Development Relations Manager - London
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 Museums 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.
About you
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 Raisers Edge.
Key areas of responsibility
- Manage and develop relationships with key supporters, prospective donors, and VIP stakeholders, helping to strengthen engagement with the British Museums ambitious fundraising campaign.
- Coordinate donor visits, meetings, and engagement opportunities, working closely with the Directors 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 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.
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 weve outlined some highlights below:
- 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
Development Relations Manager - London in Witney employer: The British Museum
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values curiosity and inclusivity. As a Project Curator, you will benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that encourages personal growth. Located in London, you will collaborate with leading experts while contributing to transformative exhibitions that engage diverse audiences worldwide.
