At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategies and manage high-profile events to support the Library's vision.
- Company: Join the British Library, a prestigious cultural institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' holiday, flexible working, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious leaders to shape the future of a global institution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and knowledge while leading philanthropy at a national treasure.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience and strong networks in philanthropy.
The predicted salary is between 54728 - 54728 £ per year.
Location: St Pancras
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Grade: SB4
Salary: £54,728 per annum
About the role
The British Library is one of the world's greatest cultural, intellectual and research institutions. With a collection of more than 170 million items, it serves millions of people each year across the UK and around the world. With a new Chief Executive and Senior Director of Development in place, and ambitious plans for both the Development Office and the wider Library - including a major capital project to transform our London home - this is an exciting moment to join us.
As our new Head of Philanthropy and Events, you will play a pivotal leadership role in delivering the ambitious fundraising plans that will help realise the Library's vision. Working closely with the Senior Director of Development, Deputy Director of Development, Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, Trustees and senior stakeholders, you will shape and deliver strategies to grow high-value philanthropy, with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), in support of the Library's Growing Knowledge strategy and major capital fundraising ambitions.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Development Office and the wider Library, alongside senior volunteers, to identify, cultivate and secure new philanthropic support, in line with the Library's international ambitions. You will inspire and lead your team to grow our community of major donors, Patrons and legators, while overseeing a high-quality VIP events programme that strengthens donor cultivation and stewardship across all Development Office income streams.
This is a compelling opportunity for an ambitious, experienced fundraising leader with strong networks and a track record of securing significant philanthropic support. You will bring strategic vision, clarity and creativity, alongside the drive to build momentum, unlock new opportunities and develop meaningful, long‑term relationships with the Library's most significant supporters.
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead philanthropy and events at one of the UK's most respected and globally significant cultural institutions, and to harness the transformative power of philanthropy to advance knowledge, culture and access at scale, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About us
We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items - a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.
What we can offer you:
- 25 days' holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
- Access to a defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits.
Closing at 23:59 on Sunday 29 November 2026.
Head of Philanthropy and Events employer: National Museums
As a Building Services Engineer with our client-side Estates team, you will thrive in a dynamic and rewarding environment dedicated to preserving one of the world's finest art collections. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to manage complex projects that directly impact the visitor experience and sustainability goals. Located in Liverpool, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working within nationally significant gallery buildings, contributing to the care and conservation of invaluable art while developing your expertise in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Philanthropy and Events
✨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 National Museums.
✨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 National Museums.
✨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 National Museums.
✨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 National Museums. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Philanthropy and Events
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 National Museums. 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 Head of Philanthropy and Events, 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 National Museums
✨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 National Museums. 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!
