Individual Giving & Membership Manager
Longborough Festival Opera | Part-time (0.6 FTE, 0.8 during the Festival) | Cotswolds-based (with flexible working)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 pro rata, depending on experience
Closing date: Wednesday 18th February 2026 at midday
Start date: 5th May 2026
Are you a warm, strategic and relationship-driven fundraiser who loves building long-term connections with supporters? Do you believe in the power of the arts to change lives and the importance of making donors feel genuinely part of that story?
Longborough Festival Opera (LFO) is seeking an exceptional Individual Giving & Membership Manager to lead and grow our individual supporter and membership programmes at an exciting moment in our development.
This is a senior influential role within a small, ambitious organisation, ideal for someone who combines strong fundraising instincts with outstanding stewardship, creativity and emotional intelligence.
About Us
LFO is a world-class opera festival based in the heart of the Cotswolds. Each summer, we welcome audiences to our intimate theatre overlooking the Evenlode valley, offering bold, ambitious productions that have gained national and international recognition. We are especially known for our presentation of Wagner’s operas, and alongside the festival, we nurture children and young people through our thriving year-round education programmes.
Founded with a spirit of audacity and creative endeavour, Longborough has grown from humble beginnings into one of the UK’s most exciting opera destinations. With a committed team, a loyal supporter base and a fast-growing reputation for high quality ambitious work, there has never been a more exciting time to join us as we expand our reach, deepen our impact and shape the future of opera in the UK.
About the Role
As Individual Giving & Membership Manager, you will be responsible for retaining, growing and stewarding Longborough’s community of individual supporters and members, with a particular focus on developing higher level giving and deepening long-term relationships.
You will:
- Lead the strategy and delivery of all membership and individual giving activity
- Grow and strengthen our upper-level membership schemes, including the Wagner Club
- Develop and grow our American Friends scheme
- Create inspiring journeys that move audiences into becoming committed donors and advocates
- Ensure our supporters feel genuinely valued and connected and part of Longborough’s artistic life
This role balances proactive fundraising with excellent stewardship. It is as much about building trust, loyalty and emotional connection as it is about meeting income targets.
Reports to: Head of Development
Manages: Membership areas of the Box Office Manager & Membership Coordinator and the Fundraising & Box Office Assistant.
Works closely with: Executive Director, Artistic Director, Trustees, Box Office, Marketing and wider team and sits on the Philanthropy Council.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
- An experienced fundraiser in individual giving, membership or donor development
- Confident and credible in building relationships with high-level supporters
- Naturally warm, engaging and emotionally intelligent
- Strategic in outlook, but happy to be hands-on and operational within a small team
- Highly organised, proactive and collaborative
- Comfortable using CRM systems and data (ideally Spektrix) to guide decision making
And someone who has:
- A strong interest in the performing arts
- A proven track record of securing new individual supporters and building relationships to a level of 5 figures and above
- Experience in working in the arts or cultural sector is highly desirable, but not essential if you bring the right skills and approach
Why Join Longborough?
We are:
- A small, ambitious team with big ideas and international reach
- Based in an inspiring rural setting with beautiful views and a strong community spirit
- Known for nurturing talent and creative audacity, from being the only summer festival to present three Wagner Ring Cycles to our groundbreaking education work
- At a pivotal stage of growth, with a rebrand and digital transformation underway
This is a rare opportunity to own and shape a vital income stream and play a central role in Longborough’s long-term sustainability.
Additional Info
Salary: £40,000–£45,000 pro rata, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, 0.6 FTE (0.8 during the Festival)
Location: Longborough, the Cotswolds. Hybrid working possible outside of the Festival season. A driving licence and access to a car are required due to our rural location.
Working pattern: Some evening and weekend work will be required, particularly during the Festival season and for events.