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- Tasks: Lead a team to identify and evaluate high-value fundraising prospects for the British Museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution with a rich history and diverse collection.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that shapes cultural heritage and impacts global philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research and strategic fundraising, ideally in the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Other info: Work remotely 2 days a week and engage in exciting museum activities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 ÂŁ per year.
The British Museum is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation through its ambitious Masterplan—one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects in the world. As part of this vision, we are seeking a strategic and analytical leader to join the Development Department as Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities.
This pivotal new role will lead the research and prioritisation of prospects for high-value philanthropy, playing a key part in shaping the Museum’s fundraising strategy and enabling transformational gifts and sponsorships. Working closely with senior stakeholders and leading a high-performing team, the role will drive the identification, evaluation, and alignment of major gift opportunities to support the Museum’s strategic and capital fundraising priorities.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Lead and develop the Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities team, overseeing prospect identification, due diligence, research, and fundraising intelligence.
- Devise and implement a strategic approach to prospect research, supporting fundraising across individuals, corporates, and foundations.
- Provide high-level briefings and insight to the Director, Trustees, and senior staff ahead of key cultivation meetings and events.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the Museum to shape and prioritise compelling fundraising propositions, leading the integration of insight-led fundraising briefs and cases for support.
- Support the strategic management of the donor pipeline, advising on opportunities, challenges, and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Lead on reporting and analytics, providing insight into fundraising performance and helping to forecast income potential.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and ethical research standards and oversee the use of research tools and systems (e.g. Raiser’s Edge).
About you:
- Proven expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning, ideally within the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Demonstrable experience identifying and qualifying high-value donors and sponsors in the UK and internationally.
- Skilled in managing complex research and turning data into actionable fundraising insights.
- Experienced in managing and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and motivating leadership style.
- Confident advising senior stakeholders and aligning cross-departmental goals to drive fundraising success.
- Proficient in CRM databases (such as Raiser’s Edge) and other research and wealth screening tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into compelling, donor-focused narratives.
- Calm under pressure, highly organised, and solutions-oriented, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans.
- Professional and personal development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics.
Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience. We offer a flexible way of working that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 2 days a week.
Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities employer: Job Traffic
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's current fundraising initiatives and strategic goals. Understanding their Masterplan and how your role would contribute to it will help you articulate your vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural and non-profit sectors, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into best practices in prospect research.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully identified and engaged high-value donors in the past. Highlight your analytical skills and how you've turned data into actionable insights that have driven fundraising success.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by preparing to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams. Be ready to share strategies you've used to motivate and collaborate with team members to achieve fundraising goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined by the British Museum.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only showcases your qualifications but also reflects your passion for the role and the mission of the British Museum. Make sure to address how you can contribute to their ambitious Masterplan and fundraising strategy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities. Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's Masterplan and how your role will contribute to its success.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your experience in strategic fundraising planning and how you've successfully identified high-value donors in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your analytical skills and how they can benefit the Museum.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the current fundraising strategies and how the team collaborates with other departments to achieve their goals.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a high-performing team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and fostered collaboration to drive fundraising success.
