The Choral Foundation – Head of Development
Build and deliver the fundraising strategy that will secure a centuries-old choral tradition and open it to a new generation — beginning with the launch of girl choristers at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace.
Location: Hampton Court Palace
Salary: £50,000
Contract: Full time, permanent
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 22nd July
The Choral Foundation exists to preserve and share the extraordinary heritage of English choral music sung at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, while opening it up to everyone. Founded in 2011, it funds bursaries for choristers’ music tuition, commissions new works by living composers, and runs Songstars, an outreach programme reaching schoolchildren across Hounslow. Its choir, led by Director of Music Alexander Hamilton, draws boy choristers from a broad range of local schools, giving children from every background a first-class musical education alongside six professional adult singers; voices that have featured in recordings, television documentaries and high-profile performances. Now the Foundation is ready to grow, with a new girl chorister programme at the heart of its ambition: offering girls in the community the same life-shaping experience long open only to boys.
About the role
As Head of Development, you will grow fundraising income for the Choral Foundation and turn its ambitions into reality, beginning with the launch of girl choristers at the Chapel Royal. You will work across the full range of fundraising specialisms, partnering closely with the Chair, the Director of Music, and colleagues at Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Household. This is a hands-on role for someone who likes to get things done and see the results.
Key responsibilities
- Designing, costing and delivering a multichannel campaign to launch and fund the first three years of the girl chorister programme.
- Building a sustainable pipeline spanning major gifts, high-net-worth individuals, alumni and trusts and foundations.
- Reinvigorating the legacy giving scheme through refreshed messaging, dedicated events and thoughtful stewardship.
- Cultivating former choristers and their families into a thriving alumni community of supporters and ambassadors.
- Stewarding donors with warmth and care, building lasting relationships with the congregation and supporters.
- Owning the fundraising budget, tracking return across each stream, and reporting progress to Trustees and leadership.
The role will play a defining part in securing the Foundation’s future, diversifying its income and ensuring this living tradition belongs to everyone.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an experienced, self-starting fundraiser who builds genuine relationships and thrives on turning a compelling cause into committed support. You will be comfortable working across many levels, from a first meeting with a major donor to a Sunday service among the congregation, and eager to help shape something lasting.
You will bring:
- Proven fundraising experience across a range of specialisms, with strong relationship management skills.
- A track record of planning and delivering successful fundraising events.
- Familiarity with platforms such as JustGiving and donor management systems like ThankQ.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the confidence to work independently and proactively.
- Sound knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practice.
- A willingness to spend time at Chapel services and events, building support among the community.
It would also be an advantage if you:
- Hold, or are willing to gain, membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or equivalent.
- Have experience in arts, heritage, church or music fundraising.
- Love choral music and the heritage the Foundation protects.
You will also demonstrate a strong alignment with the Choral Foundation’s mission and values, bringing the warmth, integrity and ambition to help carry this tradition into its next chapter.
For further information and details of how to apply, please send your CV via this advert.
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