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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts and manage a team to secure major gifts for impactful projects.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to plant science.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellness support, and access to beautiful gardens.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in major donor fundraising and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Development Manager, Major Gifts (maternity cover) for a 12-month role in the Major Donor Team within Kew Development. This is a wide-ranging, responsible position within a collaborative and supportive team. The post holder will play an integral role in helping Kew to maximise philanthropic support, cultivating high-net-worth individuals who have the capacity and passion to make major gifts.
Alongside line managing two Development Managers, Major Gifts, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in fundraising for key projects including the £60 million renovation of the Palm House, and the Seeds Future Fund, a £30m fund, to support crucial scientific research and global conservation partnerships to protect biodiversity round the world.
The Senior Development Manager, Major Gifts will be an integral member of the Major Donor team, partnering with the Associate Director, Major Gifts and Patrons to develop and implement Kew’s major giving strategy. The successful candidate will be a passionate major donor fundraiser with experience securing five and six figure gifts from individuals and family foundations. They will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, be a strategic and creative thinker, and enjoy working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
They will have line management experience and highly developed interpersonal skills, with notable experience and interest in motivating others to succeed. This person will enjoy making things happen and have a strong appreciation for Kew’s mission.
This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.
About Us
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.
We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history. Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.
Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.
We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.
Senior Development Manager - Major Gifts in England employer: ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
Contact Detail:
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager - Major Gifts in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fundraising world, especially those who have experience with major gifts. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're trying to land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kew's mission and recent projects. Show us how your passion for biodiversity aligns with our goals. We love candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to making a real impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your previous successes in securing major gifts. We want to hear about your strategies and how you motivated others to achieve fundraising goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to join us in protecting the planet.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager - Major Gifts in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for Kew's mission shine through. We want to see how much you care about protecting plants and fungi, and how that aligns with your experience in major gifts fundraising.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in securing five and six figure gifts. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their strategic thinking and successful fundraising tactics, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Collaborative: Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse stakeholders in the past, as we value teamwork at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
✨Know Your Philanthropy
Before the interview, dive deep into Kew's mission and recent projects. Understand their major gifts strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially regarding high-net-worth individuals and significant fundraising initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Development Manager, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, motivated others, and achieved fundraising targets. Highlight your line management experience and how you foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to cultivate relationships with major donors or overcome challenges in fundraising. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about Kew's future projects, the Major Donor Team's dynamics, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.