Ex Cathedra is a world-class ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. Thanks to a recent donation, we are excited to create this new role for a skilled fundraiser to join our team to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities. You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.
We believe that the benefits of singing are for everyone, and seek to reach and engage as many people as possible through outstanding vocal experiences. We do this by exploring, commissioning and performing the finest choral music, nurturing young singers, and delivering an extensive, inspirational learning and wellbeing offer for participants of all ages – engaging 80,000+ people every year in a range of venues, schools, hospitals and communities, including through our acclaimed Singing Schools and Singing Medicine projects.
It is an exciting time to join us and shape this new role. Over the next 5 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we already have an established individual giving scheme which we hope you will help us grow.
Find the full application pack on our website. The following is extracted:
Key responsibilities
The Individual Giving Manager will contribute towards Ex Cathedra’s ongoing sustainability and success by maximising philanthropic income:
Strategy and research
• build, maintain and continually seek to expand a pipeline of prospects capable of making gifts at a high 4-, 5- and 6-figure level, making sure that all progress is tracked, monitored and reviewed on a routine basis
• explore our existing data to identify major gift prospects, working in line with data protection law and fundraising regulations
Individual giving
• work closely with the General Manager and Individual Giving Officer to further develop and implement strategies that will increase major gifts and legacy donations to Ex Cathedra, dovetailing with the Trusts and Foundations consultant where appropriate
• arrange and conduct face-to-face meetings with prospects and donors to help build and progress meaningful relationships through regular dialogue
• use their judgement to involve the artistic director, trustees and colleagues where most beneficial/advantageous
• align prospective donors with high-value funding opportunities for the performance programme, education and participation work, or area of greatest need according to the interests of the donor
• promote and encourage giving towards the establishment of an Endowment Fund that will provide long-term financial sustainability for the organisation
• meet agreed targets for activity (i.e. number of prospect meetings and solicitations) and income generation (i.e. funds raised)
• personally manage the portfolio of higher level donors and prospective donors.
Communications
• manage the delivery of specific appeals to prospects and donors
• work with the General Manager and freelance designer to devise and produce materials in support of Ex Cathedra’s fundraising aims
• create and refresh inspiring copy for inclusion in print, on our website and other relevant materials
Other
• record and maintain progress, ensuring that income can be projected as accurately as possible, liaising with the Finance Manager as appropriate
• carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the General Manager
About you
You will be a skilled fundraiser, able to help us identify, recruit and manage a pipeline of individual donors, capable of giving upwards of £5,000 to support Ex Cathedra’s agreed strategic priorities.
You will join a supportive, dedicated staff team, which includes an Individual Giving Officer and freelance trusts fundraiser plus access to an external mentor if desirable.
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience
• demonstrable experience in a similar role
• direct experience of securing gifts and donations at 4- and 5-figure level from individuals by initiating, building and stewarding relationships
• experience of developing engaging and attractive gift opportunities; and scoping, developing and articulating fundraising projects
• experience of working in a target-driven environment
Knowledge
• knowledge of the principles of major gift fundraising and Donor Relations (including stewardship)
• knowledge of the Arts and/or Charity funding landscape and UK philanthropic trends
• knowledge and understanding of donor motivations, and how to align philanthropic interests with organisational priorities
• a sound working knowledge of data protection legislation and national fundraising best practice
Skills and abilities
• good organisation and planning skills, with an ability to prioritise the things that matter most
• excellent communication skills with an ability to persuade and influence with tact and diplomacy
• an ability to work effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• an ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences
• an ability to think both creatively and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fundraising goals
• good listening skills
Attributes and attitudes
• a strong team player, who enjoys building and maintaining productive relationships with others
• pro-active, results-oriented and ambitious, with a determination to succeed and improve
• resilient, focused, tenacious and confident
• a creative thinker, with a keen interest in trying new approaches to bring about enduring, positive change
• a willingness to work outside normal hours and travel when required
• a genuine affinity and passion for music and the Arts, and their transformational power
How to apply
Full details on how to apply can be found in the Application Pack, which is available from our website. We welcome informal, pre-application conversations, and details on how to arrange this with Peter Trethewey, General Manager, are also set out in the pack.
Application deadline: Thursday 1 May, 5pm
If you have any access needs relevant to your application, please contact Peter.
We seek to reach and inspire through outstanding vocal experiences - in performance, by nurturing talent, through education and participation projects





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Description
Location: London SE1
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: £18k
Closing Date: 6th May 2025
Are you looking for an apprenticeship opportunity? We are national charity based in central London providing a range of services to the maritime sector. We are looking for someone to assist in the administration of all our services, from seafarer training courses to ship libraries. You will learn about this amazing industry and gain a broad range of skills working within our small team.
About the role
Responsibilities
- To support the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare in the effective administration and development of Marine Society training and mentoring programmes.
- To act as first line contact for all internal and external enquiries and to respond to these in a timely manner.
- To receive and process seafarer bursary applications and forward to the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare for assessment and approval.
- To accurately track and monitor beneficiaries of the Coming Ashore programme and to provide administrative support to programme mentors.
- To take minutes for team meetings and maintain records and files
- To work with the Digital Marketing Coordinator in the administration and promotion of all Marine Society services through social media and press publications
- To maintain the use of Google Classroom as a communication hub for programme users and bursary recipients and to track their progress and outcomes.
- To input data that will support the production of reports by the Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare to funders and stakeholders as required.
- To assist the Apprenticeship Delivery Manager in all aspects of administering the apprentice and adult skills programmes.
Requirements
- Good general level of formal education (including English and mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C or above)
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office applications and virtual meetings software
- Good standard of written and spoken English
For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service
- Hybrid working for many roles
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Private medical insurance
- Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
- Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack. If you are interested in this role, please apply now!
Additional Information
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development. Working with our employees, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a strong vision and five-year Future Ready strategy to meet the growing demand for what we provide, both for young people, seafarers and maritime professionals – and the thousands who aspire to be the sea cadets and marine professionals of the future. It is also about equipping them to achieve their potential and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while growing our charity to benefit even more people – including those from under-represented or marginalised groups.
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.
All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.
We help launch young people for life through adventure.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.