Science Museum Group
Philanthropy Manager
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Could you help connect passionate supporters with world-changing ideas?
The Science Museum Group encompasses the Science Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, the National Science & Media Museum, Locomotion and the Science and Innovation Park, making us the world's greatest alliance of science museums.
Our Fundraising & Partnerships team plays a vital role in delivering our mission, helping to build purposeful and meaningful relationships that enable us to inspire audiences through science, technology, engineering and innovation.
As part of this work, we're now looking for a Philanthropy Manager to join us on a permanent contract, supporting the growth of our major donor programme and helping secure philanthropic support for exhibitions, capital projects and learning programmes across the Science Museum Group.
About the Role
Working as part of the Philanthropy team, this role will focus on building and managing relationships with individual donors and prospects with the capacity to make five- and six-figure gifts in support of the Science Museum Group's ambitious programme of activity.
- You'll manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospective supporters, developing tailored cultivation and stewardship plans that build long-term engagement and encourage philanthropic giving.
- Alongside maintaining excellent relationships with existing supporters, you'll also help identify and develop new opportunities through networking, research and collaboration with colleagues, senior volunteers and stakeholders across the organisation.
- A key part of the role will involve meeting regularly with donors and prospects, attending exhibitions and cultivation events, and developing compelling written proposals, reports and presentations that connect supporters with the impact of the Science Museum Group's work.
- You'll work collaboratively across the wider Fundraising & Partnerships team and with colleagues across the Group to help deliver fundraising targets and ensure donors receive an engaging and high-quality experience throughout their relationship with the organisation.
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This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a mission-led and internationally recognised organisation while helping shape meaningful philanthropic relationships that support future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators.
Hybrid working is available in this role in line with the current hybrid working policy at SMG, with a minimum of 40% of working hours based onsite. This role is based at the Science Museum in London.
About You
- You'll bring experience of building and managing long-term relationships, ideally within fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships or another relationship-led environment where influencing and stakeholder engagement are central.
- You'll be confident communicating with senior stakeholders and experienced in developing relationships that lead to meaningful outcomes. A strong relationship manager, you'll combine excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to influence, present compelling cases for support and guide conversations around philanthropy and giving.
- You'll have strong written communication skills and experience producing high-quality proposals, reports or presentations tailored to different audiences. Organised and proactive, you'll be comfortable managing multiple priorities, maintaining accurate records and working towards ambitious targets and deadlines.
- Experience working with CRM or database systems would be beneficial, alongside an understanding of donor stewardship and relationship management principles.
- Most importantly, you'll bring a values-driven approach and a genuine commitment to helping create an open, inclusive and inspiring organisation for colleagues, supporters and audiences alike.
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.
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View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental. Support with treatment costs, from day one.
- Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
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.
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