Salary from £27,000 – £32,000 depending on experience
The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO), one of the UK’s leading orchestras, seeks a highly motivated Communications Officer (CO) to play a key role in the Orchestra’s marketing and philanthropy activities. The Orchestra performs regularly in Oxford and London and has an expanding touring programme overseas.
Job Profile
The OPO Communications Officer will manage a varied workload providing support in print marketing, proposal writing and impact reporting to assist the work of the Marketing and Philanthropy teams. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and the Philanthropy Manager and working closely with the Marketing & Digital Coordinator, the CO will play a key role in storytelling for the Orchestra’s varied stakeholders: principally focused on the Board, audiences, donors and communities.
As the CO, working with the Philanthropy Manager, you will write persuasive content for fundraising, including bespoke proposals and impact reports for individuals and trusts and foundations. Working with the Marketing team, you will develop a suite of storytelling materials and content that may be used by the whole team. You will assist in the production of print materials such as season brochures and concert and festival programmes. In addition, you will provide support in preparing papers and minute-taking at Board and committee meetings. Through tailored communications, the CO will develop creative and effective engagement, deepening awareness and appreciation of the impact of OPO’s music, outreach programmes, growing audiences and donors. The CO will have a passionate belief in the work, vision and mission of OPO, and with a high degree of knowledge about music and the arts.
This is a permanent, full-time role. The position is based in the OPO’s London office, but occasional travel to Oxford may be required.
Candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Closing date
Please submit a CV and covering letter, explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements, to fiachra@oxfordphil.com .
Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 23 March 2026. Exceptional candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. If you do not receive a reply within 4 weeks of writing you should assume that your application has not been successful.
Job Profile
Key Duties:
Communications
* Support the marketing team in delivering its suite of internal and external communications.
* Coordinate the design and production of season brochures, concert and festival programmes. Responsibilities include editing content and collecting programme lists, programme notes and artist biographies and imagery.
* Support the preparation of materials for the PR team, effectively positioning OPO as creative and entrepreneurial.
* Assist in preparing blogs and materials for the website and email campaigns that showcase the range of work that OPO does on the concert platform and in communities.
* Ensure all communications align with the Orchestra’s visual identity, brand, tone and artistic vision.
* Prepare and produce stewardship reports for donors, maintaining the bank of content that can be tailored for different donors and will help to inspire donors and prospects to make significant gifts in support of OPO.
* Prepare and develop an annual philanthropy impact report, along with the Trustees’ annual report.
* Support the Philanthropy Manager in preparing applications and stewardship reports for trusts and foundations.
* Prepare pitch decks and impact opportunities for individual supporters and for corporate sponsorship opportunities.
* Support and guide the communications of OPO in celebrating the impact of philanthropy through engaging print and online copy for event literature, invitations, newsletters and the Orchestra’s website.
* Lead in the development and production of brochures for special fundraising events.
General
* Take notes and compile briefings for internal and external meetings.
* Support the Board and committees in preparing briefings and minute-taking.
* Prepare briefings for the COO, General Manager and Music Director.
* Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time by other senior members of OPO.
* Adhere to donor confidentiality, GDPR requirements and due diligence processes.
Essential abilities/qualifications
* A genuine passion for classical music, particularly orchestral music.
* Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with experience of writing and presenting effective, clear and persuasive proposals, or transferable equivalent experience from another context that demonstrates proven experience of high-level persuasive writing.
* Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, influence and negotiate effectively when representing OPO.
* Proven ability to think creatively and strategically.
* Attention to detail and strong proof-reading skills.
* A proactive approach to work, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive projects forward from idea to delivery, managing multiple, tight deadlines driven by a busy concert schedule.
* The ability to work under pressure and to prioritise a varied and diverse workload.
* Awareness of cultural sensitivities and the ability to navigate these appropriately.
Desirable abilities/qualifications
* Degree in a relevant subject, including Music, English or Communications.
how to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter, explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience meet the requirements.
Exceptional candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. If you do not receive a reply within 4 weeks of writing you should assume that your application has not been successful.
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