If we receive a large number of applications candidates will initially be assessed on one criteria:

• Experience in a fundraising role with trusts and foundations and/or individuals.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please visit the Civil Service Careers website where you can find further information on the use of AI in the application guidance section.

Interviews will be held on-site, ideally in October 2026.

Applicants invited to interview will be assessed against ALL of the essential criteria (see full job description below).

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Job Description

Role and Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage a portfolio of donors, generating philanthropic income for The National Archives’ strategic priorities and meeting KPIs as agreed with the Head of Philanthropy.
• Identify, research and qualify prospects, keep up to date with funding calls and deadlines, and maintain an application calendar for the Philanthropy and Grant Development team, evaluating funding opportunities and making recommendations to maximise fundraising success.
• Collaborate with colleagues across The National Archives to develop compelling funding proposals that align with the organisational strategy and the needs and interests of donors.
• Support the Philanthropy team to plan and deliver cultivation events and private tours for prospects and donors, including event invitations, logistics and hospitality.
• Plan and deliver stewardship activities to ensure an excellent donor experience, including regular updates or newsletters.
• Create compelling communication materials, in print and on the web, that raise The National Archives’ profile with potential donors.
• Develop high-quality progress reports, working closely with project delivery teams to secure project updates and data, and identify stewardship opportunities to deliver an engaging donor experience.
• Work closely with the Projects and Process team to monitor funded projects, ensure compliance with funding agreements and deliver accurate and timely financial reporting, including in the submission of grant claims, and identify and resolve issues that may impact successful delivery.
• Support the Development Forum of major philanthropic supporters and patrons, providing high-quality stewardship and providing operational support, including by e.g. booking venues, catering and taking minutes.
• Work collaboratively and strategically with the Grant Development team to coordinate approaches, share intelligence and achieve shared goals.
• Support collaboration with The National Archives Trust and the Friends of The National Archives, contributing to a positive working relationship in pursuit of shared strategic and fundraising goals.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive donor records are maintained on The National Archives’ CRM database, including information on prospects, donors, proposals, stewardship and gifts.

The post-holder may be required to undertake any other duties which may be reasonably requested within the nature of the duties and responsibilities of the post as defined.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Display Screen Equipment user

Person Specification

• Graduate-level education or equivalent experience, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in a fundraising role with trusts and foundations and/or individuals.
• Strong time management skills, with ability to prioritise and maintain momentum across a variety of tasks and meet multiple and simultaneous deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and liaison skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and build relationships with a wide range of colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Good judgement as to when to progress an issue independently, and when to escalate to line manager or other senior staff.
• Excellent IT skills, including working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and the ability to use or learn CRM databases (such as Donorfy, Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Interest in arts, culture and heritage, and ability to advocate for the work of The National Archives.

Desirable Criteria

• Prior experience in an academic or arts, culture and heritage organisation.
• Experience using design software (such as InDesign) to prepare high-quality visual materials such as proposals and presentations.

Other Requirements

A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site. Our expectation is that 60% of our time is spent in the office or working offsite (e.g. on visits), with 40% being from home. Requirement to work flexibly, including attendance at evening events and occasional travel.

Benefits

Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum.

Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ (opens in new window)

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks (opens in new window)

Nationality Requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals