Development Research and Operations Manager

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking an organised, analytical and proactive Development Research and Operations Manager (DROM) to support the growth in fundraising activity of a busy and ambitious orchestra. The post-holder will deliver high-quality philanthropic research, pipeline and CRM management, the creation of donor briefings for individual, corporate and trust supporters, and horizon scanning for new and future opportunities. 

As the department’s research and CRM lead, the DROM will generate prospect research on those suggested by senior volunteers (Board, Development Board etc.) and those identified in our database, Tessitura. They will support fundraisers across giving streams to create engagement and cultivation plans, and act as the pipeline management champion for the team. The DROM will support fundraisers to ensure activity and contacts is logged consistently, working closely with the Head of Development to monitor KPIs, track and record income and maintain accurate donor and donation records. 

This position is central to ensuring that frontline fundraisers can focus on income generation, supported by robust operational processes, accurate data, and high-quality research. 

This role reports to the Head of Development and will work closely with the Senior Development Manager (Philanthropy) and Director of Development. The work of the Development team is actively supported by the Philharmonia’s Development Board. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Pipeline Development:

• Identify, qualify and research prospective major supporters, including individuals, corporates and trusts

• Prepare tailored profiles and high-quality briefings to staff and senior volunteers for meetings and events

• Maintain and refine the prospect pipeline, ensuring clear pipeline management stages and next actions for prospects

• Conduct due diligence research as required for donor engagement

• Implement improvements to pipeline management process 

• Track sector trends and philanthropic activity to inform prospecting and cultivation

CRM, Data and Insights:

• Be the Tessitura CRM and financial process (such as Direct Debits and Gift Aid) lead for the Development team, maintaining accurate, timely, and GDPR-compliant records

• Develop and implement systems, workflows and reporting tools to support a data-led fundraising approach such as in membership acquisition

• Produce regular income and pipeline reports that support departmental planning and forecasting

• Generate guest lists and attendee profiles for events

Department Operations:

• Support the Head of Development with the timely production of proposals, reports and other donor communications

• Work with the Learning and Engagement department to identify and promote opportunities that support fundraising, such as project visits, project pipeline and evaluations. 

• With colleagues, ensure the smooth scheduling and preparation for donor meetings and project visits

• Support the Head of Development and Director of Development in preparation of materials for Board, Development Board and other strategic meetings.

• Reporting and Administration:

• Support the Head of Development in regular moves management and revenue reporting across the department

• Create and maintain updated gift processing workflows including invoices, bank transfers, reconciliation and reporting

• Ensure the highest standard of data capture, financial processes and record-keeping, consistent with GDPR and best practice

• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records and fulfilment of donors’ accreditation and recognition requirements

• Represent the Philharmonia at events and externally when required

• Support the work of the Department and other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia

Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Understanding of different fundraising income streams and the donor cultivation cycle

• Experience of philanthropic prospect research and data analysis

• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding and experience of using a CRM database (Tessitura is an advantage)

• Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including HMRC Guidelines, Gift Aid, GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator)

• Experience in handling financial and transactional data, and producing financial reports

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities

• High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Interest in and appreciation of the arts

Desirable:

• Experience in a similar role within a fundraising team from the arts and cultural sector

• Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work; understanding the opportunities and challenges in the orchestral sector – including as this relates to funding opportunities

• Experience in major fundraising campaigns