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- Tasks: Support fundraising efforts by researching potential donors and managing prospect pipelines.
- Company: Join the British Academy, a leading institution for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fundraising while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in research and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a culture of collaboration await you.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Development Research Officer to join our Development Team, providing key support within a small fundraising team of 9. It’s a particularly exciting time to join, as we are embarking on an ambitious 125th Anniversary Campaign in 2027.
This role is crucial in enabling the Academy to achieve its ambitious fundraising targets for our next campaign. The Development Research Officer will identify potential new funders who have the capacity and affinity to support the British Academy, as well as manage qualified prospects as they move through the prospect pipeline. You will also provide key intelligence on prospects and donors for meeting briefings and events, as well as due diligence research on potential donors to the Academy.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic insights on prospects and donors for the variety of audiences that we work with. You will enjoy gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources, making connections between people and organisations, and being creative in how to present information and data. Alongside the research role, you will also provide administrative support for the internal and external activities of the Development Team.
You will ideally have some experience in research in a fundraising environment, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will be able to work independently and look proactively for opportunities, as well as work responsively to requests and deadlines. You will be confident using the Microsoft Office 365 suite and have experience using Salesforce or another CRM to manage your workflows.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career as a prospect researcher, or are making a move into the fundraising sector, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Academy
The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.
Working at the Academy
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.
Terms and conditions
The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
How to apply
We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Please contact the HR team if you have any questions.
To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, please visit our recruitment page via the apply button. Applications must be received no later than Midday on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Development Research Officer in Wendover employer: The British Academy
Contact Detail:
The British Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Research Officer in Wendover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Academy and its mission. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and networking events. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their work!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the Development Team. A friendly chat can give you valuable insights and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to fundraising and research. Think about how your skills align with the role of Development Research Officer and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the British Academy. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Research Officer in Wendover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Research Skills: As a Development Research Officer, your ability to gather and analyse information is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in research, especially in fundraising environments, to show us you’ve got what it takes!
Tailor Your Responses: When answering the application questions, be sure to tailor your responses to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This will help us see how you fit into our team and the role.
Be Clear and Concise: We love clear communication! Keep your answers straightforward and to the point, while still showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Remember, we want to get to know you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our recruitment page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the British Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Academy's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their 125th Anniversary Campaign and think about how your research skills can contribute to their fundraising goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Development Research Officer, you'll need to communicate insights effectively. Prepare examples of how you've presented complex information clearly in the past, whether through reports or presentations.
✨Be Proactive and Creative
Think of innovative ways to identify potential funders. During the interview, share your ideas on how you would approach prospect research creatively, demonstrating your ability to think outside the box.
✨Familiarity with Tools
Brush up on your Microsoft Office 365 and CRM skills, especially Salesforce. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage workflows and support fundraising efforts.