Head of Development and Partnerships

Royal Air Force Museum; Cosford, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent national museum in the UK is seeking a Head of Development and Partnerships to lead and grow its fundraising activities. The role requires a senior fundraising professional with a proven track record in developing strategies and cultivating significant donations. You will work closely with senior leadership and external partners to drive revenue and capital fundraising efforts. This opportunity is critical to support the museum’s operations and development objectives, and offers a chance to impact the RAF story for future generations.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in fundraising strategies and securing significant donations.
• Experience in capital fundraising and building relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Boards and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the fundraising strategy for revenue and capital income.
• Develop strong relationships with Trustees and external partners.
• Cultivate and secure significant gifts.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Leadership

Excellent communication

Experience with trusts and foundations

Stakeholder event organization

International fundraising

Job description

Head of Development and Partnerships

Permanent • Full‑time • London or Midlands • £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. The Royal Air Force Museum is a Carbon‑Literate organisation and as such promotes Carbon Literacy.

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.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources and working closely with the CEO, you will develop and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy covering both revenue and capital income. You will lead a skilful Development team and personally cultivate and secure significant gifts. A key part of the role is building strong relationships with Trustees, senior colleagues and external partners, including leading the Museum’s partnership with the RAF Museum American Foundation.

We are looking for a senior fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies and personally securing significant donations. You will be an inspiring leader, an excellent communicator, and confident working at senior level with Boards, donors and partners. Experience of capital fundraising, trusts and foundations, stakeholder events and international fundraising is highly desirable.

In return, we offer the opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s most significant national museums, working within a values‑led organisation committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Regular travel between sites will be required.

The RAF Museum is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Application Process

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact emailprotected or email2protected.

To apply:

• Download the full job description on our website at https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/head-of-development-and-partnerships/
• Click on the following link to apply for this role. You will be taken to our applicant tracking system – https://royalairforcemuseum.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=ae254fd9-511e-47c6-8c57-c64f8049293c
• Closing date for applications: 18 January 2026
• Interviews will take place on: 29 and 30 January 2026

Contact Information

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN.