Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities

The British Museum is embarking on a once-in-a-generation transformation through its ambitious Masterplan—one of the most significant cultural redevelopment projects in the world. As part of this vision, we are seeking a strategic and analytical leader to join the Development Department as Head of Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities.

This pivotal new role will lead the research and prioritisation of prospects for high-value philanthropy, playing a key part in shaping the Museum’s fundraising strategy and enabling transformational gifts and sponsorships. Working closely with senior stakeholders and leading a high-performing team, the role will drive the identification, evaluation, and alignment of major gift opportunities to support the Museum’s strategic and capital fundraising priorities.

Key areas of responsibility include leading and developing the Prospect Research and Fundraising Priorities team, overseeing prospect identification, due diligence, research, and fundraising intelligence. You will devise and implement a strategic approach to prospect research, supporting fundraising across individuals, corporates, and foundations. You will also provide high-level briefings and insight to the Director, Trustees, and senior staff ahead of key cultivation meetings and events.

The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in prospect research and strategic fundraising planning, ideally within the cultural or non-profit sector. You should have demonstrable experience identifying and qualifying high-value donors and sponsors in the UK and internationally. You should be skilled in managing complex research and turning data into actionable fundraising insights. You should also be experienced in managing and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and motivating leadership style.

The British Museum offers a competitive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance, membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme, free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions, participation in private and public Museum activities, interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans, professional and personal development opportunities, and discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

The Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience. We offer a flexible way of working that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We would typically see this role as working on site about 2 days a week.