At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising initiatives and build relationships to secure the future of historic museums.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council, dedicated to culture and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual increases, and a commitment to fair pay practices.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across various teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage while developing your skills in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a passion for culture and heritage.
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 reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants. 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.
Company Information
Company: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council Sector: Leisure and Culture, Culture This role expires 06/04/2026.
Ready to join us? We’re all in – are you? 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) in London 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, with opportunities to engage in meaningful fundraising initiatives that directly impact the community. Located in a vibrant borough rich in culture and heritage, you will enjoy a fulfilling role that not only nurtures your professional development but also contributes to preserving our local history for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Officer – Museums (Full Time) in London
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like New Start.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of New Start, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at New Start. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer – Museums (Full Time) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that New Start supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of New Start. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Development Officer – Museums (Full Time) role at New Start. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of New Start. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at New Start.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for New Start. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
