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- Tasks: Lead fundraising and partnerships for a major capital campaign at the British Library.
- Company: Join the British Library, a leading national institution shaping cultural engagement.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative project with significant impact on community access to knowledge.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a cherished institution and inspire diverse audiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in fundraising and partnership development.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence the cultural landscape in a digital age.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Development to lead fundraising and partnerships at this defining moment. You will lead and complete a successful major capital campaign for the expansion of our St Pancras site, which will create a major new public space for London and the UK that is connected to our community and open to the world. As one of the largest and most exciting transformation projects in the cultural sector, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the British Library, helping to secure the long-term investment that will enable our mission to thrive.
Working closely with a highly committed team at all levels, you will grow philanthropic support, strengthen major donor relationships, and position the Library as a national centre of cultural and intellectual life. You will be a confident and collaborative leader who can inspire supporters and build high impact partnerships. Your work will help open new doors for people to engage with the Library, ensuring our collections and programmes remain accessible to all, both physically and digitally.
This is a unique chance to play a leading role in the next chapter of a cherished national institution, shaping how people connect with knowledge, culture, and the stories that define us, both in person and online. The British Library is entering a bold new era. As one of the world's leading national libraries, we hold over 170 million items and support millions of people across the UK and beyond with research, learning, and inspiration. This is a pivotal moment to join us as we begin an ambitious new chapter, expanding access, strengthening engagement, and shaping our future as a modern national library for the digital age.
Responsibilities
- Lead fundraising and partnerships strategy and execution, including a major capital campaign for the expansion of the St Pancras site.
- Grow philanthropic support and strengthen major donor relationships.
- Position the Library as a national centre of cultural and intellectual life and build high-impact partnerships.
- Inspire supporters and lead a team to engage diverse audiences, ensuring access to collections and programmes both physically and digitally.
Director of Development employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cultural sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the British Library or during an interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you care about cultural institutions and how you envision making a difference in this pivotal moment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would lead a major capital campaign or strengthen donor relationships. We recommend practising your responses with a friend or mentor to ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us in shaping the future of the British Library. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how much you care about the British Library and its mission. Share your personal connection to culture and knowledge – it’ll make your application stand out!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the Director of Development. We’re looking for specific examples of fundraising success and partnership building, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Library's mission and current projects. Understand how your role as Director of Development will contribute to their goals, especially regarding the major capital campaign for the St Pancras site. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led fundraising initiatives or built partnerships. Highlight your collaborative nature and how it can benefit the Library in engaging diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to fundraising and partnerships. Prepare scenarios that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to grow philanthropic support. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Their Vision
During the interview, express genuine enthusiasm for the Library's future and its role in the cultural sector. Discuss how you envision expanding access to collections and programmes, both physically and digitally. This will show your commitment to their mission and your readiness to lead transformative projects.
