job Profile

Principal duties

Research/Administrative:

• Managing the Friend and Patron schemes, and acting as the point of contact
• Researching current and prospective donors
• Donor aftercare: writing formal thank you letters and donation receipts, managing processes in gift acknowledgement and supporting Gift Aid processes
• Updating and maintaining CRM database, entering donation records
• Taking notes and compiling briefings for meetings
• Provide admin support to the American Friends of the Orchestra organisation
• General administrative duties
• Supporting the Box Office department with duties as required, including dealing with customer queries

Campaign Support:

• Cultivating existing and potential donors through meetings and at events
• Preparing template and bespoke proposals and cases for support, with accompanying budgets. This will involve liaison with colleagues and strong copy-writing and persuasive writing skills
• Developing and managing a portfolio of donor relationships, predominantly individuals, but also some trusts and corporates
• Developing engaging print and online copy for event literature, invitations, newsletters and the Orchestra’s website
• Coordinating and executing fundraising campaigns
• Managing pipeline reporting and updates for leadership/ Board
• Adhering to donor confidentiality, GDPR requirements and due diligence processes
• Representing OPO at concerts and special events, nationally and internationally as required
• Work with Board members to support their advocacy for OPO
• Support and motivate colleagues to engage in fundraising

Essential abilities/qualifications:

• Passion for classical music, particularly orchestral music
• Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Good IT skills 
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with listening, influencing, negotiating and diplomacy
• Strong copywriting and persuasive writing skills
• Motivated team-player
• Ability to work under pressure and with tenacity to achieve goals
• Awareness of cultural sensitivities and ability to navigate these professionally
• Willingness to work outside business hours and undertake national or international travel

Desirable abilities/qualifications:

• Proven track record of development experience in the arts or another sector, but candidates with no relevant background may also apply
• Experience in research, presenting customer lists and managing pipelines
• Experience of working with customer databases

Salary: £27,000 – £31,000 dependent on experience

Please submit a CV and covering letter, explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements, to [email protected].