Development Director

Young Sounds exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help;
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

We offer bespoke, individual support for each young person’s musical progression. Our programmes not only sustain musical journeys, they also support others to identify and nurture talent wherever they find it.

To meet the funding needs of our ambitious future plans we’re now seeking an exceptional Development Director to lead on the delivery of our income generation strategy and supporter engagement. This will include our planned campaign marking our 30th anniversary in 2028 through which we’re aiming to help secure the future growth and impact of the charity’s work.

This new position will play a pivotal strategic role in driving philanthropic income growth for the organisation. You’ll lead on identifying, cultivating, and securing high-value donors and funders capable of making transformational gifts in support of our work. Alongside managing your own portfolio of prospects and donors you will lead a small fundraising team including a Head of Development and two further Development colleagues.

The role requires a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal skills, strong fundraising judgement, and a proven ability to inspire confidence among senior stakeholders.

This is an opportunity for an experienced, ambitious and relationship-driven fundraiser to shape and lead a major development function within a respected national charity at a significant moment in its growth.

Please see the job pack for more details.

Closing date for applications is Monday 02 November 2026 at 12 noon.