Trusts and Foundations Coordinator

  • Philharmonia Orchestra
  • Jan 12, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

The Philharmonia Orchestra is seeking a talented and driven Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator to help the Development team deliver growing, sustainable fundraised income. Working closely with an experienced senior grant-writer, the Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator will steward existing funders and develop funding applications for:

  • Our programme of 150 concerts a year, including landmark multi-disciplinary concert series;

  • Our award-winning Learning & Engagement projects that engage over 15,000 people annually;

  • Our talent development programme through which we help improve representation in the talent pipeline;

  • Our sector-leading visionary digital and immersive technology programme including our multi-award winning and globally recognised Virtual Orchestra (VR) immersive experiences.

This role will suit someone ready to move on from an entry-level position within a Development team, keen to work in a fast-paced environment, and enthusiastic about taking on their own set of fundraising targets and application deliverables. It is an opportunity for an enthusiastic fundraiser to work within an experienced, inspiring team, to work closely with and learn from one of the most experienced trusts and foundations fundraisers in our sector, and to play a transformative role in a thriving orchestra that on the occasion of its 80th anniversary is already looking ahead to Philharmonia at 100.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The primary responsibilities of the Trusts and Foundations Co-ordinator are fundraising from and stewarding Trusts and Foundations, achieved by undertaking the following tasks:

1. Delivering the Trusts and Foundations fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on:

  • Identification and cultivation:

  • Producing lists of prospects to share with the Development Board, via the Director of Development.

  • Identifying opportunities for cultivation at projects, events and concerts.

  • Application development:

  • Responsibility for developing small to mid-range Trust, Foundation and statutory applications up to £25,000 including copy development, application budget creation (using signed-off source budgets), and sign-offs from project manager and line manager.

  • Maintaining a strong momentum of application submissions, aiming to fundraise a year ahead of project delivery where possible.

  • Collaborating with Development colleagues to agree stewarding responsibilities, review prospects, report on Trust & Foundation income vs. targets and identify prospects whose giving objectives align with the Philharmonia s work.

  • Working closely with colleagues in the Learning & Engagement, Concerts and Marketing departments to build strong, collaborative working relationships in order to source project information to support the development of funding bids.

  • Stewarding

  • Ensuring timely report development and submission, to maximise re-application rates.

  • Ownership of accurate and comprehensive Trust, Foundation and Statutory accreditation in all collateral and online.

  • Proactive and consistent conduit between prospects and the Philharmonia, managing invitations to supported projects and ensuring consistent, warm and professional relationship management.

2 Ensuring efficient administration of Trusts and Foundations fundraising, including:

  • Managing all Trusts and Foundations pledges and grants on our CRM Tessitura, and ensuring data capture and processing is in line with GDPR and other privacy laws.

  • Population and updating of Trusts and Foundations submissions, stewarding and reporting tracker.

  • Accurate records of all correspondence held in SharePoint.

Other tasks include

  • Representing the Philharmonia externally when required.

  • Undertaking any other duties reasonably required by the Philharmonia.

Skills

Essential:

  • A passion for the arts and belief in their ability to have a positive transformative effect on people s lives.

  • An enthusiasm for fundraising.

  • A strong work ethic.

  • Excellent writing skills with the ability to form a persuasive case.

  • Experience in writing fundraising communications.

  • Experience of working within a team in a collaborative and supportive manner.

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), with an ability to adapt style for different audiences and members of the orchestra s circle of supporters and senior volunteers.

  • Commitment to the mission, vision and values of the Philharmonia.

  • Understanding of fundraising and data protection regulation (including GDPR and the Fundraising Regulator).

  • Credible experience using a CRM system to record and report on moves management.

  • High-level of IT literacy, including the Microsoft 365 suite.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge of the Philharmonia and its work.

  • Proficiency in fundraising databases.