Senior Principal Gifts Manager

Senior Principal Gifts Manager – The British Museum – Location: London – Salary: £54,000

Help shape one of the most ambitious cultural transformation projects of our generation.

The British Museum is embarking on a landmark £1.3 billion Masterplan, reimagining one of the world's most iconic cultural institutions for the 21st century while preserving its unique role as a museum for everyone. To support this vision, we are launching a major philanthropic campaign with a target of raising £500 million+.

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Gifts Manager to secure transformational philanthropic support from leading UK and international donors. Working closely with senior leadership, trustees and campaign volunteers, you will develop and manage relationships with principal-level philanthropists, guiding complex donor journeys and securing significant multi-year gifts.

Key Responsibilities

▪       Manage a portfolio of principal gift prospects and donors.

▪       Develop and deliver strategies to secure transformational philanthropic commitments.

▪       Lead peer-to-peer fundraising activity with senior stakeholders and volunteers.

▪       Establish and manage the Masterplan Campaign Board.

▪       Coordinate complex fundraising projects across the Museum and wider stakeholder network.

▪       Build compelling cases for support aligned to the Museum's strategic priorities.

About You

You will be an accomplished fundraising professional with a proven track record of securing major gifts, ideally within the arts, culture, heritage, charity or higher education sectors. You will combine exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills with strong project management expertise, strategic thinking and the confidence to engage high-profile donors and senior stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in one of the most significant fundraising campaigns in the cultural sector, helping secure the future of a world-renowned institution that cares for over eight million objects spanning human history.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

William Pringle

Partner, Head of Charity, Arts, Culture & Heritage Practice

Berwick Partners

+44 (0) 207 518 2635 / +44 (0) 7515 919 648

Closing date for applications: Thursday 15th October 2026