Philanthropy Officer

  • Oxfordphil
  • Oxford, Oxfordshire
  • May 13, 2026
Full time Other

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.