Development Director

Job opportunity

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Development Director
Permanent employment
Minimum of 3 days per week, but flexible on both number of days and hours
worked. Some evenings required.
c. £60,000 (pro rata)
Ideally February 2026
National Opera Studio, 2 Chapel Yard, London SW18 4HZ, with the possibility
of some hybrid working
Executive Director

About the National Opera Studio

National Opera Studio (NOS) 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

Strategic Leadership

  Serve as a key spokesperson for NOS, advocating for its mission and values across diverse

stakeholder groups

  Develop and implement a comprehensive Fundraising Plan aligned with NOS’s vision and

values

  Actively contribute to future planning and organisational development
  Oversee public-facing communications, especially with key stakeholders and during high-

profile moments

  Collaborate with the team to ensure development objectives are woven into every aspect

of NOS

  To attend board meetings alongside the Executive and Artistic Directors

Fundraising and Income Generation



Lead on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporates, and
Trusts and Foundations

  Design  and  deliver  targeted  fundraising  campaigns  including  Patron  schemes,  legacy
giving, alumni engagement, and new initiatives in collaboration with the Marketing team
  Oversee  the  planning  and  execution  of  fundraising  events,  ensuring  high-quality  donor

experiences

  Represent NOS at external events and cultivate new donor relationships
  Represent  NOS  at  residencies  and  similar  NOS-related  events  regionally,  including

overnight stays where necessary.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship


Introduce a new network of contacts and supporters to introduce to NOS
  Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective supporters
  Harness the networks and influence of the Ambassadors Group (constituted of key donors

and trustees) to expand NOS’s reach and deepen supporter engagement

  Coordinate  donor  visits,  communications,  and  acknowledgements,  involving  senior

leadership and Young Artists where appropriate

Ensure accurate tracking of donor benefits and engagement


  Collaborate  with  the  Marketing  and  Digital  team  to  produce  fundraising  materials  and

donor communications

  Develop engaging content for supporter newsletters, website, and social media

Trusts and Foundations

  Develop our trusts and foundations strategy, ensuring the right work is funded by the right

grants and appropriately tracked

  Research and prepare compelling grant applications and proposals
  Carry out effective reporting to trusts and foundations as required

Corporate Giving

  Create a new Corporate Giving strategy and build partnerships with the business sector


Identify and cultivate corporate partnerships that align with NOS’s values

Systems and Reporting

  Maintain donor databases, fundraising calendars, and reconciliation systems
  Use  the  CRM  (Beacon)  and  other  relevant  data  to  support  donor  segmentation  and

analytics

  Provide quarterly reports to the Board and regular updates to the Ambassadors Group

Ensure all fundraising activities comply with relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory
standards

Young Artist Support

  Work with the Artistic team to match donors with Young Artists and support their individual

fundraising efforts
Ensure Young Artists are informed and engaged in donor stewardship activities


  Together with the Head of Artistic Planning, meet incoming Young Artists to discuss their

individual financial needs whilst at the Studio

  Work with and support the Young Artists in their own fundraising goals

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