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- Tasks: Lead a team to identify and evaluate high-value fundraising prospects for the British Museum.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution with a collection spanning over two million years of culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on food and shop purchases.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that shapes the future of cultural heritage and philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Experience in prospect research and strategic fundraising, ideally in the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Other info: Work remotely 2 days a week and engage in exciting museum activities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
The British Museum is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation through its ambitious Masterplan—one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects in the world. As part of this vision, we are seeking a strategic and analytical leader to join the Development Department as Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities.
This pivotal new role will lead the research and prioritisation of prospects for high-value philanthropy, playing a key part in shaping the Museum’s fundraising strategy and enabling transformational gifts and sponsorships. Working closely with senior stakeholders and leading a high-performing team, the role will drive the identification, evaluation, and alignment of major gift opportunities to support the Museum’s strategic and capital fundraising priorities.
Key areas of responsibility:- Lead and develop the Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities team, overseeing prospect identification, due diligence, research, and fundraising intelligence.
- Devise and implement a strategic approach to prospect research, supporting fundraising across individuals, corporates, and foundations.
- Provide high-level briefings and insight to the Director, Trustees, and senior staff ahead of key cultivation meetings and events.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the Museum to shape and prioritise compelling fundraising propositions, leading the integration of insight-led fundraising briefs and cases for support.
- Support the strategic management of the donor pipeline, advising on opportunities, challenges, and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Lead on reporting and analytics, providing insight into fundraising performance and helping to forecast income potential.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and ethical research standards and oversee the use of research tools and systems (e.g. Raiser’s Edge).
- Proven expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning, ideally within the cultural or non-profit sector.
- Demonstrable experience identifying and qualifying high-value donors and sponsors in the UK and internationally.
- Skilled in managing complex research and turning data into actionable fundraising insights.
- Experienced in managing and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and motivating leadership style.
- Confident advising senior stakeholders and aligning cross-departmental goals to drive fundraising success.
- Proficient in CRM databases (such as Raiser’s Edge) and other research and wealth screening tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into compelling, donor-focused narratives.
- Calm under pressure, highly organised, and solutions-oriented, with a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset.
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
Benefits:- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans.
- Professional and personal development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture.
The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Contact Detail:
Placed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's current fundraising initiatives and major projects. Understanding their Masterplan will help you align your insights and strategies with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural and non-profit sectors, especially those involved in fundraising. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide valuable insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with CRM databases and research tools like Raiser’s Edge. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used data to drive fundraising success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style by preparing examples of how you've developed high-performing teams. Highlight your collaborative approach and how it has led to successful fundraising outcomes in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in prospect research and fundraising. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in identifying high-value donors and managing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the British Museum's mission and how your skills align with their goals. Emphasise your strategic approach to fundraising and your ability to provide actionable insights.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Provide examples of how you've motivated and developed team members to achieve fundraising success.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Include examples of how you've used data to inform fundraising strategies. Discuss any experience you have with CRM databases and how you've turned complex information into compelling narratives for stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Placed
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities and expectations for the Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities. Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's Masterplan and how this role fits into their fundraising strategy.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your strategic mindset. Inquire about the current challenges in fundraising and how the team collaborates with other departments to achieve their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing high-performing teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've motivated and developed team members, as well as how you’ve successfully aligned cross-departmental goals.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves analytics and reporting, prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform fundraising strategies in the past. Share examples of how you've turned complex information into actionable insights that led to successful outcomes.
