The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
As a charity we could not plan for our next programme of artistic work, or our community and outreach projects, without the support of our philanthropists and members. As an organisation we are committed to ensuring that all philanthropists and members enjoy a rewarding relationship with our organisation.
The Development and Advocacy Department are looking to appoint an experienced Philanthropy Manager to join our Philanthropy team on a permanent basis. Reporting to one of the Senior Philanthropy Managers, in this role you will manage a number of philanthropic relationships and make a significant contribution to the team through developing new initiatives and growing the portfolio.
The ideal candidate profile for this post will be a team player, with the following credentials:
- An established track record in philanthropy or fundraising for major organisations
- Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of high value relationships with experience of personally securing significant gifts
- Ability to think strategically to devise relevant engagement and cultivation plans and identify opportunities for approaches to prospects
- A balance of experience and innovation to be able to develop new ideas and launch new initiatives successfully
- Credibility as an ambassador in the area of philanthropy, able to work effectively at senior levels and liaise with high-net-worth individuals
- Strong project management skills, with demonstrable experience of solving complex problems, drawing on given resources and collaborative working
A working knowledge of our repertoire is not a pre-requisite for this role but the ability to upskill quickly in our art forms in order to confidently speak to prospective donors is essential.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Closing date for applications: 8am, Friday 5th September 2025.
First stage interviews will be online via MS Teams with second stage in person interviews at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job Title: Operations Manager
Duration: Permanent
Hours: Full time
35 hours per week Monday – Friday
Salary Scale:£36,839 – £42,781
Appointments are made at the start of the salary scale, with annual pay progression through the scale based on satisfactory performance. The pay scale is reviewed annually in the light of cost of living and operational budgets.
Pension: 6% employer pension contribution
Holiday: 26 days plus bank holidays
Reports to: Deputy Director
Line Manages: Operations Supervisors, Gallery Technician, Front of House staff and Cleaners
The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check
The Operations Manager is a key role within the team, ensuring the effective and efficient management of the SLG’s three sites: the Main Gallery, the Fire Station and Art Block. This includes managing the maintenance and upkeep of the SLG’s Grade II listed buildings and artist-designed gardens, as well as leading the Front of House team to ensure that the SLG provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors and a high quality of visitor experience.
The Operations Manager works closely with the Deputy Director and manages a team comprising two Operations Supervisors, the Gallery Technician and contracted and casual Front of House staff and Cleaners. The role takes the lead on the implementation and monitoring of the SLG’s environment and sustainability policy and contributes to organisation-wide work towards the SLG’s equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.
The post holder will be required to be an appointed first aider and a fire marshal, as well as a primary keyholder. They may, therefore, be called upon for out of hours emergencies. Appropriate training will be given.
In our endeavour to diversify our workforce and create a more inclusive environment, we particularly encourage and welcome applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in museums and galleries, including people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and disabled people.
