British Museum
Director of Development
The British Museum seeks an exceptional Director of Development to play a crucial role in one of the world’s most ambitious museum transformations. As the Museum embarks on its landmark Western Range project—the most significant redevelopment since the Victorian era—the successful candidate will lead multimillion fundraising campaign that will reshape this iconic institution for generations to come.
Reporting directly to the Director and serving as a key member of the Directorate Group, the Director of Development will create and implement comprehensive development strategies that support the Museum’s masterplan and strengthen its long-term financial resilience. They will lead a team of around 40 while working closely with the Director and Board of Trustees to cultivate transformative philanthropic relationships.
The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in securing major gifts and delivering successful fundraising campaigns at scale. They will demonstrate sophisticated communication skills to inspire donors across the world and build beneficial, lasting relationships. Experience of operating in large, complex organisations and leading capital campaigns is essential.
As the Museum undertakes both physical and intellectual transformation—documenting and digitising its entire collection of eight million artifacts and expanding its national and international presence—the Director of Development will help ensure the British Museum remains the most accessible, used and enjoyed collection anywhere in the world.
This position offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a prestigious international institution at a pivotal moment in its 270-year history. The successful candidate will be an inspirational, inclusive, and collaborative leader with the vision to help the Museum fulfil its founding mission.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the British Museum on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference PBBMI. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 28 April.
The British Museum’s collection is the most remarkable in the world. The first public national museum in (and about) the world, the Museum’s eight million artefacts make it the largest and most comprehensive collection, spanning two million years of human history and art across all cultures, from prehistory to today.