At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts and legacy programmes to secure funding for the Museum's transformative Masterplan.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum, a leader in cultural heritage and philanthropy.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition access, 25 days annual leave, and a competitive salary up to £65,000.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in fundraising history and shape the future of the Museum.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing high-value donations and exceptional communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
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 the Museum’s Masterplan - a once in a generation redevelopment programme.
With the autumn bringing the high profile Museum Ball and the landmark Bayeux Tapestry 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 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.
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.
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 here, 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...
Head of Major Gifts & Legacies in London 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 development, a collaborative work culture, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes free exhibition access and generous leave, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation and community engagement. Join us in shaping the future of philanthropy while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Bloomsbury, London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Major Gifts & Legacies in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend events related to fundraising and philanthropy, especially those linked to the British Museum. It's all about making connections and showing your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Museum's Masterplan and recent fundraising initiatives. We want you to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for their vision and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to inspire the Major Gifts & Legacies team at the Museum.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Major Gifts & Legacies in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Major Gifts & Legacies role. Highlight your experience in securing major gifts and your strategic leadership skills, as these are key to what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've secured six and seven figure gifts in the past. We want to see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value emotional intelligence and collaboration, so share stories that reflect your ability to build relationships and motivate teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team at the British Museum!
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 recent high-profile events like the Museum Ball. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Successes
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've secured major gifts in the past. Prepare stories that highlight your strategic thinking and emotional intelligence in building relationships with high-value donors. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing figures that demonstrate your impact.
✨Team Leadership Matters
As a collaborative leader, be prepared to talk about how you've motivated teams in previous roles. Share your approach to setting ambitious goals and ensuring high-quality delivery. Highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully navigated challenges during major campaigns.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the Museum’s vision. Inquire about their legacy giving programme or how they envision the future of donor stewardship. This shows you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their long-term success.
