At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts and legacy programmes to secure philanthropic support for the British Museum's transformation.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum during a pivotal fundraising moment.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition access, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic institution while shaping its philanthropic future.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing high-value donations and exceptional communication skills.
This is a rare opportunity to join the British Museum at one of the most exciting fundraising moments in its history. As Head of Major Gifts & Legacies, you will play a central leadership role in securing philanthropic support for a once in a generation redevelopment programme. With the autumn bringing high profile events and a landmark visit, this is a pivotal moment to shape the Museum’s philanthropic future.
You will lead our major gifts and legacy programmes, develop relationships with high value donors in the UK and internationally, and inspire a dedicated team to deliver exceptional results.
The Masterplan
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.
About You
We are looking for an ambitious, strategic and emotionally intelligent fundraising leader who thrives in high profile, high stakes environments. You will bring proven experience securing six and seven figure gifts and have the confidence to build relationships with influential philanthropists, private foundations and family offices. You combine exceptional communication skills with an understanding of legacy giving, donor stewardship and complex gift cultivation. You are a collaborative leader who motivates teams, builds trust across the organisation and can operate with pace, discretion and diplomacy, especially during a major campaign cycle.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Lead a portfolio of high value funders, cultivating and securing major gifts to support the Masterplan, exhibitions, curatorial posts and core Museum priorities.
- Provide strategic leadership for the Museum’s legacy giving programme, increasing long term philanthropic commitments.
- Motivate and develop the Major Gifts & Legacies team, setting ambitious goals and ensuring high quality delivery.
- Produce compelling proposals, case statements, stewardship plans and donor briefings to support major fundraising moments — including the Museum Ball, Bayeux Tapestry programme and autumn campaign launches.
- Maintain excellent donor data, pipeline planning and relationship tracking to underpin an effective and insight driven fundraising strategy.
Benefits
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:
- 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).
- Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
- Social and wellbeing perks including staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
- Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
- 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.
- Eyecare vouchers for VDU tests and contributions toward glasses.
- Enhanced parental leave including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
- Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
- Interest free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.
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.
*We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants. For further information and details on how to apply, please visit.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners: William Pringle Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice Berwick Partners.
Closing date for applications: Friday 26th June 2026.
Head of Major Gifts & Legacies employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative fundraising initiatives at one of the world's most renowned cultural institutions. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a vibrant work culture, staff enjoy generous benefits including extensive leave, learning opportunities, and a supportive environment that values diversity and collaboration. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, employees benefit from a rich cultural atmosphere and access to exclusive museum events, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts & Legacies
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising world. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential donors or colleagues. Building relationships is key to landing that major gift!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with potential donors, let your enthusiasm for the British Museum and its mission shine through. Share stories that highlight the impact of their contributions and how they can be part of something truly transformative.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared! Research your prospects thoroughly before meetings. Know their interests, past donations, and what drives them. This way, you can tailor your approach and make a compelling case for support that resonates with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up and keep the conversation going! After meeting with potential donors, send a thank-you note or an email summarising your discussion. Keep them updated on the Museum’s progress and upcoming projects to maintain their interest and engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts & Legacies
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The British Museum is looking for someone who can connect with high-value donors, so make sure your application reflects an understanding of their mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've secured major gifts or led successful fundraising campaigns. Use numbers and outcomes to illustrate your impact – this will grab attention and show you mean business!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Major Gifts & Legacies. Mention the key areas of responsibility from the job description to show you’re a perfect fit.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While it’s important to maintain professionalism, don’t shy away from letting your personality shine through. The British Museum values emotional intelligence, so share your passion for fundraising and how you connect with people in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the British Museum's current projects and fundraising initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Masterplan and think about how your experience in securing major gifts can align with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also genuinely invested in the Museum's mission.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
As a candidate for Head of Major Gifts & Legacies, it’s crucial to demonstrate your emotional intelligence. Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with high-value donors and led teams effectively. Highlight your ability to motivate others and navigate complex situations with diplomacy—this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Compelling Proposals
Since you'll be producing proposals and case statements, come prepared with examples of successful proposals you've crafted in the past. Discuss the strategies you used to secure six and seven-figure gifts, and be ready to explain how you would approach similar tasks for the British Museum.
✨Embrace Their Values
The British Museum values care, curiosity, and inclusivity. Reflect on how these values have played a role in your previous work experiences. Be ready to share specific instances where you’ve demonstrated these behaviours, as this will show that you’re a great cultural fit for the organisation.
