At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and secure major philanthropic gifts for impactful public programmes.
- Company: Join IWM, a mission-driven organisation preserving stories of conflict and its impact.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IWM through individual giving and engage with passionate donors.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in securing major gifts and excellent relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Collaborate across teams and contribute to IWM’s goal of raising £1.5m.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
IWM is home to one of the world’s most important collections telling the stories of conflict and its impact on people’s lives. Our teams are united by a shared sense of purpose, working collaboratively to educate, inspire and engage the public. You’ll join a supportive and mission‑driven environment where innovation, respect and curiosity are at the heart of how we work.
Individual philanthropy is essential to IWM’s future. The funds raised through major gifts, Patrons, and legacies help us deliver public programmes, grow our learning offer, and protect our 33 million‑item collection for generations to come.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the development and delivery of IWM’s Individual Giving strategy, with a focus on securing six‑ and seven‑figure philanthropic gifts.
- Grow unrestricted income through the Patrons Programme and annual giving initiatives.
- Develop and expand the Legacy Giving Programme, increasing membership of the 1917 Living Legacy Society.
- Build and manage high‑value donor relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship and engagement.
- Line‑manage two Development Officers (London and Manchester), providing leadership, coaching and support.
- Work closely with the Director of Development on planning, reporting, and key funding priorities.
- Represent IWM at meetings, events and donor engagements with professionalism and authority.
- Ensure best practice in fundraising compliance, donor care and use of Raiser’s Edge.
What We’re Looking For
- A strong track record securing major gifts, including six‑ and seven‑figure donations.
- Excellent relationship‑building skills and confidence engaging senior donors and stakeholders.
- Experience leading fundraising strategy and managing funded projects.
- Knowledge of UK charity legislation and fundraising best practice.
- Experience using Raiser’s Edge or a similar CRM.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience supporting and developing others.
- Clear, compelling communication skills and the ability to represent an organisation externally.
- A proactive, organised and creative approach to your work.
How You’ll Work
You’ll collaborate with colleagues across Development, Marketing, Curatorial, Public Engagement and senior leadership to deliver exceptional experiences for donors and stakeholders. Working across multiple IWM branches, you’ll build strong relationships with teams in London and Manchester, sharing insight and ensuring fundraising activity aligns with organisational priorities.
What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)
- Strong relationships established with key donors, prospects and internal stakeholders.
- Clear progress made on major gift cultivation and stewardship activity.
- Growth in Patrons, annual giving, and legacy engagement.
- Confident leadership and development of both Development Officers.
- Effective reporting and insight shared with the Director of Development.
- Visible contribution to IWM’s 2027 goal of raising £1.5 m in unrestricted income.
Head of Individual Giving (12 Month FTC) in London employer: IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS
Contact Detail:
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Individual Giving (12 Month FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the impact you can make.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Individual Giving. Highlight your successes in securing major gifts and building relationships, as these are key to impressing potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the value you bring to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Individual Giving (12 Month FTC) in London
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 individual giving and the impact it has on IWM's mission. Share your personal connection to philanthropy and why this role matters to you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this position. Highlight your experience with major gifts and relationship-building, as these are key for us. Use examples that demonstrate your success in securing six- and seven-figure donations to really grab our attention.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story! Keep it engaging and relevant to the role. We want to know how your skills align with our needs, so be specific about your fundraising strategy experience and how you can contribute to IWM’s goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at IWM!
How to prepare for a job interview at IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into IWM's mission and values. Understand their Individual Giving strategy and how it aligns with their goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've secured major gifts in the past. Highlight your relationship-building skills and any successful fundraising strategies you've led. Use metrics to back up your achievements, as numbers speak volumes in this field.
✨Engage with Confidence
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, they want to see that you can represent IWM with professionalism and authority, so be sure to convey your passion for their cause.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in individual giving or how they envision the future of their Patrons Programme. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their mission.