At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships and secure funding for the British Museum's exciting redevelopment projects.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution with a collection spanning over two million years of culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; interviews on 21-22 July.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project while contributing to cultural heritage and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in trust fundraising; strong writing and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 39000 £ per year.
Role Summary
Philanthropy Officer: Grants
Development
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Permanent
£34,713 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Thursday 10 July 2025
About the role:
The British Museum is embarking on one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects undertaken anywhere in the world. The Masterplan will transform the Museum for the 21st century while staying open, maintaining the founding commitment to keep the collection safe and accessible to the public for generations to come.
The Philanthropy Team, as a key function of Development, will play a vital role in enabling the Museum’s vision for the future. The Philanthropy Officer: Grants role will be responsible for managing relationships with and securing income from primarily trusts and foundations in support of the Museum’s agreed priorities.
Key areas of responsibility:
- To raise funds for Museum priorities in line with agreed annual income targets, managing your own prospect pipeline, with mentoring and support from the Philanthropy Manager.
- To adhere to a calendar of both new applications and reporting requirements for secured funding.
- To manage or contribute to production of both interim and final reports for funders, establishing a system with project managers internally to ensure that the data required is captured throughout and submitted in time for deadlines, and to ensure the highest standards of reporting are adhered to.
- To work with the Advancement Operations Team to ensure records on the Museum’s database are accurate and up to date.
- To contribute to Museum events and their use as an effective cultivation tool.
About you:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a trust fundraising role
- Knowledge of trust and statutory fundraising requirements and practice
- IT literate with good working knowledge of standard Microsoft Office packages and experience using fundraising databases
- Strong writing skills with the ability to create and articulate a convincing fundraising case.
- A team player with strong organisational skills
- Experience in an arts, culture or heritage organization is desirable
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery .
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
The interviews are expected to take place on 21 and 22 July.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to .
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: . Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here:
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 2-3 days a week.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Philanthropy Officer: Grants - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration within the arts and culture sector. Employees benefit from a generous leave package, professional development opportunities, and unique access to world-class exhibitions and events, all while contributing to a significant cultural redevelopment project that shapes the future of one of the world's most renowned institutions. With a commitment to diversity and flexible working arrangements, the Museum ensures that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Philanthropy Officer: Grants - London
✨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 Philanthropy Officer: Grants - London
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 Philanthropy Officer: Grants - London 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.
