Development Assistant

Job Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic Development Assistant to join the RPO’s busy Business Development department.

Job Description

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) has a clear mission to enrich lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence, wide-ranging in their appeal and inclusive in their delivery. Performing approximately 200 concerts each season and with a global live and online audience of more than 60 million people, the Orchestra acts as a cultural ambassador for the UK on the world stage, whilst also enhancing the social and cultural fabric of local communities through a wide range of community, education, inclusion and wellbeing programmes.

The RPO’s Business Development Department generates revenue for the Orchestra from donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales. It also communicates the Orchestra’s journey to audiences and supporters in ways that maximise the value and impact of the RPO brand.

The Development Assistant works on the fundraising and sponsorship elements of the department’s remit. This exciting and varied role works closely with the Head of Development and the wider team to provide essential administrative and operational assistance, stewarding the RPO’s family of benefactors and supporters. The post-holder coordinates a busy calendar of Development events, ensuring that the RPO continues to foster loyalty and growth across its portfolio of supporters (individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations).

Job Requirements

This role will suit a highly efficient and organised individual looking to explore a career in fundraising within the arts. This is a busy and varied role where effective communication, time management and prioritisation are the keys to success. Accuracy and attention to detail in all areas are imperative for success in this role.

Meticulous accuracy and attention to detail

Positive attitude and work ethic with a willingness to learn Eloquent communicator in both written and verbal contexts

Ability to communicate confidently and respectfully with a diverse range of people of different ages, backgrounds, and positions of responsibility

Competence using the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Basic understanding of budgets and cash flow

Ability to prioritise a busy workload, including multiple ongoing tasks and competing deadlines

Ability to remain calm and flexible under pressure

Job Responsibilities

• Manage invitation diaries and guest lists
• Ensure timely communication of requirements to the RPO’s venue and hospitality partners, including booking event spaces and ordering catering
• Distribute invitations and compile RSVPs
• Coordinate tickets for Development guests
• Create and distribute joining instructions for Development guests
• Create management schedules (detailing event and attendee information) for the internal Development team
• Coordinate the attendance of RPO musicians at Development events
• Support the Development team’s efforts to create compelling and impactful promotional material for membership schemes and other Development projects and initiatives
• Ensure clear and effective communication of event requirements across other RPO departments
• Engage with benefactors at concert receptions and other Development events
• Administer the Development customer relationship management (CRM) database, Spektrix