At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts for a transformative waterfront project at National Museums Liverpool.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at National Museums Liverpool, committed to heritage and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Attend our Recruitment Insight event to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
- Why this job: Be part of a £100 million project that reshapes Liverpool's waterfront and its cultural narrative.
- Qualifications: Experience in major gifts and strategic fundraising is essential.
The predicted salary is between 41825 - 41825 £ per year.
Salary: £41,825 per annum (Pay award pending)
Contract Type: Fixed term for up to 18 months
Position Type: Full Time
Closing Date: Thursday 11 June 2026 at 12:00 noon
The Vacancy
Our people are at the heart of National Museums Liverpool. Colleagues from across the organisation make a difference every day, creating memorable experiences for everyone and challenging expectations. We pride ourselves on being a place for everyone, but we are always aiming higher, aspiring to be representative of the communities we serve. Through our people, we are building a culture which embeds trust, respect and inclusion and an organisation in which people are engaged and empowered to enable National Museums Liverpool to evolve.
We currently have the post of Development Manager (Waterfront Transformation Project) available. National Museums Liverpool is delivering one of the most significant heritage-led regeneration projects in the UK, and we are seeking an exceptional fundraiser to play a pivotal role in realising our ambitious vision.
The Waterfront Transformation Project is our most important transformation in over a decade, representing more than £100 million of investment into the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum, and Canning Quaysides and Dry Docks. Liverpool’s waterfront has always been a place of movement, exchange and connection – a meeting point of people, stories and ideas. Our vision is to create an immersive and seamless journey that stirs curiosity, empathy and pride, where the International Slavery Museum, the Maritime Museum, and Canning Quaysides and Dry Docks become living, breathing spaces that invite reflection, dialogue and discovery.
This project has received significant support from a range of funders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and The Wolfson Foundation. With strong confidence in the project’s funding profile, we are preparing to launch the public phase of the campaign, deepen engagement with major donors, and increase its profile at local, national and international levels.
The Development Manager will play a central role in supporting the Head of Development (Capital Campaigns) to deliver the fundraising strategy for the Waterfront Transformation Project. The successful candidate will be a proactive, results-driven fundraiser with a demonstrable track record of securing significant gifts, developing and managing high-quality prospect pipelines effectively, and consistently meeting or exceeding income targets. You will be confident initiating approaches, securing meetings with prospective donors and partners, and maintaining momentum across a busy portfolio of opportunities.
You will bring energy, resilience and strong personal accountability, driving activity forward at pace. You will maintain regular engagement with donors, confidently engage high-value individuals, and build strong relationships that inspire long-term support for the project.
We are looking for an exceptional communicator who can champion the project, working confidently with senior stakeholders and presenting a compelling case for support to funders, both in writing and in person. You will also demonstrate strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to effectively monitor and report on fundraising activity, manage complex donor pipelines, and use insight and data to support income reporting, forecasting and decision-making.
We are seeking individuals with a track record in major gifts, capital campaigns, philanthropy or strategic fundraising. You will be comfortable operating at a strategic level, building relationships with philanthropists, trusts and foundations, corporate partners and public sector stakeholders. You will bring experience of developing compelling funding propositions and stewardship strategies, alongside strong project management, reporting and communication skills.
Recruitment Insight Event
Want to learn more about working with National Museums Liverpool? Join us on Tuesday 09 June 2026 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm for our online Recruitment Insight event. You’ll hear about our organisation, the work of our teams, as well as find out more about the job opportunities currently being advertised. You’ll also meet some of the staff recruiting and get the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Additional Information
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS) National Museums Liverpool carries out checks, at a level appropriate for each role, as part of our recruitment process. Checks are completed through the Disclosure and Barring Service, following a successful interview and conditional offer. Details of these checks are restricted to the People Team and not shared with recruiting managers.
National Museums Liverpool are not currently a sponsor organisation for those applying from outside of the UK. This means that we will be unable to sponsor applications for a work visa from those who live outside of the UK and do not currently hold the right to work.
Development Manager (Waterfront Transformation Project), National Museums Liverpool employer: Art In Liverpool
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer that champions flexibility and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive. With a commitment to professional development and a generous benefits package, including a final salary pension scheme and ample annual leave, the organisation fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation across its various office locations. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the arts and cultural sector while enjoying the advantages of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager (Waterfront Transformation Project), National Museums Liverpool
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Art In Liverpool.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Art In Liverpool, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Art In Liverpool. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager (Waterfront Transformation Project), National Museums Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Art In Liverpool supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Art In Liverpool. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Development Manager (Waterfront Transformation Project), National Museums Liverpool role at Art In Liverpool. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Art In Liverpool
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Art In Liverpool. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Art In Liverpool.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Art In Liverpool. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
