Director of Development

Streetwise Opera is an award-winning charity that uses music to help people make positive changes in their lives. Working with people who have experienced homelessness and other members of the community, we run workshop programmes across England, stage critically-acclaimed operas and manage With One Voice, an international arts and homelessness movement. Our latest production of The Passion (‘Stunning’ ★★★★★ The Times) was broadcast on BBC Four in March 2016.

We’re now seeking a Director of Development (full-time, fixed-term contract) to play a pivotal and strategic role in our work, taking responsibility for fundraising and overseeing external communications.

Working alongside a supportive senior management team, you’ll develop and implement our fundraising strategy and maximise income from all sources including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and individuals. You’ll work towards our continued success and sustainability, helping ensure we reach our fundraising targets. You’ll also maintain relationships with key funders and trustees, and line-manage a Development Manager and Marketing and Communications Manager.

In this varied and highly rewarding role, you’ll be connected to the work you are raising money for, with the chance to meet our performers and get directly involved with our innovative projects and productions, including our exciting 15th anniversary celebrations in 2017.

We’re looking for a dynamic fundraising professional who will bring persuasiveness and passion to support our ambitious and life-changing work. The ideal candidate will have five years’ experience, a track record of securing and maintaining significant income, the ability to manage budgets and reach targets, strong strategic planning skills, and an understanding of the role of external communications.

As an employer, Streetwise Opera offers a wide range of benefits including excellent professional development and training opportunities, childcare vouchers and an employer pension scheme. You’ll also be joining a friendly, committed and supportive staff team and have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people who have experienced homelessness.

Contract: fixed-term from December 2016 to October 2017

Hours:  Full-time, with occasional evening work and overnight travel in the UK

Closing date: midnight, Sunday 18 September

Interviews: Thursday 22 September (first round) / Wednesday 28 September (second round)

For more information, please download the job pack below. To apply, please click the 'apply now' button to send us your CV and covering letter. 

Streetwise Opera is an inclusive organisation and actively promotes equality. We welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, particularly those with who have experienced homelessness. Candidates with a lived experience of homelessness who can demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria in the person specification will be guaranteed a first-round interview. Please ensure that you communicate this clearly in your application.