About National Opera Studio

National Opera Studio is independent yet works in partnership with the UK’s leading opera companies, including English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, the Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera, and Welsh National Opera. Its Young Artists spend nine transformative months immersed in a rigorous programme individually designed around their unique vocal and developmental needs. They emerge equipped with the artistry, unwavering confidence, and vital contacts to not just survive, but thrive, in a lifetime dedicated to the art of opera.

Analysis of alums and regular contact with partner opera companies and industry professionals shows that the time Young Artists spend at the Studio often makes the single biggest difference to their future prospects as top-level solo artists. Numerous NOS-trained singers, such as Gerald Finley CBE, Alfie Boe OBE, Nicky Spence OBE, David Butt Philip, Susan Bullock CBE, Lesley Garrett CBE, Jean Rigby, Alice Coote and Joan Rodgers CBE, have ascended to build highly successful careers on the international stage. Repetiteurs are international Festival Directors, Conductors, Artistic Directors, and are on the music and artistic staff of major companies in the UK and abroad.

But the National Opera Studio’s dedication extends beyond its core programme; NOS also passionately supports emerging talent. It provides short courses and other opportunities for emerging singers, repetiteurs, conductors, directors, and stage managers. Working hand-in-hand with local schools, it identifies and nurtures young talent, while simultaneously offering its Young Artists the invaluable and rewarding learning opportunities that come from working with children and young people. Furthermore, NOS enriches the cultural landscape by presenting public performances for the benefit of audiences in London and around the UK.

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated, relationship-focused person to drive income generation and stakeholder engagement in support of the National Opera Studio’s mission to provide free, world-class training. With support from the team, this role will lead the establishment of new long-term partnerships, cultivate meaningful connections with existing donors and supporters, and contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction as a member of the senior leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

• Offering time, personal and professional advice, experience and skills for the benefit of NOS
• Acting as an ambassador and advocate for NOS
• Attending NOS performances and events
• Supporting fundraising efforts and act as an ambassador for NOS to a range of stakeholders including current and potential funders and donors
• Acting as a sounding board for, and provide practical support and advice to NOS senior leadership team, drawing on your experience and networks as needed
• Being prepared to challenge and interrogate the strategy and plans of NOS and monitor organisational delivery against those plans
• Actively pursuing the role and its responsibilities in accordance with the Policies and values of NOS

Full job description can be downloaded here.

Person specification

• Passion for opera and the mission of NOS
• Proven experience within the fields of fundraising, development, and philanthropy, ideally within the arts or cultural sector
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Strategic thinker with a collaborative approach to leadership
• Strong organisational and project management abilities
• Comfortable and confident in public speaking and engaging with the public

How to apply

Please send a covering letter, CV and details of two referees to Nick Simpson, Executive Director,
by email: nicholas.simpson@nationaloperastudio.org.uk

Please also complete an Equal Opportunities monitoring form –
https://forms.office.com/e/LTnbsrvX04

Deadline: 09:00 on Wednesday 29 October 2025