Director of Development

Totalwellnessacupuncture; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - GBP 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A national cultural institution in London seeks a Director of Development to spearhead fundraising and partnerships during a transformative period. You will successfully lead a major capital campaign to expand the institution's site, enhancing public access and engagement with its vast collections. Ideal candidates are experienced in fundraising leadership, donor relations, and team collaboration, capable of inspiring support and building impactful partnerships. This unique role shapes the future of the institution and its contributions to culture and knowledge.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading successful fundraising campaigns.
• Ability to inspire and engage with high-impact partnerships.
• Strong leadership qualities with a collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and complete a successful major capital campaign.
• Grow philanthropic support and strengthen donor relationships.
• Position the Library as a national centre for cultural and intellectual life.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Partnership development

Donor relationship management

Team collaboration

Job description

Director of Development

Salary: c£100k

Location: St Pancras, London

The British Library is entering a bold new era. As one of the world’s leading national libraries, we hold over 170 million items and support millions of people across the UK and beyond with research, learning, and inspiration. This is a pivotal moment to join us as we begin an ambitious new chapter, expanding access, strengthening engagement, and shaping our future as a modern national library for the digital age.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Development to lead fundraising and partnerships at this defining moment. You will lead and complete a successful major capital campaign for the expansion of our St Pancras site, which will create a major new public space for London and the UK that's connected to our community and open to the world. As one of the largest and most exciting transformation projects in the cultural sector, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the British Library, helping to secure the long‑term investment that will enable our mission to thrive.

Working closely with a highly committed team at all levels, you will grow philanthropic support, strengthen major donor relationships, and position the Library as a national centre of cultural and intellectual life. You will be a confident and collaborative leader who can inspire supporters and build high‑impact partnerships. Your work will help open new doors for people to engage with the Library, ensuring our collections and programmes remain accessible to all, both physically and digitally.

This is a unique chance to play a leading role in the next chapter of a cherished national institution, shaping how people connect with knowledge, culture, and the stories that define us, both in person and online.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/bl-dir-dev/

Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026