Philanthropy
Manager

Role Information Pack

Deadline 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026

“The team at Music Masters are a joy to
work with, full of passionate individuals who
really care about their work and the charity.
In return, Music Masters is an organisation
that really looks after the individuals within it
and genuinely values their unique
strengths.”

Steph Walsh, Programme Manager

Philanthropy Manager
Role Overview
Music Masters is seeking a self-motivated and relationship-driven Philanthropy Manager to lead
the day-to-day delivery of our major donor fundraising and to help grow our legacy giving in line
with this work. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and organised fundraiser who thrives
on building meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional supporter experiences. You will
play a key role in inspiring individuals to invest in our mission to make music education equitable,
inclusive and joyful for every child. Working closely with the Development Director, you will
oversee the major donor pipeline, manage high-quality engagement activity, and line-manage the
Philanthropy Officer. You will plan and deliver inspiring events, coordinate donor communications,
and work with our trustees and senior leaders to strengthen and grow our network of supporters.
This is a hands-on, varied and rewarding role that combines strategy, creativity and attention to
detail within a supportive and passionate team.

Reports to

Development Director

CEO, Finance Director, Head of Schools and Creative Programmes,
Head of Teacher Training Programmes, Development Manager
Philanthropy Officer (Currently being recruited)
A balance of remote working and working in Music Masters’ office
(Kennington, London SE11). Employees are encouraged to base themselves in /
around the office as much as the role requires, with a minimum of once per
week (currently Wednesdays) - the communal office day for all team members.
Full time
£40,000
Contributory Pension including 5% employer contribution
•  25 days annual leave, public holidays + office closure between Christmas

and New Year

In-house and external training opportunities available throughout the year

•  Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental wellbeing
•  Enhanced parental leave
•
•  A flexible approach to working to support work-life balance
Permanent
ASAP
10.00 am, Wednesday 7th January 2026

Key
relationships
Direct reports
Location

Hours
Salary
Pension
Benefits

Duration
Start date
Application
Deadline
Interviews

First round: Thursday 15th January 2026 (online)
Second round: Thursday 22nd January 2026 (in person)
Please note: The successful candidate will be required to hold / apply for an Enhanced DBS check
and complete annual safeguarding training.

About Music Masters

Music Masters’ driving aim is to address at their root the most significant issues that could prevent a
child from achieving to their greatest creative potential. We work tirelessly to improve equitable access
to music education, quality and inclusivity in music teaching and learning, and pathways of
opportunity in and through music to career level. Key to this is showcasing excellence in inclusive
music teaching through our five partner ‘Flagship Schools’ in London in which we teach 1,000
children with highly diverse backgrounds and needs, each for up to seven years. The ever-changing
environment in which we work informs and inspires our drive to address systemic barriers to
music education and progression on a national scale. We do this through working intensively with
schools, teachers and organisations – and with the next generation of musicians, teachers and
advocates, including our own graduate pupils.

As an example of our wider influence, through our year-long postgraduate-level teacher training
programme Musicians of Change (PGCEi) launched in 2019, over 30,000 children and young people
from Aberdeen to Penzance now feel the benefit of superior music teaching with inclusion at its
heart. Our commitment to providing access to progression pathways with and through music for
children from backgrounds
underrepresented in classical music
remains a core principle throughout
our work, and I’M IN (Inclusive Music
INdex), our organisational self-
assessment tool, has so far enabled us
to support and challenge 150
organisations working in and with
music to build a more inclusive
approach that welcomes, nurtures and
values talented, diverse young
musicians.

As we enter the final year of our 2022–26 strategy, we are consolidating our learning and shaping
the next phase of our organisational growth. Over the past three years, we have developed, tested
and evaluated new programmes to increase our national reach, while also reviewing and
strengthening our longstanding work through independent evaluation, refreshed theories of
change and improved measurement. This has driven meaningful improvement and innovation
across the charity. Our focus now is to refine and scale our most impactful activity, ensuring
greater value for our beneficiaries and enabling exponential growth in reach and impact. By the
end of this strategic period, we will have a sustainable, data-informed plan that provides a clear
roadmap for our future.

