Head of Philanthropy and Events

The-British-Library; Camden Town; In loco; GBP 49.000 - 60.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

25 days holiday plus 2.5 privilegedays

Defined benefit Civil Service pension

Flexible working arrangements

Descrizione del lavoro

The British Library is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Philanthropy and Events to lead the fundraising and VIP events portfolio from St Pancras. You will shape and deliver ambitious philanthropy plans, managing relationships with major donors, Patrons and legators, in alignment with the library’s Growing Knowledge strategy and capital ambitions.

You will lead a team, collaborate across the Development Office and with senior stakeholders, and contribute to a global fundraising effort.

Mansioni

• Lead the development and execution of philanthropy and events strategies.
• Cultivate and secure major philanthropic gifts, with a focus on high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs).
• Oversee a high-quality VIP events programme to strengthen donor cultivation and stewardship.

Descrizione del lavoro

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Job profile for Head of Philanthropy and Events

Head of Philanthropy and Events

St Pancras 30/11/2026

The job requirements for this role are detailed below.

Job details

Contractual hours 36 Basis Full time

Job category/type Events & Exhibitions, Fundraising and Development

Date posted 21/10/2026

Job reference R00001532

Attachments External Candidate Guide.pdf Job Profile R00001532 26102026.pdf Internal Candidate Guide.pdf

Job description

Location: St Pancras

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time (36 hours)

Grade: SB4

Salary: £54,728 per annum

This is the starting salary for this role unless the successful candidate is able to evidence being in receipt of a higher salary in which case this may be reviewed

About the role

The British Library is one of the world’s greatest cultural, intellectual and research institutions. With a collection of more than 170 million items, it serves millions of people each year across the UK and around the world.

With a new Chief Executive and Senior Director of Development in place, and ambitious plans for both the Development Office and the wider Library — including a major capital project to transform our London home — this is an exciting moment to join us.

As our new Head of Philanthropy and Events, you will play a pivotal leadership role in delivering the ambitious fundraising plans that will help realise the Library’s vision. Working closely with the Senior Director of Development, Deputy Director of Development, Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, Trustees and senior stakeholders, you will shape and deliver strategies to grow high-value philanthropy, with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), in support of the Library’s Growing Knowledge strategy and major capital fundraising ambitions.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Development Office and the wider Library, alongside senior volunteers, to identify, cultivate and secure new philanthropic support, in line with the Library’s international ambitions. You will inspire and lead your team to grow our community of major donors, Patrons and legators, while overseeing a high-quality VIP events programme that strengthens donor cultivation and stewardship across all Development Office income streams.

This is a compelling opportunity for an ambitious, experienced fundraising leader with strong networks and a track record of securing significant philanthropic support. You will bring strategic vision, clarity and creativity, alongside the drive to build momentum, unlock new opportunities and develop meaningful, long-term relationships with the Library’s most significant supporters.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead philanthropy and events at one of the UK’s most respected and globally significant cultural institutions, and to harness the transformative power of philanthropy to advance knowledge, culture and access at scale, we would be delighted to hear from you.

About us

We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

What we can offer you

• 25 days’ holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
• Access to a defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
• Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits

Things you need to know

• We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
• Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
• We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.

Closing at 23:59 on Sunday 29 November 2026

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail]