Head of Development

Open Up Music exists to open up music to young disabled people. We’re looking for an ambitious Head of Development to build the income and support that will help more young disabled musicians flourish.

We work alongside young disabled musicians to tackle inequality, develop accessible instruments, commission new music and reimagine music education and performance.

Our programmes include the National Open Youth Orchestra, the world’s first disabled-led national youth orchestra; Open Orchestras, the UK’s largest network of accessible school orchestras; and Clarion, a digital musical instrument that can be played using the movement of an eye, head or finger.

About the role

This is an opportunity to shape the next phase of fundraising at a nationally recognised charity with a strong record of turning ambitious ideas into high-impact programmes.

You will join us from a position of strength. We have already secured more than 70% of our contributed income target for the coming academic year, and our Board has committed strategic investment to growing our fundraising capacity.

You will inherit a successful trusts and foundations programme, supportive trustees, established digital and CRM systems, and an organisation-wide commitment to fundraising. You will recruit and lead a small fundraising team, diversify our income and help shape Open Up Music’s future as a member of our Senior Management Team.

Key details

• Salary: £50,000, reviewed annually
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Location: Bristol, with the option to work from home for up to half of each week
• Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: 3% employer contribution
• Other benefits: Professional development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Reports to: CEO

We understand that people have different circumstances and are open to discussing alternative working arrangements and job-share applications.

What you’ll be working on

• Leading the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy
• Recruiting, managing and developing a small fundraising team
• Protecting and growing income from trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships
• Developing individual giving, major donor fundraising, community fundraising and legacy giving
• Working with our Marketing and Communications team to create effective fundraising campaigns
• Building relationships with supporters, funders, partners and prospective donors
• Leading fundraising budgets, income forecasting, reporting and performance monitoring
• Helping colleagues and trustees play an active role in fundraising and donor stewardship

This job is for you if:

• You have significant fundraising experience and a strong record of securing contributed income
• You can manage and develop a varied fundraising portfolio
• You have led fundraising strategies, campaigns or programmes and turned plans into results
• You build strong, lasting relationships with funders, donors and partners
• You can recruit, support and develop staff and build a positive team culture
• You are confident managing budgets, forecasts, targets and fundraising data
• You can influence and work effectively with senior colleagues and trustees
• You share our commitment to equity, inclusion and ethical fundraising

Experience in music, the arts, education or disability is welcome, but it is not essential. We know that strong candidates may not meet every criterion, and we encourage you to apply if you believe your skills and experience are relevant.

How to apply

Please complete and submit both application forms included in the recruitment pack.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 25 August 2026
Interview date: Monday 7 September 2026, in person in Bristol

We shortlist anonymously using candidates’ answers to our application questions. The panel will not see your name, pronouns, education or employment history until shortlisting has been completed.

We particularly welcome applications from Disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people, people from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ people and people from working-class backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Application materials are available in alternative formats, and we will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

This role is subject to an DBS check.