At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts from high-net-worth individuals to support museum projects.
- Company: Join a world-class museum dedicated to science and natural history, inspiring millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, hybrid working, and discounts at museums across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental advocacy while working in a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and experience in managing high-value donations required.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum\’s unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.
We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. 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.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
Development Group generates philanthropic and sponsorship income to help us create a Natural History Museum for the future – investing in capital development, attaining vital acquisitions for the collection, transforming our galleries, developing innovative exhibitions and undertaking ground-breaking scientific research on issues that affect us all.
The Museum is looking for an ambitious and self-motivated individual for the role of Philanthropy Manager. The role will be focused on raising funds from high-net-worth individuals capable of giving six-figure gifts and key in achieving our strategic priorities. It will involve working both independently and closely with senior stakeholders in order to cultivate and maintain relationships with new and existing funders, securing income towards a diverse range of core and capital projects.
Working alongside an approachable and highly successful Philanthropy team and reporting into the Senior Philanthropy Manager (HNWI), the role will cultivate and build relationships with a portfolio of potential and existing funders, engaging with them through correspondence, meetings, events and creating compelling proposals to secure funding. The role will provide exemplary stewardship and create robust and long-term pipelines, whilst actively supporting the Philanthropy Executive with their portfolio.
About you
The appointed person will be able to secure and manage gifts from high-net-worth individuals, and have exceptional written and oral communication skills, with an ability to convey detailed information in a concise and engaging manner. They will have an ability to establish productive relationships with a variety of funders, prospects and colleagues and be able to to establish productive relationships with a variety of funders, prospects and colleagues. The person will be able to work proactively and constructively with colleagues to develop high-quality project proposals and act as an ambassador for the Natural History Museum amongst a range of high-profile external contacts. Finally, they must have exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills and an a bility to prioritise and meet regular deadlines whilst working under pressure.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
Find out more here
What we offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 – 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures. For more details, visit
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
How to apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job .
Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 23:59 on 31 August 2025
Interviews expected: w/c 15 September 2025
Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
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Philanthropy Manager (HNW) employer: National History Museum
Contact Detail:
National History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Manager (HNW)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the philanthropy sector, especially those who have experience working with high-net-worth individuals. Attend relevant events and conferences to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's mission and current projects. Understanding their strategic priorities will help you engage more effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Develop your communication skills by practising how to convey complex information in a concise and engaging manner. Consider joining public speaking groups or workshops that focus on persuasive communication, as this will be crucial in your interactions with funders.
✨Tip Number 4
Research successful fundraising strategies used by other organisations targeting high-net-worth individuals. This knowledge can help you craft compelling proposals and presentations that resonate with potential donors, showcasing your ability to contribute to the Museum's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Manager (HNW)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Philanthropy Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role's focus on raising funds from high-net-worth individuals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the Museum's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to secure and manage gifts, as well as your exceptional communication skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles where you successfully engaged with high-net-worth individuals or managed fundraising initiatives. Be sure to include metrics or outcomes that illustrate your success in these areas.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Given the importance of detail in this role, ensure your application is free from errors. Double-check your spelling, grammar, and formatting. A polished application reflects your organisational skills and professionalism, which are crucial for the Philanthropy Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Research the Museum's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Museum's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their focus on philanthropy. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Relationship-Building Questions
As a Philanthropy Manager, building relationships is key. Be ready to discuss your experience in cultivating and maintaining relationships with high-net-worth individuals. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully engaged funders in the past, showcasing your communication skills and ability to create compelling proposals.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
The role requires exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage deadlines, especially when working under pressure. Consider sharing a situation where your organisational skills led to a successful outcome in a previous role.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, make sure to engage with the panel by asking insightful questions about the Museum's current projects and future plans. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your proactive approach to understanding the organisation's needs and how you can contribute.