Hours: Standard office hours (9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday) with the option for hybrid/flexible working. Please note that evening and weekend work may be required to attend performances and events., Scottish Opera is Scotland's national opera company. We take world-class opera to all corners of Scotland, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy this wonderful art form. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and ensure sustainable income for the organisation. This role will oversee a dedicated team of seven fundraising professionals and work collaboratively across departments to drive our philanthropic strategy forward. Your leadership will be crucial in meeting ambitious fundraising targets and building long-term relationships with donors, supporters, and partners. You will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy to generate sustainable income across all fundraising areas, including Individual Giving, Major Gifts, Legacies, Corporate Partnerships, and Trusts & Foundations. In addition to leading the Development team, you will play a key role in nurturing relationships with existing donors, cultivating new prospects, and ensuring a culture of philanthropy within Scottish Opera. Key Responsibilities 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., We are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that no one is denied opportunities or discriminated against through prejudice or exclusion due to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people that are under-represented in the Performing Arts and at Scottish Opera including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. We have supportive working practices and work towards providing wherever possible a working environment that is inclusive and accessible for those with caring responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and results-driven leader with a proven track record in fundraising, particularly in securing major gifts. You should possess a deep understanding of donor engagement, a strategic mind-set, and a strong passion for the arts. Essential:
* 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.
Desirable:
* 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.
Personal Qualities:
* Energetic, ambitious, and results-oriented.
* Empathetic, with a strong ability to build rapport and maintain relationships.
* Resilient, with the ability to manage challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
* Positive, enthusiastic and highly motivated.
If you are looking to be part of an exciting, creative environment and contribute to Scotland's national opera company, we'd love to hear from you!, All candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work in the UK and documentary proof of this will be requested at interview.
This diversity of thought paired with a culture of inclusion is vital for us to continue to create work that is for everyone. This makes Scottish Opera a great place to work, where people are valued for who they are.