Senior Philanthropy Manager

Royal Ballet and Opera; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent arts organization in London seeks an experienced philanthropist to enhance fundraising efforts by managing high-value donor relationships. You will work closely with senior teams on strategy and mentorship of junior staff. Ideal candidates will have a track record in securing major gifts and strong interpersonal skills. A background in the arts is a plus, but interest and ability to learn quickly are vital. This role embodies the organization's commitment to equality and diversity.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance and donor stewardship best practices.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the senior team on strategy development.
• Manage and develop a portfolio of significant donor relationships.
• Mentor and develop junior team members.

Skills

Relationship management

Fundraising strategies

Interpersonal skills

Networking

People management

Job description

Overview

The Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced philanthropist who will work closely with the senior team on strategy development, generating opportunities to increase philanthropic giving by attracting new and lasting relationships and high value donors. Individually, you will make a substantial contribution to the current targets by managing and developing a portfolio of significant relationships, working to department best practice.

The ideal candidate for this post will be a team player with excellent communication and relationship management skills. You will play an active role in mentoring and developing junior members of the team and show your potential as a future leader. You will be able to demonstrate:

Qualifications

• A proven track record of securing major gifts and managing high-value donor relationships.
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, prospecting plans, proposal writing and project management.
• Strong people management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels.
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, tax‑efficient giving, and donor stewardship best practices.
• Credibility and gravitas to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and donors.
• Strong relationship‑building, networking, and influencing skills.

A background in the arts is not essential, though an interest in/the aptitude to upskill quickly in our art forms will be highly regarded. A firm understanding of the UK Philanthropic community and landscape is critical.

The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK's leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive.