Head of Development and Partnerships

Royal Air Force (RAF); Cosford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A national museum is seeking a Head of Development and Partnerships to lead fundraising efforts at its London or Midlands site. This full-time role will involve developing strategic fundraising initiatives, securing significant financial support, and influencing a positive organizational culture. The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and team leadership with a commitment to inspiring others. Salary range is £55,000–£65,000, commensurate with experience, with the closing date for applications on January 18, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies.
• Ability to inspire and engage with the Museum’s vision.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding from donors and trusts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow fundraising activity for the museum.
• Develop and deliver ambitious fundraising strategy.
• Identify and cultivate new donor markets domestically and internationally.

Skills

Fundraising strategies

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Networking

Event management

Positivity in change

Education

First degree level or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

We are looking to recruit a Head of Development and Partnerships to join our team based at either our London or Midlands site. You will join us on a full‑time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a salary of £55,000‑£65,000 per annum dependent on experience and location.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non‑departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future – using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story – the people who shape it and its place in our lives. We have two public sites (London and Midlands) and a stored collection (Stafford). Our trading company and active fundraising supplement Grant in Aid which comes through the Ministry of Defence.

Purpose of the Head of Development and Partnerships Role

The Royal Air Force Museum is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Development and Partnerships to lead and grow our fundraising activity at a pivotal time for the organisation. As a national museum and registered charity, we rely on successful fundraising to support our day‑to‑day operations as well as major capital and development programmes that enable us to share the RAF story with current and future generations.

Key Responsibilities of our Head of Development and Partnerships include

• Leading fundraising for the RAF Museum – developing and delivering an ambitious fundraising strategy, and championing fundraising as a discipline within the Museum
• Working closely with Trustees, Directors and colleagues to identify and develop cases for support around capital and revenue needs
• Identifying and cultivating new prospective donor markets in the UK and overseas – showing a willingness to travel internationally as appropriate
• Developing and delivering identified stand‑alone fundraising campaigns in support of agreed capital and activity programmes
• Working closely with the CEO – lead the Museum’s partnership with the RAF Museum 3 American Foundation (RAFMAF), support the Chair to manage Board meetings and direct the effective planning and delivery of the annual dinner in Washington DC and other events as appropriate
• Overseeing and co‑ordinating Museum partnerships, representing the Museum with external non‑commercial stakeholders, in particular the RAF. Liaise closely with the Head of Events to deconflict visits and bookings, working together for the best reputational and financial outcomes for the Museum

What we are looking for in our Head of Development and Partnerships

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering fundraising strategies and plans, personally securing five to six figure support
• Is able to inspire team to engage with the long‑term vision and purpose of the Museum
• Delegates decision making to the right level within team
• Pushes themselves and team to achieve, setting a clear plan and objectives and ensuring they/their team stay focussed
• Demonstrates positivity in relation to change and encourages team to embrace change
• Ensures own team’s strategy and activities are aligned to the Museum’s priorities and clearly articulates these to team
• Experience of securing National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Funding

Closing Date

18th January 2026.

Interviews will take place on: 29th and 30th January 2025.

If you think you have what it takes and want to be part of this exciting journey, please visit the jobs page on our website for further information. Join us in delivering our purpose and achieving our vision, ensuring that the Royal Air Force's story continues to enrich and inspire current and future generations. We would love to hear from you!