At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors for exciting projects at the British Museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution showcasing over two million years of culture and history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project while making a real impact in the cultural sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing relationships with major funders and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusivity in our workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The British Museum is embarking on one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects undertaken anywhere in the world. The Masterplan will transform the Museum for the 21st century while staying open, maintaining the founding commitment to keep the collection safe and accessible to the public for generations to come. The Philanthropy Team, as a key function of Advancement, will play a vital role in enabling the Museum’s vision for the future. As such, the team is expanding, with new roles created to accommodate priority projects including a major acquisition campaign, capital and increased revenue targets for exhibitions and core work.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Maximising income from individuals for a range of capital and revenue projects by securing five and six-figure gifts
- Supporting senior colleagues, including the Associate Head of Philanthropy (Individuals) and Head of Philanthropy in cultivating new relationships at this exciting time in the Museum’s history
- Actively stewarding an established portfolio of donors
- Ensuring the highest standards of information management
About you:
Above all else, the post holder will need to be a pro-active, results-driven individual who remains focused and productive under pressure. Solid experience of managing relationships with major funders in the cultural or heritage sector is essential as are outstanding communication skills.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of in order to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org. We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria.
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a Museum which represents world culture.
The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Philanthropy Manager: Individuals - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager: Individuals - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's current projects and initiatives. Understanding their Masterplan and how the Philanthropy Team fits into this vision will help you articulate your passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural and heritage sector. Attend events or webinars related to philanthropy and museum management to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with major funders in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and secured significant donations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging with the British Museum on social media. Comment on their posts or share relevant content to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge about their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager: Individuals - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in philanthropy and relationship management, particularly within the cultural or heritage sector. Use specific examples of how you've successfully secured funding or managed donor relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the British Museum and its mission. Discuss why you are drawn to this role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since outstanding communication skills are essential for this role, consider including examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and convey complex information clearly.
Highlight Results-Driven Achievements: In your application, emphasise your results-driven approach by providing quantifiable achievements from previous roles. Mention specific figures related to funds raised or successful projects managed to illustrate your impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Research the British Museum
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the British Museum's history, its collections, and current projects. Understanding their mission and recent developments will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
As a Philanthropy Manager, you'll need to manage relationships with major funders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully cultivated and maintained donor relationships, highlighting your communication skills and results-driven approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle specific situations related to fundraising and donor engagement. Think of scenarios where you had to overcome challenges or achieve targets, and be ready to discuss your strategies and outcomes.
✨Discuss Your Vision for Philanthropy
Be prepared to share your ideas on how to maximise income from individuals for capital and revenue projects. Discuss innovative approaches you might take to engage potential donors and how you would align their interests with the Museum's goals.