At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure funding and build community support for our historic museums.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council, dedicated to culture and community.
- Benefits: Fair pay, annual increases, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for creative thinking and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent communication, and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Secure the future of our historic museums through fundraising and community support. As a Development Officer, you will play a crucial role in sustaining and growing the legacy of Leighton House and Sambourne House. By developing vital partnerships, building donor relationships and driving fundraising initiatives, you will help ensure these cultural landmarks continue to thrive for generations to come.
Working Style
This is a full‑time role. You will be based at the museums for four days a week and attend occasional cultivation and fundraising events outside standard working hours as needed.
What you'll be doing
This hands‑on, creative and relationship‑focused role works closely with the Senior Curator and the Trustees of the Friends of Leighton House. You will take lead in strengthening fundraising activity across both museums, identifying, applying for and securing funding from trusts, foundations and other sources that align with the museums' mission and programmes. You will also manage documentation for grant‑giving bodies – preparing evaluation reports, monitoring performance and ensuring all conditions are met. You will cultivate long‑term relationships with existing supporters while identifying and engaging new donors. You will plan and deliver targeted fundraising campaigns and appeals, ensuring that the museums' messages resonate with audiences who care about culture and heritage. You will coordinate the activities of the Friends of Leighton House, a registered charity, overseeing membership and donor schemes management, organising member events and visits, processing donations and finding creative ways to grow the group's network and engagement. This includes maintaining clear administrative systems and ensuring regular, meaningful communication with members throughout the year. You will work to deliver key events such as the annual members dinner and garden party. Collaboration is central. You will work with colleagues across the museums – from marketing and curatorial to operations – to understand ongoing activity, identify potential projects for external funding, support the promotion and running of donations and membership schemes, and appropriately acknowledge and allocate funds raised.
What you'll bring
A proven track record in fundraising or development, ideally within the museums, heritage or arts sector. Confidence in preparing persuasive grant applications and proposals that align with donor priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, an ability to craft tailored messages, liaise with partners and present ideas clearly. Experience working with financial data, preparing budgets and reporting outcomes. Creativity, strategic thinking and imaginative ways to meet fundraising targets. Strong organisational skills, managing multiple projects at once while maintaining attention to detail. Experience in managing or developing membership programmes and events will be highly valuable, as will confidence in engaging and inspiring donors, supporters and volunteers.
About us
Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough. As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all. As a Development Officer, you will embody the 'We're all in' mindset – getting stuck in and showing full commitment. From drafting grant proposals to planning events and cultivating donors, you will play an essential role in transforming financial challenges into opportunities for growth.
Logistics
Face‑to‑face interviews will take place 15 April 2026. Basic DBS is required for this role.
Equalities and Diversity
We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Pay and Benefits
We are committed to fair, transparent, and consistent pay practices. New hires will start at the minimum of the advertised salary range. Employees receive annual salary increases until they reach the top of the pay scale. In addition, employees will receive any agreed cost of living pay rises.
Ready to join us?
If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description.
Development Officer – Museums (Full Time) employer: New Start
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a Development Officer for our historic museums, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and community engagement, while enjoying the unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage in a vibrant borough. With a commitment to fair pay practices and a focus on inclusivity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer – Museums (Full Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the museums inside out! Familiarise yourself with their history, current projects, and future goals. This will help you connect with potential donors and partners on a deeper level.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events, engage with community members, and build relationships with other organisations. The more connections you make, the easier it’ll be to secure funding and support.
✨Tip Number 3
Be creative in your fundraising approach! Think outside the box when planning campaigns and events. Unique ideas can capture attention and inspire people to contribute to the museums' legacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After meeting potential donors or partners, send a quick thank-you note or email. Keeping the conversation going shows your commitment and helps build lasting relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer – Museums (Full Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Development Officer role. Highlight your fundraising experience and how it connects to our mission at the museums.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent written communication, use your application to demonstrate your ability to craft persuasive messages. Consider including examples of successful grant applications or donor communications you've handled in the past.
Be Creative and Strategic:We love creativity! When discussing your approach to fundraising, share innovative ideas or strategies you've used before. This will show us that you can think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to our fundraising initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Know Your Museums Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Leighton House and Sambourne House thoroughly. Understand their history, mission, and current fundraising initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Successes
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising experiences. Highlight successful campaigns you've led, partnerships you've developed, and how you've engaged donors. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, as numbers can speak volumes in this field.
✨Craft Tailored Communication Strategies
Since excellent communication is key for this role, think about how you would approach different stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you would craft messages for various audiences, from potential donors to community members, ensuring they resonate with each group.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Collaboration is central to this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with diverse teams in the past. Share examples of how you've coordinated with marketing, curatorial, or operational teams to achieve common goals, and express your enthusiasm for working together at the museums.
