Head of Development

OverviewHead of Development role at Association Of British Orchestras. The role leads the Development Team to shape and implement a refreshed fundraising strategy and to achieve ambitious financial targets in support of the Orchestra’s activities and community programmes.The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.ResponsibilitiesLead the Development Team in delivering a refreshed Development Strategy that forms part of the RPO’s 5-year business plan and achieves ambitious fundraising targets to support the Orchestra’s annual schedule of performances, events and community and education programmes.Increase levels of development income from individual donors, corporates and Trusts and Foundations; steward key donor relationships; grow new areas of development income; deliver an annual programme of engaging fundraising events for donors and prospects.Manage the Individual Giving Manager to shape and inform a refreshed RPO individual giving strategy that contributes directly to the RPO Business Plan and annual financial targets.Collaborate with the Business Development Director and Head of Sales and Marketing to communicate a compelling case for support across all channels that articulates the impact and social value of the RPO.Identify and develop strategies to grow the donor base (individuals, corporations, trusts and foundations) and utilise existing membership schemes (RPO Chair Patrons, RPO Young Patrons, RPO Benefactors, etc.).Liaise with the Head of Sales and Marketing to identify donor prospects from audience databases and produce compelling project proposals to secure support from high-level donors.Lead the development of the RPO’s 1946 Club Legacy Giving Campaign, including stewardship and recruitment of members at annual events.Support the Business Development Director in stewarding high-net-worth individual donors and work with the Board and Advisory Council members as required.Deliver an annual RPO International Patron’s Trip with the Individual Giving Manager.With the Business Development Director, manage relationships with the RPO’s corporate partners and identify new sponsorship opportunities; write sponsorship proposals and create decks to attract new sponsors.Collaborate with the Marketing Team to create bespoke communication and branding opportunities for corporate partners; pitch proposals, negotiate and close deals and execute contracts.Secure major sponsors to support the RPO’s international touring and partnerships programme.Direct the Trusts and Foundations Manager to deliver a strategy that meets the needs of the RPO’s business plan, artistic, community/education and talent development programmes, ensuring a strong pipeline and manageable schedule of applications.Lead on specific Arts Council England funding initiatives that fall outside the RPO’s National Portfolio relationship; ensure robust processes and systems underpinning the development function and compliance with the Fundraising Regulator.Deliver an annual programme of fundraising events, including the annual RPO Gala Evening, and devise new formats to strengthen donor loyalty and cultivate relationships with the Orchestra’s musical leadership.Work with the Digital Marketing Manager to implement communication strategies for appeals and campaigns across all digital channels; introduce a compelling digital fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Digital Marketing Manager; ensure a prominent and consistent presence for the case for support on the RPO website and explore opportunities for fundraising across the new site.Maximise the value of the RPO’s CRM and box office system Spektrix; cross-pollinate development and marketing strategies; segment data and develop plans to identify new lower-level donors to feed the donor pipeline.Ensure that all Development activity complies with Fundraising Regulator rules and data protection regulations (GDPR); produce written Development reports for quarterly RPO Board and Audit Committee meetings. xpwpeyx Recruit, manage, motivate, appraise and train Development Team personnel; attend RPO performances in London, across the UK and internationally as required; undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Company.ContactContact details: Additional informationDownload Rpo Head Of Development November 2025 (document)Seniority levelDirectorEmployment typeContractJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustries: Performing Arts