Head of Development
The English Concert £45,000-£50,000 Closing date 28 November 2025
We are looking for a dynamic and organised Head of Development to join our team at The English Concert. Collaborating closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees, you will play a crucial role in driving the growth and sustainability of The English Concert by leading our fundraising efforts and building strong relationships with supporters across individuals, trust and foundations at all levels.
As a skilled and proactive fundraiser, you will develop and implement strategies to secure vital philanthropic support, including for major initiatives like Handel for All. Your exceptional communication and organisational skills will be essential in engaging donors, managing campaigns, and ensuring timely and personalised stewardship. Join us in our mission to enrich lives through outstanding musical experiences and to build a bright future for The English Concert!
Location: Office based at 240 High Holborn (London) at least three times a week. Very occasional national and international travel whilst the orchestra is touring may also be required.
Key Relationships: Chief Executive; Artistic Director; Trustees; Existing and prospective donors; Orchestra Players and Guest artists
Reports to: Chief Executive
Line management duties: Development and Events Officer
Person Specification:
Essential
• In-depth understanding of fundraising, particularly within the cultural sector
• Experience of securing five and six figure gifts from individuals and funding bodies, including managing the process from cultivation to stewardship
• Ability to craft compelling narratives about the orchestra’s work, for example when writing proposals, conversing with individual supporters, and reporting on impact to grant-makers
• Outstanding ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including senior-level prospects, donors and board members, leading to strong relationships and new, renewed, or increased giving
• Ability to prioritise and to work to tight deadlines, and a creative approach to resolving issues
• Proficient in using computer systems such as Word and Excel and able to quickly assimilate new processes and ways of working
• Experience of working with fundraising CRM, such as Salesforce, and thorough understanding of data protection and fundraising best practice
• Positive mindset and enthusiastic about contributing to the orchestra’s success
Desirable
• An interest in classical music
• Broad understanding of issues and questions faced by the wider cultural sector
Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy and Delivery
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising action plan encompassing individual giving, trusts and foundations, and public sector funding, including for major projects such as Handel for All.
• Meet agreed annual income targets across all fundraising streams, ensuring costs remain within budget.
• Innovate and introduce new fundraising approaches, producing compelling cases for support, tailored proposals, and timely impact reports to donors, trusts, and funders.
• Personally cultivate and solicit four, five and six figure gifts from individuals and funding bodies.
Communication, Events, and Reporting
• Draft and oversee the distribution of communications to supporters, including season announcements, updates, and invitations.
• Ensure timely submission of all funding and impact reports to donors, trusts, and public funding bodies.
• Support marketing efforts to keep The English Concert’s fundraising information current on the website and social media channels.
• Take a proactive role in the delivery of engaging content that keeps supporters and donors informed and
connected to The English Concert’s work and impact.
• Contribute to TEC’s overall brand positioning within the classical music sector
Donor and Prospect Management
• Oversee a high-quality donor care programme that retains and grows support, delivering a range of benefits and personalised stewardship to maintain sustained giving.
• Maintain regular, personalised communication with current and prospective supporters to nurture relationships and encourage new or increased giving.
• Conduct research to identify and cultivate new prospects across individuals, trusts, and public funding sources and collaborate closely with Trustees and colleagues to convert prospect portfolios and contacts into active funders.
• Manage and attend a varied and engaging programme of cultivation and stewardship events, working in
partnership with orchestra players, venues, and colleagues to maximise supporter engagement.
Monitoring and Data Management
• Monitor fundraising income and activities and report progress against KPIs to the Chief Executive and relevant committees.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of the CRM, recording all relevant information on donations, memberships, and prospects.
• Manage Gift Aid claims processing, ensuring full compliance with Gift Aid, data protection, and PCI regulations.
