JMI Development Lead / Fundraising Manager

JMI Development Lead / Fundraising Manager

Location: Hybrid (London-based office and remote)
Contract Type: Part-time (2 days/week)
Salary: £2,100/month (approx. £25,200/year)
Application Deadline: Friday 21 November 2025
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Thank you for your interest in the role of JMI Development Lead / Fundraising Manager. We would like to share additional information with you to help you consider the role more thoroughly as part of the recruitment process.

About JMI - Jewish Music Institute

The Jewish Music Institute (JMI) in the UK, founded in 1984, is a dedicated hub for the celebration, preservation, and development of Jewish musical heritage. JMI has played a crucial role in promoting Jewish music across the UK, organizing concerts, workshops, and educational programs for people of all ages. Notably, JMI established the Joe Loss Lectureship in Jewish Music at SOAS, University of London, fostering academic research and scholarly discourse on Jewish musical traditions.
Over the years, JMI has made significant contributions to the field of Jewish music. It has supported numerous musicians and ensembles, enabling them to preserve traditional Jewish music and create innovative new works. The JMI Archive, a valuable resource, houses a wealth of materials documenting Jewish music history. In 2023, JMI was selected by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation, securing core funding through this programme for the period April 2023 – March 2027.

Our 2024 - 2025 Programme Highlights

• New Music Series: Collaborations with leading venues on new commissions spanning Cantorial/liturgical, Jazz, Arabic, and Sephardic musical traditions.

• JMI Youth Big Band: Mentoring talented young jazz musicians, with highlights including high profile performances at the London Jazz Festival, national workshop tours and collaborations with special guest artists Jason Yarde and Shirley Smart.

• JMI Summer Schools: Immersing adult students in Yiddish and Eastern-European song, language, and culture.

• Youth Outreach: Bringing Jewish music traditions to predominantly non-Jewish schools, fostering cultural understanding through music.

• Archive Revitalisation: Cataloguing our 8,000-item collection, which includes rare recordings of Gershon Sirota and Jewish opera manuscripts. Plans include JMI boutique collections, online exhibitions, and collaborations with the British Library.

Role Overview

JMI is seeking a strategic and creative Development Lead / Fundraising Manager to lead and evolve our fundraising efforts. This is a pivotal role for someone with a comprehensive understanding of fundraising across multiple streams - including trusts and foundations, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and digital campaigns.
As JMI transitions from a community-based donor model to a more structured and diversified funding strategy, this role will be central to shaping our future sustainability and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Planning:

• Develop and implement short and long-term fundraising strategies across multiple income streams.

• Align fundraising plans with JMI’s organisational goals and programming calendar.

• Maintain and strengthen the existing relationship with Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation, and actively contribute to ongoing ACE funding applications and reporting in collaboration with other JMI team members.

Trusts & Foundations:

• Research and write compelling funding applications.

• Manage relationships with funders and ensure timely reporting and stewardship.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors and major supporters.

• Deliver tailored communications, impact reports, and donor events to deepen engagement.

Digital Fundraising & CRM:

• Lead digital fundraising initiatives, including email campaigns and crowdfunding.

• Use CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to track donor engagement, segment audiences, and analyse performance.

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships:

• Identify and secure corporate sponsorships aligned with JMI’s values and programmes.

• Develop partnership proposals and manage sponsor relationships.

Content & Storytelling:

• Craft compelling cases for support that reflect JMI’s brand and resonate with diverse funders.

• Collaborate with the communications team to integrate fundraising into broader outreach.

Sector Awareness & Innovation:

• Stay informed about funding trends, including social impact, ESG, and DEI priorities.

• Identify new opportunities and adapt strategies creatively and responsively.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising within the arts, music, or non-profit sectors.

• Proven success in securing funding from trusts, foundations, and individual donors.

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with a flair for storytelling.

• Proficiency in CRM systems and data-driven fundraising.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team.

Desirable:

• Experience working with public sector funders or cultural institutions.

• Familiarity with Jewish culture and music.

• Knowledge of digital fundraising platforms and tools.

• Event planning and donor engagement experience.

• Benefits Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cultural mission.

• Professional development and networking opportunities.

• Invitations to JMI events and performances.

• JMI is open to considering either a salaried or freelance/commission-based arrangement .

Future dates

• Shortlisting: Shortlisting will take place soon after the post closes (21st November)

• Interviews: Two interviews will be held during w/c 24th November 2025, either in person in our office at SOAS University, or online.

• Successful applicants are to be announced within a fortnight after the interviews.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 x A4 pages) outlining your suitability for the role to:jewishmusic@jmi.org.uk

At JMI we actively welcome and encourage applicants from diverse Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, including those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities, as well as individuals from deaf and disabled backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and those from gender-diverse communities.
We value the unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that individuals from all walks of life bring to the table. Diversity is not only a core value but a driver of innovation, creativity, and positive change within our organization. We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, grow, and succeed in their career with us.

Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you.