Reports to: Director of Development

Direct Reports: 0

Location: Sydney, NSW – with regular attendance at SSO concert venues across Greater Sydney

Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 plus superannuation

Flexible option: Up to 4 days per week may be considered for an outstanding candidate

ABOUT US

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s flagship orchestra, presenting extraordinary performances that inspire, challenge, and engage audiences in Sydney and beyond. Performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House and across NSW, the Sydney Symphony is committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and fostering a deep connection with our community. Through live concerts, digital programs, education initiatives, and collaborations with leading artists, the Sydney Symphony brings the joy of orchestral music to audiences everywhere. We value Integrity, Connection, and Joy.

THE ROLE

The Prospect Research Manager will strengthen Sydney Symphony Orchestra's philanthropic pipeline by identifying, researching and qualifying prospective supporters and providing actionable intelligence to guide fundraising strategy. Working closely with fundraisers, senior leadership and the Board, the role will assess philanthropic capacity, affinity and connections, support portfolio and moves management, and uncover new opportunities for major and principal giving, building the pipeline required for future campaigns and long-term fundraising growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prospect Identification and Research

- Conduct research on individuals, corporations and foundation prospects through analysis of their financial capacity, affinity and linkage to Sydney Symphony Orchestra.





- Analyse the donor database to proactively identify prospects and increase the pipeline.

- Research and prepare biographies and related briefing materials for senior staff and volunteers to support relationship building, stewardship activities, due diligence and prospect identification.

Pipeline and Portfolio Development

- Plan strategies to initiate and increase engagement with lapsed, current and potential supporters.

- Produce regular activity reports and support staff in developing and optimising their portfolios.

Strategic Intelligence

- Stay up to date in the field, analysing industry, business and financial news aligned to fundraising, especially in the arts sector.

CRM and Data Discipline

- Ensure prospect research and portfolio activity is recorded in the CRM against the relevant donor profile, rather than held separately in spreadsheets.

- Maintain data quality and confidentiality standards for prospect records.

- Build strong relationships with fundraisers and other key staff.

- Contribute positively to the culture and wellbeing of the overall organisation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

- Demonstrated experience in prospect research, prospect development, fundraising intelligence or a closely related field.

- Ability to synthesise complex information into clear,



actionable recommendations.

- Understanding of major gifts, moves management and donor pipeline development.

- Excellent judgement, discretion, and understanding of privacy and ethical research standards.

- Confidence working with senior fundraisers, executives and Board-level stakeholders.

- Robust CRM and data analysis capability, with Tessitura desirable rather than essential.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel.

- Experience in the arts or cultural sector is highly regarded but not essential. Demonstrated ability to apply prospect research and portfolio development principles in another non-profit context, including education, health or human services, will also be considered.

WHAT WE OFFER

- Professional development

- Professional development centred on major gifts strategy, donor pipeline growth, proposal refinement, and effective CRM utilisation.

- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs

- Complimentary performance tickets

APPLY NOW - Applications close Sunday, 4 October 2026.

Please submit:

- A covering letter

- In your covering letter, write a response* to the following:
In 2–3 sentences, describe how you would approach identifying and prioritising new major-gift prospects for an organisation you are unfamiliar with. What would you look at first, and how would you decide where to focus?

- Your CV

At the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all candidates. When applying, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

📌 Prospect Research Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Sydney Symphony Orchestra
📍 Sydney