Head of Development and Partnerships

Royal Air Force Museum; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned national museum is seeking a Head of Development and Partnerships to spearhead fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in securing significant donations and leading fundraising strategies. This role involves cultivating relationships with senior partners and working closely with the CEO. The museum is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and offers a chance to significantly impact its future. Regular travel between sites in London and Midlands is required.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in securing significant donations.
• Experience working with Boards and high-level stakeholders.
• Desirable background in capital fundraising and trusts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow fundraising activity for the museum.
• Develop and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate significant gifts and manage a skilled team.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Building strong relationships

Excellent communication skills

Leadership

Experience in capital fundraising

Job description

The Museum is looking to recruit a Head of Development and Partnerships.

Location: London or Midlands

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum dependent on experience and location

Employment Contract Type: Permanent - Full-time

Closing Date: 18/01/2026 11:59 pm

Interview Date: 29/01/2026

About the role

Head of Development and Partnerships Permanent Full-time London or Midlands £55,000 – £65,000 per annum dependent on experience and location

The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non-departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future – using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story – the people who shape it and its place in our lives.

We have two public sites (London and Midlands) and a stored collection (Stafford). Our trading company and active fundraising supplement Grant in Aid which comes through the Ministry of Defence.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a Carbon Literate organisation and as such promotes Carbon Literacy.

The Royal Air Force Museum is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Development and Partnerships to lead and grow our fundraising activity at a pivotal time for the organisation. As a national museum and registered charity, we rely on successful fundraising to support our day-to-day operations as well as major capital and development programmes that enable us to share the RAF story with current and future generations.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources and working closely with the CEO, you will develop and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy covering both revenue and capital income. You will lead a skilled Development team and personally cultivate and secure significant gifts. A key part of the role is building strong relationships with Trustees, senior colleagues and external partners, including leading the Museum’s partnership with the RAF Museum American Foundation.

We are looking for a senior fundraising professional with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies and personally securing significant donations. You will be an inspiring leader, an excellent communicator, and confident working at senior level with Boards, donors and partners. Experience of capital fundraising, trusts and foundations, stakeholder events and international fundraising is highly desirable.

In return, we offer the opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s most significant national museums, working within a values-led organisation committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Regular travel between sites will be required.

The RAF Museum is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact [e-mail] or [e-mail].

To apply:

• Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to apply for this role. You will be taken to our applicant tracking system.
• Closing date for applications: 18 January 2026
• Interviews will take place on: 29 and 30 January 2026