The British Museum

Arts Council England; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Museum is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to join a supportive, growing team of fundraisers, developing relationships with existing and prospective donors in support of exhibitions and projects.

You will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and collaborate with senior fundraisers on high-level philanthropic relationships, contributing to the Museum’s Masterplan and future ambitious projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fundraising role, ideally within major gifts or individual giving.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear and persuasive fundraising communications.
• Excellent organisational skills and close attention to detail.
• Confidence in communicating with different audiences and building positive professional relationships.
• Ability to use your initiative, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
• Collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate an organisation's vision and ambitions persuasively.
• Knowledge of the arts, museums or heritage sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage donor relationships: portfolio of major gift prospects and fundraising with Museum priorities.
• Support and manage significant philanthropic relationships alongside senior colleagues.
• Meet and engage donors and prospects, presenting fundraising proposals.
• Develop compelling fundraising materials: proposals, reports and correspondence.
• Help bring fundraising events to life: planning and execution to strengthen donor relations.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Writing skills

Organisational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Portfolio management

Microsoft Office

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

As Philanthropy Officer, you will join a supportive and growing team of fundraisers and play an important part in developing relationships with existing and prospective donors.

Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic early-career fundraiser to develop their skills in philanthropy while helping to support one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects of our generation.

The British Museum is embarking on its Masterplan, an ambitious transformation of the Museum for the 21st century. Alongside this, our Development team raises vital philanthropic support for exhibitions, education and other projects that enable the Museum and its collection to make an impact.

As Philanthropy Officer, you will join a supportive and growing team of fundraisers and play an important part in developing relationships with existing and prospective donors. You will manage your own portfolio of major gift prospects, while also working alongside senior fundraisers on some of the Museum's key philanthropic relationships.

Most importantly, you will be joining a collaborative team at an exciting point in the Museum's future, with the opportunity to understand how philanthropy can enable ambitious cultural projects and help secure the Museum and its collection for future generations.

Job Requirements

• Experience in a fundraising role, ideally within major gifts or individual giving, or strong experience in a client management role.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear and persuasive fundraising communications.
• Excellent organisational skills and close attention to detail.
• Confidence in communicating with different audiences and building positive professional relationships.
• The ability to use your initiative, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
• A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate an organisation's vision and ambitions in a compelling way.
• Good IT skills, including experience using standard Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge of the arts, museums or heritage sector, experience of working in a large and complex organisation, and familiarity with fundraising databases such as Raiser's Edge would be advantageous.

Job Responsibilities

• Build and manage donor relationships: taking responsibility for a portfolio of major gift prospects, raising funds for Museum priorities in line with annual income targets and developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans.
• Support and manage significant philanthropic relationships: working as a secondary relationship manager alongside senior colleagues and gaining exposure to high-level fundraising, as well as proactively managing your own pool of donors.
• Meet and engage donors and prospects: independently and alongside colleagues, including presenting fundraising proposals and helping to create an exceptional donor experience.
• Develop compelling fundraising materials: researching and writing persuasive proposals, reports and correspondence for projects across the Museum.
• Help bring fundraising events to life: supporting their planning and delivery and using them as opportunities to strengthen relationships with supporters.