Trusts Manager

Welsh Language Commitment

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future.

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Trusts Manager to work with the Director of Development to develop an effective strategy to maximise income from trusts and foundations, in line with the overall fundraising strategy and WNO’s strategic goals, ensuring growth and longevity.

To achieve the annual income target as agreed with the Director of Development, working with the Trusts & Partnerships Officer.

To manage a portfolio of trusts and foundations ensuring growth through cultivation, nurturing existing contacts, developing networks, engaging WNO’s Board of Trustees and internal stakeholders and making appropriate application submissions and reporting effectively.

The post is responsible for working independently to develop a strategy to achieve the annual income targets through their own portfolio of trusts and foundations. They will work with the Data Analyst to undertake prospect research to identify new supporters, submitting applications to set deadlines to support all aspects of WNO’s programme in England and Wales and reporting on progress and outcomes.

The post holder will build external relationships with supporters, leading on relationships with major Trusts (with support from the Director of Development as required), work effectively with WNO colleagues to create strong applications for support and will demonstrate exceptional presentation, written and verbal skills.

Sincerely, Eich Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru / Your Welsh National Opera

Essential Criteria

• Experience of securing Trusts and Foundations grants; minimum 5-figure level.
• Experience of line management, or equivalent experience of supervising and supporting colleagues or volunteers, with the ability to undertake formal line-management responsibilities.
• Excellent written skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills; must be able to deal with multiple projects simultaneously, to plan and prioritise workload, and work to strict deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Experience of handling budgets.
• Works well as part of a team and can work on their own initiative.
• Experience of prospect research and managing portfolios of funders.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal office hours and to attend WNO events on tour.
• Commitment to WNO’s values.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database, preferably Tessitura
• A strong understanding of GDPR.
• Interest in the arts.
• Ability to write and speak Welsh.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

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