The Royal Academy of Music is a creative and vibrant place with a diverse mix of students and staff from over 60 countries. Many of the world's leading musicians and performers have studied here including Sir Elton John, Annie Lennox, Freddie De Tommaso, Max Richter, Es Devlin and Jacob Collier. We shape tomorrow's musical leaders across disciplines including Classical, Composition, Opera, Jazz, and Musical Theatre. Integral to the musical training we offer is the opportunity to perform; in an average year, the Academy runs a vibrant programme of around 500 events.
Philanthropy plays a significant role in the life of the Academy and enables our mission to identify, develop and educate the musicians of tomorrow. Over the last decade, philanthropic income has grown from approximately £1.5 million per annum to between £14 million and £18 million annually. The Royal Academy of Music's Future campaign was launched in 2022 with a target of £60 million, making it the most ambitious campaign for a conservatoire outside the US. Having exceeded that target, we extended the Campaign to £100 million. Recent successes include a landmark £30m commitment from Mrs Aud Jebsen to support the redevelopment of Jebsen House.
We are now seeking an exceptional fundraising leader to become our next Director of Philanthropy. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the most successful philanthropy programmes in UK higher education and the arts, at a pivotal moment as the Academy approaches the completion of the campaign and begins to shape its next phase of philanthropic growth.
Reporting to the Deputy Principal (Advancement), Kirsty MacDonald, you will provide strategic leadership across all areas of philanthropy. You will inherit a high-performing team of more than twenty colleagues, a strong prospect pipeline, exceptional donor relationships and significant momentum, and you will be responsible for developing and delivering the long-term strategy that sustains and builds on them.
Success in this role will come from your ability to combine strategic ambition with genuine warmth and credibility. You will work closely with our Principal, Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, an active and highly effective fundraising partner, and with our Governing Body, Philanthropy Board and volunteers who open doors and advocate powerfully for the Academy's mission.
You will be an experienced leader of fundraising programmes in a complex organisation. As a team focused on major and principal gifts, you will have a track record of securing six- and seven-figure donations. You will have nurtured high-performing teams, developed senior managers and worked confidently with trustees, volunteers and influential stakeholders. Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills are essential, alongside strong strategic judgement and exceptional communication skills.
You do not need to be a musician or have specialist musical training. What matters is a genuine love of music, and a belief in the power of creative individuals to make a difference in the world. Above all, we are looking for someone who can inspire confidence, build strong relationships, lead talented people and secure transformational support.
The Royal Academy of Music has appointed Perrett Laver to support them with this recruitment. To download the candidate brochure, including further information about the job description and person specification, please click request information button below by quoting the reference number 8626.
For informal inquiries please contact Daniel Munks at Daniel.Munks@perrettlaver.com.
The deadline for applications is 9am BST on Monday 28 September.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
The Academy is committed to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of all students.
The Academy values diversity and welcomes your application.
We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities because we would like to increase the representation of these groups in these roles. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to greater results for students.
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