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- Tasks: Lead a team to identify and evaluate high-value fundraising prospects for the British Museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution with a rich history and diverse collection.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that shapes cultural heritage and impacts global philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research and strategic fundraising, ideally in the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Other info: Work remotely 2 days a week and engage in exciting museum activities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
The British Museum is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation through its ambitious Masterplan—one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects in the world. As part of this vision, we are seeking a strategic and analytical leader to join the Development Department as Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities.
This pivotal new role will lead the research and prioritisation of prospects for high-value philanthropy, playing a key part in shaping the Museum’s fundraising strategy and enabling transformational gifts and sponsorships. Working closely with senior stakeholders and leading a high-performing team, the role will drive the identification, evaluation, and alignment of major gift opportunities to support the Museum’s strategic and capital fundraising priorities.
Key areas of responsibility:- Lead and develop the Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities team, overseeing prospect identification, due diligence, research, and fundraising intelligence.
- Devise and implement a strategic approach to prospect research, supporting fundraising across individuals, corporates, and foundations.
- Provide high-level briefings and insight to the Director, Trustees, and senior staff ahead of key cultivation meetings and events.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the Museum to shape and prioritise compelling fundraising propositions, leading the integration of insight-led fundraising briefs and cases for support.
- Support the strategic management of the donor pipeline, advising on opportunities, challenges, and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Lead on reporting and analytics, providing insight into fundraising performance and helping to forecast income potential.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and ethical research standards and oversee the use of research tools and systems (e.g. Raiser’s Edge).
- Proven expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning, ideally within the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Demonstrable experience identifying and qualifying high-value donors and sponsors in the UK and internationally.
- Skilled in managing complex research and turning data into actionable fundraising insights.
- Experienced in managing and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and motivating leadership style.
- Confident advising senior stakeholders and aligning cross-departmental goals to drive fundraising success.
- Proficient in CRM databases (such as Raiser’s Edge) and other research and wealth screening tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into compelling, donor-focused narratives.
- Calm under pressure, highly organised, and solutions-oriented, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset.
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.
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.
Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's current fundraising initiatives and strategic goals. Understanding their Masterplan and how your role would contribute to it will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural and non-profit sectors, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices in prospect research.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully identified and engaged high-value donors in the past. Be ready to share your strategies for turning data into actionable insights that align with organisational priorities.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by highlighting experiences where you've developed high-performing teams. Be prepared to discuss how you motivate and collaborate with team members to achieve fundraising success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in prospect research and fundraising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in identifying high-value donors and managing fundraising strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the British Museum's mission and how your skills align with the role. Emphasise your leadership experience and ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've turned complex data into actionable insights for fundraising. This will demonstrate your analytical capabilities, which are crucial for this position.
Highlight Team Management Experience: Since the role involves leading a team, be sure to mention your experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate others to achieve fundraising goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities. Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's Masterplan and how this role fits into their fundraising strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. Highlight specific examples where your leadership style has motivated others and led to successful outcomes in fundraising or research.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your strategic mindset. Inquire about the current challenges the Development Department faces and how you can contribute to overcoming them.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves analytics and reporting, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform fundraising strategies in the past. Provide examples of how you've turned complex data into actionable insights that have driven success.
