Location
Bloomsbury, London (Hybrid) - at least 3 days per week on-site

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£37,221 per annum

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic early-career fundraiser to develop their skills in philanthropy while supporting 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. 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.

Key areas of responsibility
This varied, collaborative and public-facing fundraising role offers experience across the full donor journey, from identifying and cultivating prospective supporters through to securing gifts and delivering thoughtful stewardship. You will:
- Build and manage donor relationships by 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 by working as a secondary relationship manager alongside senior colleagues and 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 by researching and writing persuasive proposals, reports and correspondence for projects across the Museum.
- Help bring fundraising events to life by supporting their planning and delivery and using them as opportunities to strengthen relationships with supporters.
- Work across the Museum by building relationships with curators, conservators, communications and marketing colleagues, and others to develop compelling cases for philanthropic support.
- Manage relationships with care and attention to detail, ensuring donor information, gifts and reporting requirements are accurately recorded and managed in line with data protection and Museum policies.

Through your work on proposals and donor reporting, you will gain insight into how major capital projects, exhibitions, educational initiatives and other Museum priorities are developed and funded.

The Masterplan
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. Guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane, who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, accessible to everyone, everywhere, this is a unique moment to contribute to the Museum’s future.

Experience
Experience in a fundraising role, ideally within major gifts or individual giving, or strong experience in a client management role.

About you
- 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.
- A collaborative approach and enthusiasm for working as part of a team.
- 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.
- A passion for museums and the role they play in public life is welcome.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory, but professional development and relevant experience in fundraising or related fields are beneficial.