“I can easily say that this is most supportive, ambitious and caring organisation I have had the
pleasure of working in. Always pushing the needle to improve the UK music education industry
and beyond."

Ashley Roye, Schools Programme Manager

Working with us
Music Masters is great place to work that values individuality, creativity and collaboration. The Music
Masters office team currently comprises:

Executive
Finance and Operations

Fundraising

Programmes

Chief Executive Officer (FT)
Finance Director (PT)
Finance Manager (PT)
Operations and Systems Manager (FT)
Development Director (FT)
Development Manager (FT)
Philanthropy Manager (FT) advertised role
Philanthropy Officer (FT)
Development Officer (PT)
Head of Schools and Creative Programmes (FT)
Head of Teacher Training Programmes (FT)
Schools Programme Manager (FT)
Enrichment & Progression Manager (FT)
Programmes Coordinator (FT)
Curriculum & Learning Manager (PT)
Emerging Educator (intern) (PT)
Training and Mentoring Manager (PT)
Head of Marketing (PT)
Digital Marketing Manager (PT)

Marketing and Engagement

PT = Part Time     FT = Full Time

We work with a team of 30 highly trained freelance and employed music teachers who deliver in our
Flagship Schools, lead and support on events, and lecture and mentor on our PGCEi.

Fundamental to our work is our Board of Trustees – a group of exceptional volunteers who keep the
values of Music Masters ‘in trust’ for future generations and support the executive team to deliver an
outstanding programme of work for the greater good of society. Our trustees are ambassadors for our
charity, and play a crucial role in supporting its executive team on significant governance, strategic and
financial matters. In autumn 2024, Stuart Mason – father to the remarkable Kanneh-Mason family and
Senior Vice President at Belmond – became Music Masters’ Chair of Trustees. Our work is also guided by
an expert Advisory Panel, a Development Committee, a Finance & General Purposes Committee and
programme-specific advisory groups.

Music Masters is wholly committed to supporting its employees through bespoke, ongoing personal and
professional development and has a designated budget to ensure high quality training can be prioritised.

About the Role

The Philanthropy Manager will lead the day-to-day delivery of Music Masters’ major donor fundraising,
ensuring this vital income stream is developed and nurtured with care, creativity and precision. You will
manage the systems, processes and relationships that underpin our work with high-net-worth
individuals, ensuring the pipeline is well maintained, relationships flourish and opportunities are actively
pursued.

As a key member of the Development Team, you will manage, support and motivate the Philanthropy
Officer. Together, you will form the operational heart of our major donor work, ensuring engagement is
consistent, proactive and thoughtful across every stage of cultivation and stewardship.

Working closely with the Development Director, CEO and trustees, you will identify and research new
prospects, develop stewardship plans and coordinate activity that builds long-term, meaningful
partnerships You will lead the planning and delivery of major donor events that bring our mission and
young musicians to life, from private recitals and receptions to more formal fundraising dinners and
auctions. You will also help to grow legacy giving in line with our major donor strategy, offering
supporters a powerful and lasting way to make a difference.

Below provides an idea of the main areas undertaken by the post-holder:

Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Management

•  Build, manage and grow a portfolio of mid- and high-level donors and prospects, delivering against

agreed income and engagement targets.

•  Develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for each donor,

ensuring an exceptional and personalised supporter experience.

•  Represent Music Masters with confidence and warmth, communicating our vision and impact to

donors, prospects and partners.

•  Work collaboratively with the Development Director and wider Development Team to strengthen
processes for major giving and ensure alignment with trust, foundation and legacy fundraising.
•  Plan and deliver bespoke cultivation and stewardship events for donors and prospects, including

concerts, evening receptions and formal fundraising dinners with auctions.

•  Lead on expanding the legacy giving programme, ensuring strong communications, cultivation

activities and clear messaging across audiences.

•  Proactively identify, engage and steward potential legacy supporters within the donor portfolio as

part of the wider major donor strategy.

