Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development in London

Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development in London

London Full-Time 38000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ROYAL SOCIETY

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research activities to support fundraising and provide insights on potential donors.
  • Company: Join the Royal Society, a prestigious scientific academy with a rich history.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a real impact in science.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a unique philanthropic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that promotes excellence in science for the benefit of humanity.
  • Qualifications: Strong research skills and an understanding of fundraising strategies.

The predicted salary is between 38000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are the independent scientific academy of the UK, founded in 1660. The Society has a long history of philanthropic support and in 2015 ran a successful 350th anniversary fundraising campaign which raised £100m. We count many well‑known philanthropists, foundations and corporates within our list of current supporters who fund a range of activities including Science 2040, Brian Cox Videos, a Science Book Prize, Wolfson Fellowships and an annual bilateral meeting with India. Due to a convening power and reach that is globally unique, our philanthropic potential is enormous.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team and the next two to five years will be formative in enabling the Society to galvanise philanthropy in support of our founding mission: to promote excellence in Science for the benefit of humanity.

Sitting as part of Development Operations, the Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer is a newly established role and will be pivotal in ensuring the success of the Development team. The successful candidate will lead on all research activities associated with fundraising at the Royal Society. Key activities include:

  • Providing detailed, high‑quality briefings on top prospects and donors for front line fundraisers and Society leadership;
  • Identifying new prospective donors to build an informed and targeted fundraising pipeline;
  • Providing insight into philanthropic market trends to inform our longer‑term strategy;
  • Undertaking due diligence to ensure the Society is not actively engaging with organisations and individuals that may bring with them reputational risk;
  • Providing individual support to fundraisers to ensure there is consistent movement of prospects through the pipeline, maximising the resource the Society has invested in fundraising.

Reports to Emma Preston, Development Operations Manager

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week

Contract: permanent

Pay band: D

Salary range: £38,000- £50,000 per annum

The application closing date is 6 July 2026 at 23:59. Interview will be held on 23 July 2026.

Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development in London employer: ROYAL SOCIETY

The Royal Society is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of science while working in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills and engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact. The Society's rich history and philanthropic focus provide a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in the scientific community.

ROYAL SOCIETY

Contact Details:

ROYAL SOCIETY Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development in London

Get Involved Locally

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development in London

Research Skills
Due Diligence
Fundraising Strategy
Market Analysis
Briefing Preparation
Prospect Identification
Philanthropic Insight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of ROYAL SOCIETY. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Research and Due Diligence Officer, Development, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL SOCIETY

Show Your Passion for Social Change

When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of ROYAL SOCIETY. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

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