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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 culture and knowledge.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative project with a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Help expand access to culture and knowledge for everyone in the UK and beyond.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in fundraising and partnership development.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to shape the future of a cherished national library.
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 in London employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in London
✨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. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the mission! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the British Library or during an interview, make sure to express why you care about their work. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the British Library’s recent projects and initiatives, especially around fundraising and partnerships. Being knowledgeable will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it through our platform. It shows you’re serious about joining us and helps streamline the process for everyone involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Development role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and partnerships, and show how your skills align with our mission at the British Library.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you inspire and lead teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or campaigns in the past, especially those that involved collaboration and community engagement.
Be Passionate About Our Mission: Let your enthusiasm for the British Library's vision shine through. Explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to expanding access and strengthening engagement with our collections.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting role in shaping the future of the Library.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Library's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives, especially around fundraising and partnerships. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Development, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and share examples of how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. Highlight any collaborative projects that demonstrate your ability to build high-impact partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific challenges related to fundraising and donor relationships. Think of scenarios where you've had to innovate or overcome obstacles in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Engage with Passion
This role is all about connecting people with culture and knowledge. During the interview, let your passion for the arts and community engagement shine through. Share your vision for how you can contribute to the Library's mission and make a lasting impact on its future.
