Philanthropy Officer

Oxfordphil; Oxford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious orchestra in the UK is looking for a highly motivated Philanthropy Officer to enhance their fundraising efforts. The role requires a passion for classical music and excellent organisational skills. Responsibilities include managing donor schemes, cultivating relationships, and coordinating fundraising campaigns. The position offers a salary between £27,000 and £31,000, depending on experience, and provides a permanent, full-time employment contract, based in London with occasional travel to Oxford.

Qualifications

• Passion for classical music, particularly orchestral music.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively.
• Motivated team-player with outstanding communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage Friend and Patron schemes, acting as a point of contact.
• Cultivate existing and potential donors through meetings and events.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of donor relationships.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Copy-writing skills

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Job description

The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra seeks a highly motivated Philanthropy Officer to play a key role in our fundraising activities.

The Orchestra performs regularly in Oxford and London, has an expanding touring programme overseas and organises a number of special fundraising events.

Location: London office with occasional travel to Oxford and some evening and weekend work for concerts and events.

Employment: Permanent, full-time. Right to work in the UK required.

Holiday entitlement: 20 days plus 8 bank holidays.

Duties

Research/Administrative

• Managing the Friend and Patron schemes, 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 acknowledgment and supporting Gift Aid processes
• Updating and maintaining the CRM database, entering donation records
• Taking notes and compiling briefings for meetings
• Providing administrative support to the American Friends of the Orchestra organisation
• 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; liaison with colleagues and strong copy‑writing and persuasive writing skills required
• 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
• Working with Board members to support their advocacy for OPO
• Supporting and motivating colleagues to engage in fundraising

Essential abilities / qualifications

• Passion for classical music, particularly orchestral music
• Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with listening, influencing, negotiating and diplomacy
• Strong copy‑writing 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; 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.