Job Summary
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is seeking a motivated Senior Development Officer to grow and steward our corporate partnerships. This is an exciting chance to combine relationship-building, fundraising, and creativity in support of one of the UK’s leading orchestras.
Job Description
About the Role
You will manage and expand BSO's portfolio of corporate partners - from major sponsors to regional businesses - ensuring they receive real value while supporting our artistic and community work. This role combines fundraising, client care, and creative partnership development.
Key responsibilities include:
* Nurturing relationships with existing sponsors and delivering excellent partnership benefits
* Identifying and securing new business partnerships aligned with BSO's values
* Developing bespoke sponsorship packages and pitches
* Representing BSO at networking, cultivation, and concert events
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
* A confident communicator with excellent relationship-building skills
* Commercially minded, with experience in sales, fundraising, or client-focused roles
* Organised, proactive, and full of ideas
* Excited about music, culture, and the power of the arts to change lives
Previous experience in corporate fundraising or sponsorship is welcome, but we’re equally keen to hear from candidates with transferable skills from business development, account management, or other partnership roles.
Why Join Us?
Working at BSO means being part of a passionate, supportive, and ambitious team that believes in the power of music to transform lives. Employee benefits include:
* 28 days annual leave (incl. Bank Holidays) + additional Christmas leave
* Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contribution
* BUPA cash‑back health plan, life insurance, and wellbeing support
* Free concert tickets, staff parking, and café discounts
* Career development opportunities through our BSO Elevate programme
Please send your CV, a covering letter (outlining your interest and relevant experience) and personal information form to Nicola Fulker at nfulker@bsorchestra.co.uk by 6:00pm, Monday 27 October 2025.
For an informal conversation about the role, contact Jackie Tanner, Head of Development, at jtanner@bsorchestra.co.uk.
Job Requirements
* Strong relationship and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
* Commercially minded, with experience or potential in income generation, sales, or client‑facing roles.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare and present compelling cases for support.
* Creative and proactive, with confidence in developing partnership ideas.
* Highly organised, managing multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
* Enthusiastic about music and the arts, with an appreciation of BSO’s mission.
* IT literate, with experience of CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
* Numerate, detail‑oriented, and comfortable handling partnership agreements and reporting.
* Experience of working towards goals and delivering results.
Application Process
To apply for the Senior Development Officer (Corporate Partnerships) role, submit the following by email to Nicola Fulker at nfulker@bsorchestra.co.uk:
* A current CV
* A covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position
* A completed Personal Information Form
Application deadline: 6:00pm, Monday 27 October 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in two rounds:
* First‑round interviews on Friday 7 November.
* Second‑round interviews on one of the following dates: Monday 10 November, Tuesday 11 November (PM), Thursday 13 November (AM/PM), Friday 14 November (AM/PM).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial first‑round interview with the Head of Development and other senior team members, and may be asked to present a proposal to demonstrate their approach to partnership development and client engagement.
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