Development Research and Operations Manager
Philharmonia £35,000 Closing date 30 September 2025
The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity of a busy and ambitious orchestra. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities.
As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records.
This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research.
This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Pipeline Development:
Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts
Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events
Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects
Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement
Implement improvements to pipeline management process
Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation
CRM, Data and Insights:
Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records
Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition
Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting
Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events
Department Operations:
Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications
Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations.
With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits
Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.
Reporting and Administration:
Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department
Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting
Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice
Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements
Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required
Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia
As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records.
This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research.
This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Pipeline Development:
Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts
Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events
Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects
Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement
Implement improvements to pipeline management process
Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation
CRM, Data and Insights:
Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records
Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition
Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting
Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events
Department Operations:
Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications
Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations.
With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits
Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.
Reporting and Administration:
Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department
Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting
Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice
Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements
Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required
Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia