Research Officer in Guildford

The Research Officer sits within the Development Directorate at RBG Kew, supporting the organisation's fundraising efforts to advance its world-leading work in plant science and conservation. The Research team’s role is to build robust prospect pipelines, champion effective prospect management, and implement RBG Kew’s due diligence policy. The Research Officer will help support effective and insight-driven fundraising, with responsibilities that include writing briefings on prospective and current donors and funders, managing database processes and overseeing the Research team’s workload flow.

This role offers the right candidate the opportunity to learn about fundraising by working alongside some of the most experienced and committed professionals in the sector. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the exciting capital projects and strategic activities for which we are raising funds, and hone skills that are essential for any career in the non-profit sector. You will develop skills such as managing and making sense of qualitative information to further financial targets, research and writing skills, working with data and systems, managing projects and cross-team collaboration.

We are looking for candidates with strong research and writing skills and experience collating and presenting information accurately and clearly for a variety of audiences. This role suits someone in the early stages of their fundraising or research career, as well as candidates from different sectors with transferable research skills, who are at ease managing large sets of qualitative data and information and can manage relationships effectively. You will also be expected to use our central CRM system, so attention to detail and care in following data processes is essential. A team player, committed to understanding and responding to customer needs, you will be able to manage deadlines and projects and build relationships across teams. You will have excellent communication skills and demonstrate enthusiasm for Kew and its work.

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.

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.

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone. Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.