Senior Development Manager

Chetham's is seeking a driven and collaborative Senior Development Manager to become a pivotal part of our Development team. Chetham's is a magical place, home to the UK’s largest specialist music school, the oldest library in the English-speaking world and a world-class concert venue, all in the heart of Manchester.

Working as part of a recently expanded Development function, this is an exciting time to join Chetham’s. You will be part of an energetic fundraising team, raising funds from trusts and foundations, individuals and corporate partners to meet ambitious targets. You will build a pipeline of supporters, grow our community of donors, be a visible ambassador for Chetham’s and you will play a key role in embedding a fundraising culture across the organisation. From fundraising for capital works to library conservation projects, bursary support to community programmes, this is an exciting role for a motivated, organised and creative development professional.

The job

• We’re looking for an experienced and highly motivated fundraiser to manage and grow income from a mixed portfolio of donors, including trusts and foundations, individual supporters,legacies and corporate partners, supporting the full breadth of Chetham’s


• Working closely with Director of Development and Chetham’ssenior leadership, the Senior Development Manager will build Chetham’s donor base, developing meaningful relationships with existing and new supporters to secure donations aligned with Chetham’s strategic priorities.


• The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ fundraising experience, significant experience securing income from individuals, companies or grant-makers, and will have outstanding interpersonal skills. They will be an excellent communicator, able to confidently share Chetham’s case for support in compelling proposals or in face-to-face donor meetings or pitches. A track record of securing five-figure gifts and a knowledge of database systems is highly desirable. Previous experience working in either an education, heritage or arts environment would be helpful, but not essential.


• The Senior Development Manager will join a small, busy team with big ambitions. With major capital development plans ahead and milestone anniversaries for the School and Stoller Hall coming up, there is real scope to make an impact and launch new appeals and campaigns to maximise income.


• This a full time, permanent role working 35 hours per week. 0.8FTE would be considered.

In return

• Salary SCP 32, £42,082.45 per annum.


• Benefits include subsided catered lunches during term-time, on site gym, free tickets to selected concerts & Cycle to Work Scheme.

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Closing date: 9am, Friday 26 June 2026

Interviews will take place on: To be confirmed

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