•  Create and implement communications and stewardship plans that promote legacy giving and

inspire long-term commitment to Music Masters’ mission.

Prospect Research

•

Identify and research new major donor prospects, exploring their philanthropic interests, networks
and potential connection to Music Masters.

•  Maintain accurate records and ratings of donor capacity, interest and engagement to support

pipeline development and forecasting.

•  Prepare concise and insightful donor briefings and profiles for the Development Director, CEO,

Trustees and other senior stakeholders.

•  Support the creation of a sustainable and data-driven pipeline to underpin long-term income

growth across major donors and legacy supporters.

Line Management

•  Manage, support and motivate the Philanthropy Officer, providing clear guidance, coaching and

regular feedback.

•  Set objectives, oversee workflow and ensure that all supporter communications and processes are

delivered to a high professional standard.

•  Help foster a collaborative and positive team culture that reflects Music Masters’ values of care,

inclusion and excellence.

Due Diligence and Compliance

•  Ensure all donor relationships and gifts reflect Music Masters’ values and ethical standards.
•  Work with the Development Director to manage due diligence processes for all major gifts,

ensuring alignment with our fundraising policies the Code of Fundraising Practice and Charity
Commission guidance.

•  Maintain accurate and secure records of due diligence decisions and gift acceptance outcomes.
•  Ensure all personal and donor data is managed in line with GDPR and relevant privacy legislation.
•  Collaborate with Finance and HR to maintain and continuously improve data management

procedures and systems.

Reporting and Evaluation

•  Produce regular reports and updates on the status of all researched and active prospects to
support effective management of the prospect pool, pipeline and income forecasting.

•  Contribute to the development of key metrics and evaluation methods for major donor and legacy

fundraising performance.

•  Support the Development Director in preparing income and engagement reports for the Senior

Leadership Team, Development Committee and Board of Trustees.

•  Contribute to the implementation of new CRM or project management systems to improve data

integrity, workflow tracking and reporting efficiency.

“If you want a collaborative and positive environment, where people support each other, share the
successes and are generous with each other, then this is the place for you. We do meaningful work and the
focus on well-being is sincere.”

Cedric Fromageot, Operations & Systems Manager

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive fundraiser who is passionate about building
meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional experiences for supporters. You’ll thrive on
taking initiative, spotting opportunities and keeping things moving. You will be
highly organised, driven and confident working with people from all walks of life, with the ability
to connect authentically and communicate the impact of our work with warmth and clarity.

You will have experience of developing a major donor portfolio and a strong understanding of
what inspires individuals to give. You’ll enjoy crafting compelling stories, managing detailed
plans, and ensuring that every touchpoint with our supporters reflects care, quality and
purpose.

This role will suit someone who is both strategic and hands-on — equally comfortable
developing high-level cultivation plans as they are managing the details of an event or donor
meeting. You’ll thrive on taking initiative, spotting opportunities and keeping things moving.

You’ll be a collaborative and supportive colleague, able to lead and motivate others while
working closely with the Development Director, CEO, trustees and Development Committee to
grow our network of supporters. Above all, you’ll share our belief in the power of music to
create connection, confidence and change, and you’ll bring that passion to everything you do. In
more detail, we are looking for someone who identifies as possessing the following:

Knowledge

It is essential that you have knowledge of and familiarity with:

•  A strong understanding of major donor fundraising principles and practice, including

cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

•  Knowledge of tax-efficient giving, Gift Aid and GDPR.
•  Understanding of fundraising systems, databases and processes.
•  Understanding of network-driven fundraising and the role of volunteers, committees and

trustees in philanthropy.

It is desirable that you also have knowledge of and familiarity with:

•  Familiarity with the arts, education or social impact sectors.
•  Awareness of legacy fundraising and its integration within a wider individual giving strategy
•  Awareness of corporate and trust fundraising and how these income streams interconnect.

Experience

It is essential that you have strong and proven experience in:

•  Proven experience of working in a major donor or individual giving environment.
•  Securing multiple gifts at the five-figure and/or six-figure level.
•  Demonstrable ability to manage pipelines and track relationships using a CRM or fundraising

database.

