
Development assistant
Closing date: Friday 21 February 2025 at 5.30pm
Salary: £25,750
Location: Based at the LSO’s offices at the Barbican Centre, with the option to work remotely for up to two days per week.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to take the first step into the world of arts administration, and fundraising in particular, as part of a 12-month placement.
The London Symphony Orchestra was established in 1904, as one of the first orchestras shaped by its musicians. Since then, generations of remarkable talents have built the LSO’s reputation for uncompromising quality, and inspirational repertoires.
The role will offer an opportunity to work across the whole of the LSO’s Development department, gaining experience in all areas of the team’s work, including Individual Giving, Corporate fundraising, Events, and Trust & Foundations fundraising.
Key responsibilities
Project assistance and support
- Learn and assist with the administration of membership schemes and the delivery of membership benefits, including ticket bookings, production of guest lists, general preparation for concerts, donor correspondence, data management and financial processing.
- Learn and support with events for the Development team’s fundraising, including events for current donors and cultivation events to draw in prospective donors, through assisting in the planning, delivery, and administration processes.
- Opportunity to project manage specific activities as placement progresses.
- Learn and assist with correspondence and mailings across the Development team.
Other
- Undertaking evening and occasional weekend concert duty, supporting Development hosting and events at the Barbican and occasionally elsewhere.
- Learn and maintain accurate donor and corporate details using the Raiser's Edge database.
- Assisting with other department activities as required.
What you will gain from the placement
- An understanding of the working of a charity and fundraising systems, strategies, and practices.
- Understanding of how to operate as part of a team in a professional environment, including time management and organisational skills.
- Developing and practicing administrative and communication skills required across any professional working environment.
- Direct experience engaging with a cross-section of donors, sponsors, fundraisers, and wider arts administration teams.
- Working with professional artists, particularly orchestral musicians.
- Knowledge of planning and management software including fundraising databases for the performing arts, design software and diary management programmes.
- Continued feedback on your progress and opportunities to reflect on learning and future interests.
What we're looking for
- A strong interest in fundraising and relationship management.
- Excellent organisation and administrative skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to plan effectively, setting up and maintaining systems to make best use of time and resources.
- Ability to work effectively both under own initiative and within a team.
- Flexible attitude to work – prepared to help with other department tasks where necessary and to work on evenings and weekends as required.
- An enthusiastic, ambitious and friendly attitude.
- An enthusiasm for music or the arts.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the LSO.
Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.
Fields of study
- Music
Level of experience
- Entry