At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts strategy and secure significant donations for The London Library.
- Company: Join a historic literary institution with a rich legacy and vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts and culture sector while shaping the future of the Library.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing major gifts and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 49420 € per year.
Part Time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), Monday to Thursday c. £49,419.90 FTE per annum (incl LW) pro-rata plus benefits
About The London Library
For over 180 years, The London Library has stood as one of the UK's greatest literary institutions, inspiring creativity and ideas. Our esteemed members, past and present, include literary giants like Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin, Virginia Woolf, and contemporary authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro and Sarah Waters. Our collection boasts around one million volumes, a vast eLibrary, and an invaluable postal loans service, making it a sanctuary for those who cherish the written word. We are championed by our President, Helena Bonham Carter CBE, and operate as a registered charity. We have over 7,500 members and charitable turnover of circa £5m per year.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Development Manager to join our Development Team at an exciting point in the Library’s growth. The Library has recently eliminated its operating deficit and is now midway through an ambitious £8m capital campaign to transform its historic building and expand its reach. Alongside this, we continue to grow philanthropic income through regular giving, legacies and annual appeals. Working closely with the Director of Development, you will deliver a major donor strategy, building a pipeline of supporters and securing significant gifts to support both capital and revenue priorities. This is an excellent opportunity to shape and grow a major giving function, with potential to expand the programme as it develops.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a major gifts strategy aligned with organisational priorities
- Identify, cultivate and steward high-value donors and prospects
- Secure major gifts in support of capital and revenue fundraising
- Build a strong prospect pipeline using a new CRM system
- Work collaboratively with senior leadership, trustees and colleagues to maximise fundraising opportunities
About you
- Proven track record of securing major gifts (five- and six-figure donations)
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver income targets
- Experience of working in a charity, arts, heritage or cultural organisation (desirable)
- Motivated, collaborative and able to work independently in a part-time role
Why Join Us?
The London Library offers a friendly, hardworking, and inclusive workplace where we strive to support the diverse needs of our team. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equality and diversity. Specific adjustments and access needs can be discussed to make this role suitable for you. If you’re passionate about delivering an exceptional Development experience and want to use your skills to help drive the success of The London Library, we would love to hear from you!
To Apply
Please visit our website to download an application form. Deadline: Monday 1 June 2026 @ 12:00 noon Interviews: 10 June - First Round; 18 June - Second Round The Library welcomes applications from all sections of the community - all applicants will be considered on the basis of their merits and abilities for the post. Please note we are unable to consider candidates without a current right to work in the UK. We reserve the right to shorten or extend the closing date of any position where a high or low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts in London employer: The London Library
The London Library is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for meaningful contributions to our ambitious capital campaign and philanthropic initiatives. Join us to be part of a historic institution that values creativity and diversity, while enjoying the flexibility of remote working options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and arts sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into The London Library’s mission and recent projects. When you know their goals inside out, you can tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their major gifts strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s for an interview or networking, being able to clearly articulate your experience in securing major gifts will set you apart. Make sure you can share specific examples of your successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining The London Library team. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your track record in securing major gifts and how it relates to our mission at The London Library.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for literature and philanthropy shine through in your application. We want to see why you’re excited about joining us and how you can contribute to our growth and success.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We appreciate clarity and focus!
Follow the Application Process:Don’t forget to apply through our website and download the application form. Following our process helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at The London Library
✨Know Your Major Gifts Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key components of a major gifts strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement one that aligns with The London Library's goals. This shows your strategic thinking and commitment to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully cultivated and stewarded high-value donors in the past. Highlight specific instances where your relationship-building skills led to securing significant gifts. This will demonstrate your ability to engage stakeholders effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Work
Take some time to explore The London Library’s history, its collection, and recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their projects and values will help you connect your experience to their needs and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current fundraising strategies or how they envision the major gifts function evolving. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
