Head of Development and Partnerships

The Royal Air Force Museum; Shifnal; 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 fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will develop and execute ambitious fundraising strategies, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, and work closely with the CEO. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary between £55,000 and £65,000, with responsibilities including managing fundraising campaigns and partnerships. If you have experience in securing donations and are passionate about heritage, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience of securing National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Funding.

Responsibilities

• Leading fundraising for the RAF Museum by developing and delivering an ambitious strategy.
• Identifying and cultivating new prospective donor markets in the UK and overseas.
• Working closely with the CEO to manage external partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Team leadership

Relationship building

Donor market identification

Education

Educated to first degree level or equivalent experience

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 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.

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 skilled 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.

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!