At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major fundraising campaign for the British Museum's ambitious £1.3 billion Masterplan.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum, a cultural institution reimagining its future.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative project with significant impact on culture and heritage.
- Other info: Rare opportunity to influence one of the most significant campaigns in the cultural sector.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a world-renowned museum while securing vital philanthropic support.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience, strong relationship-building skills, and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Help shape one of the most ambitious cultural transformation projects of our generation. The British Museum is embarking on a landmark £1.3 billion Masterplan, reimagining one of the world's most iconic cultural institutions for the 21st century while preserving its unique role as a museum for everyone. To support this vision, we are launching a major philanthropic campaign with a target of raising £500 million+.
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Gifts Manager to secure transformational philanthropic support from leading UK and international donors. Working closely with senior leadership, trustees and campaign volunteers, you will develop and manage relationships with principal-level philanthropists, guiding complex donor journeys and securing significant multi-year gifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of principal gift prospects and donors.
- Develop and deliver strategies to secure transformational philanthropic commitments.
- Lead peer-to-peer fundraising activity with senior stakeholders and volunteers.
- Establish and manage the Masterplan Campaign Board.
- Coordinate complex fundraising projects across the Museum and wider stakeholder network.
- Build compelling cases for support aligned to the Museum's strategic priorities.
About You
You will be an accomplished fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts, ideally within the arts, culture, heritage, charity or higher education sectors. You will combine exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills with strong project management expertise, strategic thinking and the confidence to engage high-profile donors and senior stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in one of the most significant fundraising campaigns in the cultural sector, helping secure the future of a world-renowned institution that cares for over eight million objects spanning human history.
Closing date for applications: Thursday 15th October 2026
Senior Major Gifts Manager in England employer: Berwick Partners
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy at one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions. With a commitment to employee growth through professional development and a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a museum that impacts millions globally. Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including generous leave and exclusive access to exhibitions, all while contributing to a transformative mission in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Major Gifts Manager in England
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Berwick Partners.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Berwick Partners.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Berwick Partners.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Berwick Partners. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Major Gifts Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Berwick Partners. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Major Gifts Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Berwick Partners
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Berwick Partners. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