Other
• Effectively line manage Development and Events Officer
• Contribute to management of TEC’s ongoing organisational strategy and priorities
• Support the Chief Executive as required
NB This task list does not cover all possible tasks and responsibilities
020 3962 2332
240 High Holborn
Third Floor
London
WC1V 7DN
As a skilled and proactive fundraiser, you will develop and implement strategies to secure vital philanthropic support, including for major initiatives like Handel for All. Your exceptional communication and organisational skills will be essential in engaging donors, managing campaigns, and ensuring timely and personalised stewardship. Join us in our mission to enrich lives through outstanding musical experiences and to build a bright future for The English Concert!
Location: Office based at 240 High Holborn (London) at least three times a week. Very occasional national and international travel whilst the orchestra is touring may also be required.
Key Relationships: Chief Executive; Artistic Director; Trustees; Existing and prospective donors; Orchestra Players and Guest artists
Reports to: Chief Executive
Line management duties: Development and Events Officer
Person Specification:
Essential
• In-depth understanding of fundraising, particularly within the cultural sector
• Experience of securing five and six figure gifts from individuals and funding bodies, including managing the process from cultivation to stewardship
• Ability to craft compelling narratives about the orchestra’s work, for example when writing proposals, conversing with individual supporters, and reporting on impact to grant-makers
• Outstanding ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including senior-level prospects, donors and board members, leading to strong relationships and new, renewed, or increased giving
• Ability to prioritise and to work to tight deadlines, and a creative approach to resolving issues
• Proficient in using computer systems such as Word and Excel and able to quickly assimilate new processes and ways of working
• Experience of working with fundraising CRM, such as Salesforce, and thorough understanding of data protection and fundraising best practice
• Positive mindset and enthusiastic about contributing to the orchestra’s success
Desirable
• An interest in classical music
• Broad understanding of issues and questions faced by the wider cultural sector
Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy and Delivery
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising action plan encompassing individual giving, trusts and foundations, and public sector funding, including for major projects such as Handel for All.
• Meet agreed annual income targets across all fundraising streams, ensuring costs remain within budget.
• Innovate and introduce new fundraising approaches, producing compelling cases for support, tailored proposals, and timely impact reports to donors, trusts, and funders.
• Personally cultivate and solicit four, five and six figure gifts from individuals and funding bodies.
Communication, Events, and Reporting
• Draft and oversee the distribution of communications to supporters, including season announcements, updates, and invitations.
• Ensure timely submission of all funding and impact reports to donors, trusts, and public funding bodies.
• Support marketing efforts to keep The English Concert’s fundraising information current on the website and social media channels.
• Take a proactive role in the delivery of engaging content that keeps supporters and donors informed and
connected to The English Concert’s work and impact.
• Contribute to TEC’s overall brand positioning within the classical music sector
Donor and Prospect Management
• Oversee a high-quality donor care programme that retains and grows support, delivering a range of benefits and personalised stewardship to maintain sustained giving.
• Maintain regular, personalised communication with current and prospective supporters to nurture relationships and encourage new or increased giving.
• Conduct research to identify and cultivate new prospects across individuals, trusts, and public funding sources and collaborate closely with Trustees and colleagues to convert prospect portfolios and contacts into active funders.
• Manage and attend a varied and engaging programme of cultivation and stewardship events, working in
partnership with orchestra players, venues, and colleagues to maximise supporter engagement.
Monitoring and Data Management
• Monitor fundraising income and activities and report progress against KPIs to the Chief Executive and relevant committees.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of the CRM, recording all relevant information on donations, memberships, and prospects.
• Manage Gift Aid claims processing, ensuring full compliance with Gift Aid, data protection, and PCI regulations.
Other
• Effectively line manage Development and Events Officer
• Contribute to management of TEC’s ongoing organisational strategy and priorities
• Support the Chief Executive as required
NB This task list does not cover all possible tasks and responsibilities
Contact details
hello@englishconcert.co.uk020 3962 2332
240 High Holborn
Third Floor
London
WC1V 7DN