Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland.
The charity has a network of Patrons, members and supporters who engage with Scottish Opera at varying levels. This role supports that audience to feel connected and engaged with Scottish Opera, deepening their loyalty and seeking new ways to increase giving levels where possible and appropriate. It is a hands-on fundraising role, with scope to think and trial new ways of delivering supporter experience with the ultimate goal of growing the supporter base.
It is an exciting time to join Scottish Opera. They have invested in the fundraising team, there is organisation-wide support for fundraising, and many opportunities to engage supporters with exciting opportunities across Scottish Opera’s calendar.
This role might be for you if you consider yourself a relationship fundraiser – this is a people first role where engaging with donors over the phone and face to face will be the norm. You don’t have to have a background in philanthropy, you could have experience across community fundraising, corporate partnerships, individual giving or mid-value fundraising – the most important factor is that you understand fundraising and enjoy building great relationships with supporters and donors. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to step into a management level role, or for a candidate looking to specialise in mid-value, Patrons and membership fundraising.
Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.
Application notes
Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.
To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment as per the guidance in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.
If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 20th July
Interviews are planned for Wednesday 29th or Thursday 30th July (Stage 1) and Wednesday 5th or Friday 7th August (Stage 2)
Recruitment Agency 
6 - 10
Thank you!
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.
Individual Giving is a key pillar of Acorns’ fundraising strategy, delivering sustainable income through supporter retention, stewardship and meaningful donor engagement. Following a recent team restructure and significant investment in the function, Acorns is now looking for an Individual Giving Manager to help shape and grow its retention programme.
Reporting to the Senior Individual Giving Manager, you will manage the delivery of warm fundraising campaigns across a range of channels, including appeals, newsletters, telemarketing, email and regular giving. Contributing to a team income target of c.£1.5m, you will focus on retaining and developing supporters, using data and insight to maximise performance and supporter lifetime value.
This is an exciting opportunity for a driven fundraiser who enjoys testing new ideas, using data to inform decisions and taking ownership of campaign delivery. With strong support from senior leadership and the freedom to put your own stamp on the role, you will play a key role in the future growth of Individual Giving at Acorns.
Hybrid, 2 days per week at preferred location (Birmingham, Worcester or Walsall).
As Individual Giving Manager, you will:
- Deliver multi-channel retention campaigns including appeals, newsletters, telemarketing, email and regular giving activity
- Support a team income target of c.£1.5m by maximising supporter retention and increasing lifetime value
- Develop and grow the mid-value programme for donors giving between £200 and £5,000 annually
- Create tailored supporter journeys, stewardship plans and small-scale events that bring supporters closer to Acorns’ work
- Develop engaging fundraising concepts and write compelling copy across print and digital channels
- Work closely with colleagues across Data, Marcomms and Fundraising to deliver excellent supporter experiences
- Identify opportunities to test new approaches, challenge existing activity and drive continuous improvement
Essential skills and experience:
- Campaign delivery experience within individual giving, direct marketing or supporter engagement
- Experience using data and insight to improve campaign performance and supporter retention
- Copywriting skills and the confidence to develop fundraising concepts
- Experience managing budgets, forecasts and campaign reporting
- A curious, analytical and test-and-learn mindset
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to work independently
- Experience working across a range of fundraising or marketing channels
Desirable, but not essential:
- Experience working across more than one organisation
- Experience delivering supporter retention programmes
- Confidence working independently and taking ownership of campaign delivery
This role could suit an experienced Individual Giving Officer looking to take the next step in their career. As the team grows line management opportunities may become available.
Benefits include:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 5 days holiday buyback scheme
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
- Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support
