Appointed Senior Philanthropy Manager

Royal Albert Hall

Since the Hall opened their doors in 1871, it has been home to the world’s leading figures in music, dance, entertainment and conversation. Icons have graced their stage, from the Suffragettes to Stormzy, Elgar to Einstein, the Beatles to Bassey.
Today is no different, with an astonishing programme of high-profile performances across classical music, rock and pop, national events and the spoken word, creating breathtaking moments and lasting memories for everyone – as well as some unforgettable stewardship opportunities!

It is a hugely exciting time for the Hall’s Philanthropy team, which is growing in line with the team’s ambitions and upcoming capital appeal. We are seeking a brilliant major donor fundraiser to play a crucial role in generating funds from HNWIs through major gifts and legacies. As Senior Philanthropy Manager you will step into a newly created position in the team that will focus on creating and implementing a compelling major donor programme.

Your focus will be to inspire giving for investment in the Hall, including initiatives to improve accessibility and sustainability, as well as the Hall’s pioneering community engagement programme. You will be a creative, driven and strategic individual who has a track record of developing engaging supporter journeys and soliciting transformational gifts.

Introduction from the Director of Development

What happens on our stages forms a key part of a new and ambitious vision for the Hall that will ensure we remain the home to dreams and determination, contemplation and celebration – bringing people together to lift their spirits and inspire, with nearly 2 million people each year enjoying unforgettable experiences in our spectacular building. The new vision also has at its heart the development of our hugely successful, and expanding, outreach programme, supporting emerging artists and engaging the community.

Finally, we have plans for a significant and pioneering capital programme, impacting on almost every part of the building through an extended programme of work. An appeal to support this will be launching shortly, raising the money to ensure the Hall remains a much-loved venue for both audiences and artists alike long into the future.

We are now seeking to expand our philanthropy team to enable these ambitious plans to become a reality. Successful candidates will be joining a small but dynamic team who are bringing creative thinking, passion and energy to taking the Hall’s philanthropic support to the next level.

Picture of Darranda Rowswell

Darranda Rowswell

Director of Development

About the role

As Senior Philanthropy Manager you will:

  • Create and deliver the major donor strategy focused on driving growth and income from HNWIs
  • Personally manage a portfolio of philanthropists giving 5, 6 and 7-figure gifts
  • Oversee and develop the prospect pipeline, proactively researching potential supporters and utilising networks from senior stakeholders involved in the Hall
  • Consistently deliver exceptional stewardship journeys, knowing how to capitalise on the incredible array of events at the Hall as powerful engagement tools
  • Produce and present compelling cases for support to secure transformational restricted and unrestricted donations
  • Provide leadership and support to the Philanthropy Coordinator
  • Work closely with the rest of the Philanthropy team to identify and maximise the lifetime support of donors

About you

Ideal skills and experience: 

  • Demonstrable experience of managing and securing 5- and 6-figure+ gifts from HNWIs
  • Proven track record of delivering a strong major donor strategy/programme
  • Experience identifying major giving opportunities, building a pipeline and being proactive with prospect research
  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders of all levels
  • Line management experience, and keen interest in motivating and developing direct reports
  • A creative flare, team player, proactive and ambitious
  • Passion for the arts, sciences and the work of the Royal Albert Hall

This role will require occasional evening and weekend work in line with the Hall’s events programme, in particular those attended by your donors and prospects.

Employee benefits

Employee benefits include:

  • 25 days holiday entitlement, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)
  • Employer pension contribution 3%
  • Life assurance (6 x annual salary)
  • Long term sickness income protection
  • Free hot and cold food provided daily in the staff canteen
  • Royal Rewards discount shopping scheme

Exclusive Hall benefits include: 

  • Complimentary staff tickets scheme
  • A generous discount in the Hall’s bars and restaurants, and on Hall retail items

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