At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key relationships and coordinate donor engagement for a transformative fundraising campaign.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a leader in cultural fundraising and heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and unique perks like free exhibition access.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic transformation and make a real impact on cultural experiences.
- Qualifications: Strong relationship management skills and experience in fundraising or cultural sectors.
The predicted salary is between 40038 - 40038 £ per year.
The British Museum is embarking on one of the most ambitious cultural fundraising programmes in the world, supporting a transformational £1bn+ capital campaign that will redefine how millions of visitors experience the Museum for generations to come. As Development Relations Manager, you will play a central role in supporting the Museum's most important philanthropic relationships. Working closely with the Director of Development and senior colleagues across the Museum, you will help coordinate donor engagement, steward key supporters, manage high-profile visits, and ensure strategic communications are delivered to the highest standard. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working with senior stakeholders, supporters, and colleagues to help deliver meaningful impact.
You are an organised and proactive relationship manager with exceptional communication skills and a talent for building strong partnerships. Comfortable working with senior stakeholders, you can balance multiple priorities while maintaining outstanding attention to detail. You will bring experience of managing internal and external relationships, producing high-quality written communications, and coordinating activity across a complex organisation. You are confident, diplomatic, and able to anticipate needs, ensuring stakeholders receive an excellent experience at every stage of their engagement. Experience within fundraising, philanthropy, arts, heritage, or cultural organisations would be advantageous, as would familiarity with donor database systems such as Raiser's Edge.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Manage and develop relationships with key supporters, prospective donors, and VIP stakeholders, helping to strengthen engagement with the British Museum's ambitious fundraising campaign.
- Coordinate donor visits, meetings, and engagement opportunities, working closely with the Director's Office and colleagues across the Museum to deliver an exceptional supporter experience.
- Support the Director of Development with donor stewardship, prospect engagement, and the follow-up of introductions and relationship-building opportunities.
- Produce tailored communications, briefings, and correspondence for supporters and senior stakeholders, ensuring messaging is strategic, timely, and impactful.
- Maintain accurate records of supporter engagement activity and proactively identify opportunities to enhance communications, relationships, and development outcomes.
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Benefits:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
- Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
Our Values:
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, Value Many Voices. These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details.
Right to Work: The British Museum holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Applicants are responsible for determining whether the advertised salary and role meet current UKVI sponsorship requirements and for ensuring they have, or can obtain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. The Museum cannot provide immigration advice, and eligibility should be checked before submitting an application.
Internal Applicants: We welcome internal applicants regardless of background, department or length of service but encourage you to let your manager know before applying. If you are on a permanent contract and want the fixed-term contract to be treated as a secondment, you will need to obtain your manager's support before submitting an application. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Development Relations Manager employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bloomsbury where creativity and collaboration thrive. With benefits such as free exhibition entry, generous annual leave, and a robust Civil Service Pension Scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The museum fosters a culture of growth, providing opportunities for career development while working on high-profile projects that engage and inspire the public.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Relations Manager
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of THE BRITISH MUSEUM, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at THE BRITISH MUSEUM. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Relations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that THE BRITISH MUSEUM supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of THE BRITISH MUSEUM. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Development Relations Manager role at THE BRITISH MUSEUM. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of THE BRITISH MUSEUM. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for THE BRITISH MUSEUM. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
