At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support the Museum's ambitious transformation and mission.
- Company: Join the Natural History Museum, a world-class attraction and research institution.
- Benefits: Flexible working options and a chance to make a real impact on the planet.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in history, shaping the future of science and advocacy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in major fundraising strategies and building strong relationships.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Natural History Museum is uniquely positioned as both a world-class visitor attraction and a leading scientific research institution. As we approach our 150th anniversary, we are embarking on one of the most ambitious transformations in our history. Our mission is to create advocates for the planet and to use our global platform, collections and scientific research to address the urgent challenges facing the natural world.
Work is already underway. In 2024, we unveiled our new five-acre gardens and opened the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery, which welcomed more than one million visitors in its first six months. Looking ahead, we will relocate 28 million specimens to our new science and research centre at Thames Valley Science Park, due for completion in 2031. This will free significant space in South Kensington, enabling us to transform our iconic Waterhouse building and open up more of our collections to the public than ever before. To complete this transformation, we are raising £150 million as part of our 150 Campaign.
Throughout the lifetime of the campaign, we will breathe new life into four existing galleries, open two magnificent galleries that have been closed to the public for 80 years, welcome one million additional visitors annually, engage 10 million young people and families through our programmes, and inspire more than 100 million advocates for the planet worldwide. This is an extraordinary moment to join the Museum.
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead and deliver this ambitious fundraising programme and to shape the long-term financial resilience of the organisation. Reporting to the Museum Director, Dr Doug Gurr, and serving as a member of the Executive Board, the Director of Development will provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activity across the Museum. They will determine and drive the overall fundraising strategy, building deep and lasting relationships with philanthropists, corporates, trusts, foundations and individual supporters in the UK and internationally.
The role encompasses the full development portfolio, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, patrons, legacies and individual giving. Leading a team of 35, the Director will cultivate a high-performing, collaborative and ambitious function capable of delivering £150 million over the next five years.
The successful candidate will bring significant senior-level experience of delivering a major institutional fundraising strategy, raising in the region of £20 million per annum, with the ambition and capability to grow further. They will have a strong track record of securing seven-figure gifts, extensive experience of working with major donors and corporate partners, and deep knowledge of fundraising within the scientific, cultural or similarly mission-driven sectors. Experience of engaging senior volunteers, operating internationally and managing complex stakeholder relationships will be essential.
Above all, the Director of Development will share the Museum’s belief in the power of science to secure a thriving future for people and planet, bringing energy, drive and personal commitment to advancing our mission at a pivotal moment in our history.
Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is 09.00 BST on Monday 30th March 2026.
To get in touch confidentially about this opportunity, please contact Ilona Motyer.
Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
This is a full-time position. We are open to the possibility of flexible working.
Director of Development employer: CASE
Case offers a dynamic and creative work environment in Greater London, where employees are encouraged to innovate and contribute to a brand with a rich design heritage. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and fosters a collaborative culture that values teamwork and creativity. Joining Case means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to enhancing customer experiences in the e-commerce space.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨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 CASE.
✨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 CASE.
✨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 CASE.
✨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 CASE. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
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 CASE. 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 Director of Development, 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 CASE
✨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 CASE. 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!
