Head of Development and Partnerships

Royal Air Force Museum; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A national museum in the UK is seeking a Head of Development and Partnerships to lead its fundraising activities. This role involves developing fundraising strategies and managing a team to secure significant donations. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in fundraising and excellent communication skills. The position is based in London or Midlands and offers the opportunity to work within a values-driven organization committed to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead in a significant national museum

Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies.
• Confident working at senior levels with Boards and donors.
• Experience with international fundraising is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver fundraising strategy for the organization.
• Lead a skilled Development team to secure significant gifts.
• Build relationships with Trustees and external partners.

Skills

Senior fundraising professional

Excellent communicator

Experience in capital 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.

Role Summary

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

• Report to the Director of Finance and Resources and work closely with the CEO to develop and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy covering both revenue and capital income.
• Lead a skilled Development team and personally cultivate and secure significant gifts.
• Build strong relationships with Trustees, senior colleagues and external partners, including leading the Museum’s partnership with the RAF Museum American Foundation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies and personally securing significant donations.
• Excellent communicator and inspiring leader, 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.

Benefits

• 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.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact [e-mail] or [e-mail].

To apply:

• Please download the full job description on our website at: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/head-of-development-and-partnerships/
• Please 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