Do you have experience building long-term relationships or partnerships that generate income? Are you interested in working somewhere where you can use your skills to really make a difference?
About us
The museums of the Science Museum Group are a key national resource. With our unparalleled collection in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, we are uniquely placed to draw people of all ages to engage with science in an inspirational and informal way.
The Development team works across six sites, fundraising for an array of exciting projects and activities at our museums. You will be joining a team with a track record of securing donations from a variety of supporters including visitors, philanthropic individuals, corporate donors, charitable foundations, and government. In a typical year, about 25% of SMG's total income comes from fundraising, helping to pay for redevelopment of museum buildings, exhibitions, festivals, learning programmes and accessibility.
About the role
You will play a key role in supporting the growth of our major gifts programme, focusing on strategic engagement with individuals that have the capacity to make 5- and 6-figure donations.
You will be responsible for identifying, developing and delivering compelling proposals, whilst stewarding a portfolio of existing major donors. Spending time building relationships with philanthropists, you will meet with them to discuss our work as well as approach new contacts and finding way to engage new people with our ambitions.
You might spend some of your day writing proposals and reports on projects being undertaken, to be sent to donors and prospects. To make sure you have the support you need, you'll work with our Development Operations team to manage your portfolio and take donors on a fulfilling donor journey, and work with your line manager on strategies for individuals and projects.
Working on a hybrid basis, this position can be based from our Museum in London or Manchester.
Contract: Full time, permanent
Salary: £31,500 - £38,500 depending on location and experience
Download the Vacancy Information Pack file under 'Attachments' on this vacancy listing on the Science Museum Group website for more details about the role and the application process.
About you
Joining us, you will bring solid experience in building long-term relationships or partnerships whilst maintaining an existing portfolio.
Outside of traditional fundraising, this may be in a sales, business development, banking, or recruitment field. Although some training and support can be provided around this, ultimately you will need to have the confidence and ability to influence in preparation for an "ask" or to encourage donations. This may also be seen as a sale, placement or managing conversations around securing funds/income.
In addition to your strong people and relationship-management skills, you will be organised and detail-focused, and will hold a values-driven approach and passion for contributing to an open and inclusive organisation.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
What we offer
Joining us as an employee, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in a world-class museum group. We understand that work/life balance and wellbeing is crucial to our colleagues, so we offer the perks listed below, as well as support for things that happen in life such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Support with personal and professional development
- 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced contributory pension
- Unmind App and other wellbeing support
- Interest-free loans
- Days Out discounts
- Health & Dental Insurance
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.