Philanthropy Manager

English National Opera; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading opera organization is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Manager to grow its philanthropic income. The role requires outstanding fundraising abilities, relationship-building skills, and a passion for the arts. Ideal candidates will have experience with public appeals and strong communication skills. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, including 25 days annual leave and discounted ENO tickets. Applications close on September 4, 2025.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Free/discounted ENO tickets

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Eyecare vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Passionate about working for an organisation with accessibility at the heart of everything it does.
• Experience in securing five and six figure gifts and managing public facing appeals.
• Ability to build positive relationships with various stakeholders.
• Dynamic individual with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Play a leading role in sustaining and growing philanthropic income.
• Build excellent working relationships with visiting artists and internal staff.
• Present complex budgets in a simple manner for different audiences.

Skills

Fundraising abilities

Relationship building

Communication skills

Independent working

Knowledge of arts and music

Stakeholder management

Tools

CRM Systems

Job description

Senior Philanthropy Manager

Location
Manchester (travel to London required)

Salary
£50-55,000 per annum

Closing date
Applications must be received by Thu 4 September 9.00am

Contract
Permanent

We're looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to join English National Opera and play a leading role in sustaining and growing our philanthropic income.

This is a highly visible and rewarding role for someone with emotional intelligence, creativity, and discretion. If you're passionate about the arts and skilled at building relationships that lead to transformative support, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements:

• Passionate about working for an organisation with accessibility at the heart of everything it does
• Outstanding fundraising abilities with experience securing five and six figure gifts and managing public facing appeals
• Passionate and knowledgeable about the arts, music and opera
• Ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funders of all kinds, audience members, visiting artists and ENO colleagues across all departments
• Knowledge of Greater Manchester's cultural scene and networks in the region
• Dynamic individual with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the Development Department
• Supportive colleague and experienced people manager, willing to share skills, experience and knowledge with other fundraisers in the Department
• Ability to work with and build excellent working relationships with a wide range of visiting directors, conductors, designers and musicians as well as internal ENO staff
• Confident with technology and experience working with ticketing and CRM Systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including excellent attention to detail
• Evidence of networking and relationship building at a senior level
• Commitment to professional development with a willingness to develop knowledge, skills and experience
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex budgets in a simple manner appropriate to different stakeholder audiences

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Free/discounted ENO tickets
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Eyecare vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme

Please see our recruitment pack for more details.

To apply, please send along a CV and Cover Letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role as well as your availability on Thursday 11 September to [email protected] by 9am on Thursday 4 September 2025.

1^st Interviews: Thursday 11 September 2025 (online)

2^nd Interviews: TBC

Please also submit our anonymous Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form.

English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, English National Opera particularly encourages potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.

#s1-Gen

This is a highly visible and rewarding role for someone with emotional intelligence, creativity, and discretion. If you're passionate about the arts and skilled at building relationships that lead to transformative support, we'd love to hear from you.,

• Passionate about working for an organisation with accessibility at the heart of everything it does
• Outstanding fundraising abilities with experience securing five and six figure gifts and managing public facing appeals
• Passionate and knowledgeable about the arts, music and opera
• Ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funders of all kinds, audience members, visiting artists and ENO colleagues across all department
• Knowledge of Greater Manchester's cultural scene and networks in the region
• Dynamic individual with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the Development Department
• Supportive colleague and experienced people manager, willing to share skills, experience and knowledge with other fundraisers in the Department
• Ability to work with and build excellent working relationships with a wide range of visiting directors, conductors, designers and musicians as well as internal ENO staff
• Confident with technology and experience working with ticketing and CRM Systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication and skills including excellent attention to detail
• Evidence of networking and relationship building at a senior level
• Commitment to professional development with a willingness to develop knowledge, skills and experience
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex budgets in a simple manner appropriate to different stakeholder audiences
  
  We're looking for a Senior Philanthropy Manager to join English National Opera and play a leading role in sustaining and growing our philanthropic income., English National Opera is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, English National Opera particularly encourages potential candidates from underrepresented groups and communities to apply, including those from global majority backgrounds and/or with protected characteristics, including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and religion and belief. We will provide appropriate support for candidates with access requirements if they identify as disabled. This includes during the application process and through candidate assessment stages.
  
  25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Free/discounted ENO tickets
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Eyecare vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme
Please see our recruitment pack for more details.