At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts strategy and secure significant donations for The London Library.
- Company: Join the historic London Library, a hub of creativity and literary excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts and culture sector while shaping the future of a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing major gifts and strong relationship-building skills.
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 St James’s Square, London SW1 (with some remote working possible)
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 employer: The London Library
The London Library is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values creativity and diversity. With a commitment to employee growth, the Library provides opportunities for professional development while working on impactful projects, such as the ambitious £8m capital campaign. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy a vibrant cultural atmosphere and the chance to contribute to a historic institution that has inspired literary greats for over 180 years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts
✨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 mentioning your interest in major gifts roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into The London Library’s mission and recent projects. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest when you meet potential employers or donors.
✨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 is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your successes and how they align with the Library’s objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The London Library team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager: Major Gifts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Development Manager. We want to see how your skills can help us grow our major gifts strategy!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve secured major gifts in the past. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also passionate about what we do at The London Library. Show us why you care!
Follow the Application Process:Remember to apply through our website and download the application form. It’s super important to follow our process so we can easily review your application. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 successful major gifts strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement such a strategy for The London Library, aligning it with their organisational priorities.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in cultivating and stewarding high-value donors. Think about specific instances where you've successfully secured major gifts and how you built those relationships over time.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Mission
Dive deep into The London Library's history and mission. Being able to articulate why you’re passionate about their work and how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with senior leadership and trustees, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight your ability to engage stakeholders and maximise fundraising opportunities.