•  Experience of planning and delivering donor cultivation events, from concept to execution.

•  Strong administrative and project management experience with excellent

attention to detail.

•  Experience of writing compelling donor materials such as proposals, briefings and reports.
•  Experience of working collaboratively with senior leaders, trustees or committees.
•  Experience of researching and cultivating new prospects.

It is desirable that you have experience in:

•  Experience of line management or supervision,
with a supportive and motivating approach.
•  Experience of integrating legacy giving within a
major donor or individual giving programme.

•  Experience in the arts, education or charity

sector.

Skills

It is essential that you have:

“It is rare to feel truly passionate about a job,
especially your first one. But I seem to be one of
the lucky ones – working for Music Masters is such
a joy. It has reinforced my commitment to music
education and the accessibility of classical music,
and has reinstated my faith in the wider music and
music education sectors. We are a kind and
devoted team, and what we do really matters. I’m
so proud to be a part of this wonderful
organisation!”

Maddy Morris, Development Officer

•  Outstanding organisation and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

calmly and effectively.

•  Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication that is clear, confident and engaging.
•  Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills, with empathy and

professionalism.

•  A self-motivated, proactive approach and the confidence to take initiative and work

independently.

•  Strong numeracy and budgeting skills.
•  Competence in using databases, CRM systems and digital tools for pipeline management

and reporting.

•  Excellent event coordination skills, from logistics to guest experience.
•  Ability to set and meet deadlines and to drive momentum across multiple projects.

Values

It is essential that you:

•  strongly believe in the value of inclusion in music and the willingness / ability to persuasively

advocate for the benefits of a more diverse music sector. This can come from direct
personal experience or having observed the experiences of others

•  are keen and ready to learn new skills to support the delivery of our work
•  are committed to ensuring our young people and stakeholders are meaningfully involved
with our programme design, delivery and evaluation, and an understanding of the need to
engage in ongoing reflection for personal and organisational learning

•  highly value and uphold the concept of “excellence” across all that Music Masters is and

does in line with our ethos.

How to apply

Music Masters is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to enabling people from
a diverse range of backgrounds to build careers in the arts, education and charity sectors. If you
have any access needs that are not accounted for within the online written application form
process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

If you are unsure whether or not your skills match the job description but are interested in the
role and would like to have an informal discussion prior to applying please write to
contact@musicmasters.org.uk. We will do our best to facilitate this, but please bear in mind
that this may not always be possible at particularly busy times.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being and welfare of children and
require everyone associated with Music Masters, including all trustees, employees, and
volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undergo child
protection screening appropriate to the role, including references from past employers
(including the most recent), the opportunity to provide a self-disclosure form and Disclosure
and Barring Service checks. We reserve the right to perform online checks after a role has been
offered as part of our vetting processes, specifically for roles with substantial access to children.
References will only be sought once the offer of a role has been made. These will include
questions on the quality of your character, any history of substantiated allegations or disputes,
and anything that your referee believes we ought to know in order to protect the children with
whom Music Masters works. If any issues come to light, we reserve the right to discuss these
with your referrer further. You will be subject to a standard “Right To Work” check as per
government legislation. The offer of a role will be subject to meeting these conditions in a
satisfactory way.

We believe in and practice fair recruitment. As such, your name, contact details, references,
educational background and protected characteristics will be hidden before your application is
passed to panel for consideration. Your name will only be provided to the panel prior to
interview.

Closing date for applications: 10am, Wednesday 7 January 2026
Successfully short-listed candidates will hear from us by the end of the day on Friday 9 January
2026 and all applicants will receive a response.

To apply, please click here. We can’t wait to hear from you!

“The Music Masters office is probably the most supportive work environment I’ve
encountered in my career. There’s a real enthusiasm for personal and professional
development and a palpable collective belief in the mission.  And it’s made all the more
rewarding when you get to go out into schools and see the work in action!”

Nathan Comer, Development Manager

www.musicmasters.org.uk

contact@musicmasters.org.uk

10-11 Bishop's Terrace, London, SE11 4UE