At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major gifts and philanthropic fundraising strategy for a world-leading museum.
- Company: Join the V&A, a creative powerhouse dedicated to inspiring innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on creativity and cross-team synergy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts and creativity while driving significant fundraising initiatives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in securing major gifts and exceptional relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
The V&A is a world‑leading family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Across our six sites, our mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. We share a 5,000‑year‑old story of creativity through exhibitions, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation, research, and an ever‑evolving national collection of over 2.8m objects spanning every creative discipline.
This is an exciting moment for the V&A as the family of museums fully takes shape and cements its position as both an invaluable record of human creativity and a vital platform for the most compelling contemporary voices in art, design and performance.
Role Overview
In this newly created role, the Deputy Director, Philanthropy, will lead the V&A’s major gifts and philanthropic fundraising strategy across Philanthropy, Grants, Patrons, Legacy Giving and the V&A Americas Foundation, in collaboration with the Director of Development. You will drive income growth across ambitious capital projects, endowment campaigns, acquisitions, exhibitions, learning programmes and all other strategic V&A priorities. Crucially, you will also work closely with the Deputy Director, Partnerships and Business Development, to identify inter‑linked donor relationships and encourage cross‑team collaboration to align all strands of income generation to meet the department’s annual multi‑million‑pound targets.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead major gifts and philanthropic fundraising strategy across all philanthropic units and the V&A Americas Foundation.
- Drive income growth across capital projects, endowment campaigns, acquisitions, exhibitions, learning programmes and other strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with the Deputy Director, Partnerships and Business Development to identify inter‑linked donor relationships and encourage cross‑team collaboration.
- Build and manage a high‑value donor pipeline, ensuring donor engagement and successful campaign delivery.
- Engage with senior stakeholders, promote V&A’s mission and drive international fundraising initiatives.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven track record of securing and stewarding major and principal gifts and working on capital campaigns.
- Highly collaborative approach with exceptional networking and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to motivate colleagues and integrate and align strategies across teams.
- Enterprising nature with a passion for creativity and the arts.
How to Apply
For a confidential conversation about this exceptional opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Richmond Associates. For further information, key dates, and how to apply, please visit: Richmond Associates. Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process. Closing date for applications is 9AM 24 June 2026.
Deputy Director, Philanthropy employer: The Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity thrives. With a strong commitment to employee development and collaboration, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to impactful projects that celebrate art and design. The museum's inclusive culture and focus on philanthropy provide unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, making it an inspiring place to work.
Contact Details:
The Victoria and Albert Museum Recruitment Team
