Philanthropy Officer

Role Information Pack

Deadline 10am, Monday 12 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 Officer
Role Overview
Music Masters is seeking a highly organised, motivated and detail-oriented Philanthropy Officer to
provide essential support to our major donor and legacy fundraising activity, including the careful
stewardship of supporters who choose to give in lasting ways. This role is ideal for someone who is
driven by delivering work to a high standard, enjoys managing processes and logistics, and takes
pride in ensuring that important administrative tasks are handled with care, consistency and
accuracy.

Working closely with the Philanthropy Manager and Development Director, you will focus on the
coordination, administration and research that underpin successful relationship fundraising. You
will play a vital role in preparing communications, managing donor data, researching prospects
and supporting the delivery of high-quality events. This role will suit someone who is proactive,
reliable and energised by contributing to a mission-driven organisation.

Reports to

Philanthropy Manager

Key
relationships
Direct reports
Location

Hours
Salary
Pension
Benefits

Duration
Start date
Application
Deadline
Interviews

Development Manager, Development Officer, Development Director, Finance
Manager.
None
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
£29,000
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, Monday 12 January 2026

First round: Friday 23 January 2026 (Online)
Second round: Thursday 29 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 Officer plays a key supporting role in the delivery of Music Masters’ major donor and
legacy fundraising. Working as part of the Development Team, you will provide the operational backbone
that enables effective cultivation, stewardship and engagement with our supporters.

You will support the Philanthropy Manager by coordinating donor administration, maintaining accurate
records, researching prospective supporters and preparing high-quality communications and briefing
materials. Your work will help ensure that donor relationships are managed thoughtfully, opportunities
are followed up promptly and supporter experiences are consistently excellent.

You will also play an important role in the planning and delivery of major donor events, providing
logistical and administrative support to ensure these moments run smoothly and reflect the quality and
care at the heart of Music Masters’ work. From managing invitations and guest information to preparing
materials and supporting follow-up, your attention to detail will directly contribute to successful
engagement.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working with structure and process, takes
ownership of detailed tasks and understands the importance of accuracy, timeliness and professionalism
in fundraising. Below provides an idea of the main areas undertaken by the post-holder:

Key Responsibilities
Donor administration and data management

•  Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records on the CRM, ensuring all interactions, donations and

correspondence are logged correctly and consistently.

•  Record and process donation and pledge data in collaboration with Finance, supporting accurate

reconciliation, reporting and Gift Aid claims where appropriate.

•  Support the preparation of donor lists, mailings and segmented data selections to enable effective and

targeted communications across major donor and legacy audiences.

•  Ensure donor and legacy records and processes comply with GDPR, data protection and fundraising

regulations.

•  Respond promptly and professionally to supporter and legacy enquiries, escalating sensitive or

complex matters where needed.

Event logistics and coordination

•  Provide logistical and administrative support for major donor cultivation and stewardship events,

including concerts, receptions and fundraising events.

•  Manage event administration such as invitations, guest lists, RSVP tracking, seating plans and briefing

materials.

•  Coordinate suppliers, venues and internal colleagues as required to support event delivery.

•  Support on-the-day event delivery, including registration, materials preparation and

follow-up actions.

Prospect research

•  Research prospective donors using publicly available sources, preparing clear and concise background

notes and profiles to support cultivation activity.

•  Maintain prospect research records, ratings and notes within the CRM to support pipeline visibility and

planning.

•  Support the preparation of briefing packs for donor meetings, events and senior stakeholder

engagement.

Communications and supporter care

•  Draft donor communications including emails, letters, invitations, thank-you messages and event

follow-up.

•  Support the preparation of donor reports, proposals and stewardship materials, ensuring accuracy,

warmth and consistency.

•  Assist with the coordination of legacy communications and stewardship activity, ensuring supporters

receive timely and appropriate information.

•  Ensure a high standard of supporter care across all touchpoints, reflecting Music Masters’ values and

commitment to excellence.

Team and organisational support

•  Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support to the Philanthropy Manager, helping to

keep plans, timelines and follow-up actions on track.

•  Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Development Team, Finance and Marketing to support

joined-up fundraising activity.

•  Support the delivery of donor communications and campaigns by coordinating inputs, schedules and

approvals.

•  Contribute ideas and practical improvements to systems, templates and processes to increase

efficiency and consistency.

•  Attend and support fundraising events when required, including occasional activity outside of normal

working hours.

“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 a motivated, organised and proactive individual who takes pride in delivering
work to a high standard and enjoys playing a vital role in making things happen behind the
scenes. You will be someone who is driven by purpose, comfortable working with detail and
process, and motivated by contributing to meaningful outcomes through your work.

You will be highly organised, reliable and methodical, with excellent attention to detail and a
strong sense of ownership over your tasks. You will enjoy working with systems, data and
structured processes, and understand the importance of accuracy, consistency and follow-
through in building excellent supporter relationships. You will be confident drafting clear, warm
and professional communications, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a busy and
collaborative environment.

You will be a supportive and thoughtful colleague, able to work closely with the Philanthropy
Manager and wider Development Team to ensure donor engagement and legacy activity is
delivered with care, sensitivity and professionalism. You will be curious, willing to learn and
keen to develop your skills within fundraising, while bringing energy, initiative and commitment
to everything you do. Above all, you will share our belief in the power of music to create
connection, confidence and change, and you will bring that belief to the way you support our
supporters and our mission.

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:

•  Understanding of administrative processes within a fundraising, charity or supporter-facing

environment.

•  Awareness of GDPR and good practice in handling confidential data.
•  Basic understanding of fundraising or donor stewardship principles.
•  Understanding of fundraising systems, databases and processes.

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

•  Familiarity with the arts, education or social impact sectors.
•  Familiarity with major donor fundraising or philanthropy.
•  Awareness of Gift Aid and charitable giving in the UK.
Experience

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

•  Experience in an administrative, coordination or support role.
•  Experience of working with databases, CRMs or data-heavy systems.
•  Experience of drafting professional written communications.
•  Experience of managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.

It is desirable that you have experience in:

•  Experience of researching and cultivating new

prospects.

•  Experience supporting events or logistics.
•  Experience in the arts, education or charity

sector.

Skills

It is essential that you have:

•  Exceptional attention to detail and a

methodical, quality-focused approach to work.

“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

•  Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage routine

processes alongside varied tasks.

•  Clear and professional written communication.
•  Confidence using digital tools, databases and Microsoft Office or equivalent.
•  A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to maintain momentum on

detailed or repetitive tasks.

•  Ability to work independently while recognising when to seek guidance or clarification.

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