Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Head of Development
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Reports to: Artistic Director/CEO, with communications and marketing priorities agreed with the Executive Director Line management: None Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week) with occasional work outside normal office hours during rehearsals, concerts and projects, for which time off in lieu may be taken Salary: £34,000–£40,000, depending on experience Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period Location: Birmingham/hybrid working, with regular attendance at CBSO Centre Benefits: 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible working; 3% employer pension contribution; complimentary tickets to BCMG performances
About BCMG Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) is a leading contemporary music ensemble and registered charity. We commission and perform new music, deliver learning and community programmes, and tour nationally and internationally. BCMG is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and operates from the CBSO Centre in central Birmingham.
Role purpose The Head of Development plays a key role in enabling the organisation to realise its overall artistic, commissioning, performance and learning programmes. The role includes leading the organisation’s fundraising, which focuses on public funding, charitable trusts, and major and individual donors. It covers the identification of new supporters; the management of existing relationships with public, private and partnership funders; and communications connected to Individual Giving and audience development.
The role also includes communications and marketing support for the organisation’s activities, including leading on CRM. The postholder will work closely with the Executive Director on communications, marketing and CRM priorities. This is a hands-on role requiring an experienced development professional who can work independently within a small arts charity and translate artistic visions into compelling applications and communications. The Head of Development is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Key responsibilities Strategic
- Work with artistic, production, learning and finance colleagues to prepare and submit standard grant applications according to the company’s long-term fundraising strategy.
- Take an active role in developing BCMG’s fundraising strategy.
- Work with colleagues on the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation scheme, and write applications for other grant opportunities as they arise from Arts Council England.
- Raise core and project funds from charitable trusts and foundations.
- Ensure proper reporting and stewardship for all charitable donations.
- Develop major and individual donor support for BCMG’s work, including Sound Investment.
- Build upon and expand existing successes, notably the Sound Investment Scheme.
- Identify and manage new contacts and partnership opportunities, including those on an international level.
- Identify and create opportunities for Individual Giving, engage donors with the company’s work as well as with specific projects that require additional funding.
- Facilitate relationship-building between donors and BCMG staff, musicians and Board members.
- Report to funders and maintain accurate records of amounts raised, ensuring funding is received and allocated to the relevant projects or activities.
- Contribute to quarterly reporting to the Board.
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CRM and audience data
- Take day-to-day ownership of BCMG’s CRM system, maintaining accurate records, mailing lists, communication preferences and segmentation.
- Manage data for e-newsletters, direct mail and brochure distribution.
- Develop practical procedures for data entry, cleaning and use across the organisation.
- Ensure data is handled in line with BCMG’s policies and relevant data-protection legislation.
- Produce useful analysis of audience and supporter behaviour and engagement.
Communications and marketing
- Work with the Executive Director to plan and deliver communications and marketing activity in support of BCMG’s concerts, projects, learning activity and fundraising campaigns.
- Manage and update BCMG’s website, e-newsletters and social-media channels, including drafting and editing copy and scheduling content.
- Coordinate the distribution of print and digital marketing materials, including season brochures, direct mail and campaign materials, working with designers and other suppliers where required.
- Work with venues and partners on joint marketing activity where appropriate.
- Monitor the effectiveness of communications and marketing activity, using available data to inform future campaigns and audience development.
General
- Contribute to the advocacy of BCMG’s mission and programme externally.
- Contribute to the budget-planning process.
- Contribute to the company’s ethos and vision.
- Be an active member of the Strategic Management Team.
- Participate in Board subcommittees and working groups as required.
- Represent BCMG on professional bodies and networks.
- Undertake other appropriate duties consistent with the seniority of the role.
Person specification Essential experience and knowledge
- Significant relevant fundraising or development experience, including a strong track record of preparing successful applications to charitable trusts and foundations.
- Experience of developing and stewarding relationships with charitable trusts and foundations, individual donors and supporters.
- Excellent written English and the ability to translate artistic, learning or organisational ideas into clear and compelling applications and communications.
- Experience of managing multiple projects, applications and reporting deadlines, with strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Experience of working with budgets and financial information to support applications and reporting.
- Practical experience of communications and marketing across digital and print channels, including websites, e-newsletters and social media.
- Experience of using a CRM system, database or comparable supporter-management system, including maintaining accurate data and producing targeted communications.
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Desirable experience and knowledge
- Experience in an arts, cultural, charitable or Arts Council England-funded organisation.
- Experience of Arts Council England funding, including National Portfolio Organisation applications.
- Experience of individual-giving/crowdfunding campaigns, major-donor development or donor events.
- Experience of producing or commissioning digital and print content or artwork.
- Knowledge of data protection, GDPR and good practice in relation to communications.
- Experience of analysing audience, supporter or campaign data to inform future activity.
Skills and personal qualities
- A persuasive and adaptable communicator, able to build strong relationships with funders.
- Highly organised, with the ability to plan ahead, manage priorities and meet fixed deadlines.
- Able to work independently and use judgement appropriately while collaborating within a small team.
- Comfortable combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery across responsibilities.
- Confident using digital systems and data, with strong attention to detail.
How to apply We are happy to arrange an informal, confidential conversation before applying. Please contact the Executive Director, Hedd Thomas, at hedd@bcmg.co.uk.
To apply for this role, please send the following documents by email to application@bcmg.org.uk
- An up-to-date CV (including contact details for references) – Word document
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and why you think you are a suitable candidate – Word document
Deadline: Monday 28 September 2026 at 10am. Late applications will not be considered. Interviews: Monday 5 October 2026 at CBSO Centre, Birmingham. Please indicate in your email should you be unable to attend an interview on this date. Start date: Monday 2 November 2026
We should also be grateful if you would complete our Diversity Monitoring Form. This is optional and does not form part of the selection process. BCMG welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from those currently under‑represented in the arts and cultural sector.
Thank you for your interest in joining BCMG. We look forward to hearing from you.
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