Senior Trusts and Foundations Manager

The Courtauld is a specialist university and home to the largest community of art historians and conservators in the UK. It offers a range of degree programmes in the History of Art, curating and the conservation of easel and wall paintings, and in 2026 was ranked the best institution in the world to study art history, according to QS World University Rankings. The Courtauld cares for one of the greatest art collections in the UK, displayed at the Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House, central London. The Courtauld works to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an internationally‑renowned centre for the teaching, research of art history and a major public gallery. Founded in 1932, the organisation has been at the forefront of the study of art ever since.

Are you a motivated and experienced trusts and foundations fundraiser with a passion for arts and education? We’re looking for a Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager to drive forward relationships with grant‑givers. Join a dynamic fundraising function in the role of Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager. You’ll be playing a vital role in driving income to support an ambitious new chapter in the Courtauld’s history. Your focus will be raising gifts from trusts and foundations towards the Courtauld’s endowment and critical needs, such as funded posts, scholarships, exhibitions and research initiatives.

We’re looking for an organised and self‑motivated fundraiser with exemplary writing skills to raise funds from trusts and foundations and ensure excellent stewardship and reporting. You’ll develop and deliver high‑quality funding applications, working collaboratively across the organisation to shape compelling projects, proposals and budgets that align with donor priorities and help drive future income growth. Building strong relationships with trusts, foundations and grant‑makers, you’ll provide excellent stewardship and donor care.

If this is you and you believe you can carry out this role effectively, we’d love to meet you. Review the Job Description and Person Specification then complete the online application. If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please contact Hannah Hamblin, Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships.

Closing Date: 5th July 2026.

Interview Dates: First round, week commencing 13th July 2026.

Essential:

• A good standard of general education to at least degree level or equivalent.
• Major gifts fundraiser who has experience in securing five and six figure gifts from grant‑making foundations.
• Proven ability to meet stretching targets.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage up, to motivate colleagues and achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrable ability to be strategic, use initiative, and effectively manage own time and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work as part of a team but also to work independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals at Board and senior leadership level.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a demonstrable ability to write succinctly and compellingly.
• Excellent and self‑supporting IT skills, including confident use of the Microsoft Office toolset.

Desirable:

• Minimum of 6 years fundraising in the arts or higher education.
• A demonstrable interest in the arts and higher education and, in particular, an understanding of the Courtauld and its aims in teaching, research and curating.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly.
• Flexibility and willingness to occasionally work weekends and evenings.
• Experience in working in a large team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Significant experience of working in a donor‑facing role in a complex organisation, delivering excellent customer service.
• Good knowledge and experience working with a fundraising relational database, ideally Raiser’s Edge.