At a Glance
- Tasks: Support income generation and engage with donors for impactful projects.
- Company: Join The National Archives' dynamic Philanthropy team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across departments.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to secure funding and enhance public engagement.
- Qualifications: Creative mindset and experience in fundraising or donor relations.
The predicted salary is between 34882 - 34882 £ per year.
Salary: £34,882 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Band: E / Higher Executive Officer
Closing date: Sunday 11th October 2026 at midnight
About us:
The Philanthropy Officer will sit within The National Archives' Research, Grants and Academic Engagement department, the central locus for our:
- Research strategy and delivery
- Research impact, culture and engagement
- Grant fundraising and philanthropy
- Management and assurance of external funding
- Grant-making to the archives and GLAM sectors
The National Archives has a strong track record of securing external funding and holds a grant portfolio of over £16m. Our per-annum grant income has grown by nearly 500% since 2022-23, and in April 2026, we consolidated our fundraising operations with The National Archives Trust. The National Archives has a strategic priority to secure new charitable and philanthropic funding, and this post is one of three new roles being advertised in Autumn 2026 to deliver on that goal. We want to grow our research income, including particularly beyond the arts and humanities; reach a wider breadth of funders both nationally and internationally; and raise our profile, through more creative and targeted public engagement and learning programmes with national reach.
About the role:
The National Archives (TNA) is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Philanthropy Officer to work within its newly established Philanthropy team. Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy and working closely with the Philanthropy Manager, the Philanthropy Officer will support income generation and help to strengthen The National Archives' profile in the philanthropic community.
The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects at various stages to secure support for priority projects, working collaboratively with colleagues across The National Archives. They will also support the Head of Philanthropy and the Philanthropy Manager to develop proposals and reports for multi-year programmes, and annual exhibition, digitisation and conservation projects.
The Philanthropy Officer will support the delivery of cultivation and engagement activities, work closely with the Projects and Process team to monitor funded projects and maintain accurate records on The National Archives' CRM database.
The postholder will work closely with The National Archives Trust, a registered charity that supports The National Archives to engage and educate the public, and conserve and preserve the collection. The Philanthropy Officer will also work with the Grant Development team to achieve shared goals.
This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department.
A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.
Philanthropy Officer employer: nationalarchives
The National Archives offers a unique and enriching work environment, steeped in nearly 200 years of history and dedicated to becoming a modern, inclusive cultural institution. Employees benefit from a flexible working culture that supports both onsite and remote work, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team focused on transparency and governance. Joining us means being part of a transformative journey where your contributions will directly impact the preservation and accessibility of our national story.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Officer
✨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 nationalarchives.
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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 nationalarchives.
✨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 nationalarchives.
✨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 nationalarchives. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Philanthropy Officer
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 nationalarchives. 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 Philanthropy Officer, 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 nationalarchives
✨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 nationalarchives. 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!
