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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts from high-net-worth individuals to support museum projects.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to science and natural history, welcoming millions annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, pension scheme, staff discounts, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental advocacy while working in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and experience in relationship management are essential.
- Other info: This role requires regular attendance at the museum, with flexible hybrid working arrangements.
Job Description
About the role
At the Natural History Museum, we’re on an extraordinary journey — transforming how millions of people experience science, nature, and our shared planet. As a global centre of scientific excellence and a beloved cultural institution, we are reimagining our spaces, expanding our world-class collections, and tackling urgent challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. Philanthropy is central to realising these ambitions, powering everything from groundbreaking research to bold capital developments.
The Philanthropy Manager plays a pivotal role in this transformation. As part of a high-performing, collaborative Development team, the postholder will secure transformational six-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, generating significant philanthropic income to support a diverse portfolio of inspiring projects. Working closely with senior stakeholders, curators, and scientists, the role will shape compelling cases for support that connect donors to the Museum’s mission and impact. The postholder will provide exemplary stewardship and create robust and long-term pipelines, whilst actively supporting the Philanthropy Executive with their portfolio.
This position offers the chance to influence the future of one of the world’s most iconic museums, whilst sharing the Museum’s ambition with like-minded philanthropists.
About you
As our next Philanthropy Manager, you’ll bring your talent for cultivating meaningful relationships and turning strategic vision into tangible support for one of the world’s most inspiring institutions. You’ll thrive on building and managing a dynamic portfolio of major donors by researching prospects, crafting tailored proposals, and delivering exceptional stewardship that deepens engagement year after year. With your outstanding communication skills and confident ambassadorial presence, you’ll represent the Natural History Museum to an array of high-profile supporters, translating complex ideas into compelling stories that spark generosity. Collaborative and proactive, you’ll work closely with colleagues across the Museum to shape innovative funding opportunities that align with our bold scientific and cultural ambitions. Meticulous organisation, a sharp eye for detail, and an ability to stay composed under pressure will ensure you deliver exceptional results in a fast-moving, purpose-driven environment.
If you’re a motivated relationship-builder with a track record of securing significant gifts and you want to use your skills to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
Find out more here
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What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 – 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.Â
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events.  We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
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Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 23:59 on 8 December 2025
Interviews expected: w/c 5 January 2026
Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
Philanthropy Manager (HNW) employer: Natural History Museum
Contact Detail:
Natural History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager (HNW)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the philanthropy sector, especially those who have experience working with high-net-worth individuals. Attend relevant events and engage in conversations that can lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's mission and current projects. This knowledge will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals during networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or attending events at the Museum to gain insight into their culture and operations. This hands-on experience can provide you with talking points and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in fundraising and relationship management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged high-net-worth individuals and secured significant donations.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager (HNW)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Philanthropy Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as exceptional written and oral communication skills, and the ability to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in fundraising and relationship management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to secure and manage gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for the Natural History Museum's mission and values in your application. Mention how your personal values align with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and environmental advocacy.
Proofread and Edit: Ensure your application is free from errors by proofreading it multiple times. Pay attention to detail, as this role requires exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail. A polished application reflects your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Research the Museum's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Museum's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and initiatives, especially those related to philanthropy. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Prepare for Relationship Building Questions
As a Philanthropy Manager, you'll need to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in building and maintaining relationships. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to engage and connect with diverse stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Exceptional written and oral communication skills are crucial for this role. During the interview, practice conveying your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present a proposal or discuss how you would approach a potential funder, so be prepared to articulate your ideas effectively.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of detail in securing funding, be sure to highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. You could mention specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks in your work.
