Development Research and Operations Manager

Overview

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities. The DROM will generate prospect research, support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts are logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records. This position is central to ensuring frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research.This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board.Key Responsibilities

Research and Pipeline DevelopmentIdentify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trustsPrepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and eventsMaintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospectsConduct due diligence research as required for donor engagementImplement improvements to pipeline management processTrack sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivationCRM, Data and InsightsBe the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant recordsDevelop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisitionProduce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecastingGenerate guest lists and attendee profiles for eventsDepartment OperationsSupport the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communicationsWork with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluationsWith colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visitsSupport the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetingsReporting and AdministrationSupport the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the departmentCreate and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reportingEnsure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practiceEnsure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirementsRepresent the Philharmonia at events and externally when requiredSupport the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the PhilharmoniaSkills and Qualifications

Understanding of different fundraising income streams and the donor cultivation cycleExperience of philanthropic prospect research and data analysisHigh levels of organisational skills and attention to detailUnderstanding and experience of using a CRM database (Tessitura is an advantage)Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including HMRC Guidelines, Gift Aid, GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator)Experience in handling financial and transactional data, and producing financial reportsAbility to manage multiple and competing prioritiesHigh-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suiteExceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)Interest in and appreciation of the artsExperience in a similar role within a fundraising team from the arts and cultural sectorKnowledge of the Philharmonia and its work; understanding the opportunities and challenges in the orchestral sector – including as this relates to funding opportunitiesExperience in major fundraising campaignsTo view a full job description please visit our websiteTo apply please forward a copy of your CV and cover letter (no more than 2 pages in length) to team@thehrhub.co.uk with the subject ..... full job details .....