Fundraising Development Director

Fundraising Development Director

Location: Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow and occasional travel to other locations across Scotland
Salary: Competitive remuneration package for the right candidate
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week, 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Benefits: Flexible / Hybrid working available, Employer Pension contribution of up to 8%, Health Cash Plan, Perkbox, Employee Assistance Program, Cycle to work, Free access to dress rehearsal performances and Discounted performance tickets!

Scottish Opera is Scotland's national opera company, known for its innovative productions and commitment to bringing opera to audiences across the country.

Based in Glasgow, our mission is to engage, inspire, and entertain through the power of opera.

We are now recruiting for an experienced Fundraising Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts and ensure we have sustainable income for the organisation.

You will oversee a dedicated team of seven fundraising professionals and work collaboratively across departments to drive our philanthropic strategy forward.

Your main responsibility will be developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to generate sustainable income across all fundraising areas, including Individual Giving, Major Gifts, Legacies, Corporate Partnerships and Trusts and Foundations.

You'll lead and inspire the Development team, creating and delivering a clear strategy aligned with our business plan and long-term objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Management
Lead, inspire, and motivate the Development team, ensuring the group works cohesively to meet fundraising goals. Provide management and strategic direction for the team while fostering a supportive, high-performance environment.

Fundraising Strategy
Develop, implement, and manage a clear Development strategy that aligns with Scottish Opera's business plan and long-term objectives. This includes setting and achieving an income target of £1.7 million for 2025/26, with an annual growth target of 5% thereafter.

Major Gifts & Donor Stewardship

• Lead efforts to identify research and cultivate relationships with major gift prospects.
• Oversee the creation of personalised stewardship plans and ensure a high level of engagement with key donors.
• Ensure assiduous management and stewardship of all relationships within the Development Aegis, maintaining excellent records and conducting regular analysis of these relationships to ensure sustained engagement and long-term support.

Case for Support
Work closely with the General Director and Board to refresh and articulate the Case for Support for Scottish Opera, ensuring alignment with our vision and goals.

Campaign Management
Collaborate with the General Director to create a comprehensive Major Gifts campaign, including proposals, donor engagement strategies, and targeted initiatives to secure significant contributions.

Corporate Partnerships & Trusts
Develop and manage relationships with corporate partners and trusts to secure funding and sponsorships. Ensure these relationships are nurtured and that partnerships are mutually beneficial.

Team Development & Support
Provide leadership and support to the Development team, ensuring they have the resources, skills, and motivation to succeed. This includes regular performance management and mentoring.

Reporting & Analysis
Regularly report on fundraising progress to the General Director and Board, ensuring transparency and accountability. Provide accurate data and analysis on fundraising activity to help refine strategies and meet targets.

Event Participation
Attend key Scottish Opera events, rehearsals, and performances to engage with supporters and enhance fundraising efforts.

Continuous Improvement
Monitor and evaluate best practices in fundraising, ensuring Scottish Opera's development activities remain innovative and effective.

In order to be successful in this role, it's essential that you have:

• Significant experience in fundraising, particularly in securing major gifts and cultivating long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
• A proven record of successfully leading and managing a fundraising team, with at least three years of experience in a senior role.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in major donor prospect research, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write persuasive and compelling proposals and reports.
• Experience in developing and delivering fundraising strategies, with clear accountability for meeting financial targets.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

It would be great if you had:

• A passion for opera and the performing arts.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• A professional qualification in fundraising (e.g. CFRE or similar).
• Experience in managing corporate partnerships and trust fundraising.

If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in this role click on "APPLY" today, forwarding an up to date copy of your CV for consideration in the first instance.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 15th of December.

No agencies please.