The Organisation
The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with tens of million visits every year.
We are now looking for a Skilled Gardener to join us in Richmond Park on a full-time, permanent basis, working 40 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £30,992 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service
- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Offices in a beautiful location
If you're a qualified horticulturist with practical experience and a working knowledge of gardening machinery, this is an unparalleled opportunity to become part of our prestigious organisation.
Embark on a fulfilling journey where your efforts will play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the natural splendour of one of the UK's most renowned green spaces.
Beyond this, you'll champion biodiversity and promote sustainable gardening practices in Richmond Park, a haven for diverse wildlife, historic landscapes, a National Nature Reserve, and one of London’s largest sites of special scientific interest!
So, if you’re passionate about maintaining and elevating Richmond Park’s gardens and landscapes, we’d love to welcome you to our team.
The Role
As a Skilled Gardener, you will be responsible for the care, cultivation, and maintenance of Richmond Park's 2500 acres of gardens and landscapes.
Delivering practical conservation work and general maintenance tasks, you will protect and enhance the park's conservation status, undertaking repairs and renewals of estate infrastructure, ensuring all park facilities are safe and well-maintained.
You will be tasked with mowing, hedge-cutting, plant care, and tree establishment activities for allocated garden areas, as well as providing guidance and mentorship to apprentices and volunteers, contributing to their training and development by sharing your expertise.
Additionally, you will:
- Operate and maintain countryside machinery and equipment safely
- Assist with winter maintenance tasks, which may include road gritting and snow removal out of hours.
- Implement and promote sustainable gardening practices to enhance biodiversity
- Engage with park visitors, providing information and ensuring their safety and enjoyment
- Collaborate with the Estates Team to participate in planning and programming of work
About You
To be considered as a Skilled Gardener, you will need:
- Demonstrable practical horticultural experience
- The ability to safely operate a range of routine garden machinery, including ride-on mowers, tractors, hedge-cutters, strimmers and leaf blowers
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety
- Good plant knowledge, particularly around shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous plants
- Working knowledge of horticultural plant and machinery operations
- A formal horticultural qualification, such as an NVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture or RHS (or equivalent experience)
- A full, valid driving licence
We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an “Accessibility Tools” button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works for you. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.
Other organisations may call this role Gardener, Horticulturalist, Parkland Gardener, Groundskeeper, Conservation Gardener, Gardening and Conservation Officer, or Park Maintenance Gardener.
The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Skilled Gardener, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
We provide free access to London’s beautiful, natural and historic green spaces, to help improve everyone’s quality of life and wellbeing.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Venn Group are delighted to be partnered with a leading sustainability charity, committed to raising standards and driving positive change within the hospitality sector. We are seeking a proactive and motivated Fundraising Officer to play a key role in growing income streams and building strong supporter relationships.
Key responsibilities of the role:
- Implement approved sales and fundraising strategies and workplans
- Translate targets into outreach schedules, campaigns, and account plans
- Monitor market trends and provide feedback for strategy refinement
- Ensure alignment with brand, impact frameworks, and ethical standards
- Build and manage a qualified pipeline across all key funder segments
- Execute full business development cycle
- Deliver offerings (e.g. memberships, consulting, events) with consistent value
- Lead compliant bid submissions and tenders
- Develop tailored proposals, decks, and budgets using templates
- Communicate case for support with clear outcomes and partner benefits
- Collaborate with programme leads on offer packaging and pricing
- Manage onboarding, delivery, reporting, and recognition processes.
- Ensure timely and accurate grant and sponsorship reporting
- Maintain revenue forecasts and update pipeline dashboards
- Work with Finance on contracts, invoicing, and audits
- Apply pricing and margin guidelines; ensure compliance.
- Follow fundraising, data privacy, and ethics policies.
- Provide content for marketing and lead-generation campaigns
- Help build internal capacity on donor relations and pipeline hygiene
- Integrate KPIs and impact narratives into pitches and proposals
- Keep CRM data accurate and meet activity SLAs
- Track and improve conversion rates and pipeline performance
- Share market feedback to refine strategies and offerings
Ideal candidate profile:
- Strong proposal writing, pitching and negotiation skills
- Demonstrated success executing sales and/or fundraising plans with measurable revenue delivery
- Experience delivering defined sponsorships, partnerships, or commercial offers tied to programmes/services
- Charity / Hospitality sector experience
Agency reference number: J90493
Location: Central London
Duration: 6 months temp – permanent
Pay rate: £18 - £20 per hour
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Working pattern: Hybrid (2/3 days per week on-site)
This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.
Join us at the Foundling Museum at a pivotal moment in its story. We are seeking an experienced, conscientious and collaborative Director of Development to lead our fundraising and strategic growth.
With passion, creativity and realism, you will drive philanthropic support, nurture key relationships and be a key contributor to shaping the Museum’s future as we build on its unique heritage and national profile.
You will bring proven leadership, deep understanding of cultural fundraising and the ability to inspire colleagues, supporters and stakeholders to achieve income targets. This is a rare opportunity to make a dynamic impact on a museum with history, relevance and ambition.
Role Overview
The Director of Development at the Foundling Museum will lead the Museum’s fundraising strategy, driving income generation to support its mission and programmes. This senior leadership role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate sponsorship, individual giving, trusts and foundations, membership schemes, philanthropic campaigns and communications.
The Director of Development works closely with the Museum's Director (CEO & Artistic Director), Trustees and key stakeholders to cultivate relationships with high-value donors, build strategic partnerships and secure sustainable financial support. As part of the Senior Management Team, this new role will work in collaboration with the Director of Finance (PT) and Director of Commercial and Operations (FT).
Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the role involves managing a small development team (2FTE) and communications team, setting ambitious targets and achieving actual income goals, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s values and strategic priorities.
The Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the Museum’s long-term financial resilience, leveraging the Museum’s reputation and impact to inspire and engage supporters from diverse sectors.
Key duties
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising, membership and partnership strategy to support the Museum’s short and long-term goals
- Work closely with senior leadership and the Board to align fundraising priorities with the Museum’s mission and strategic objectives
- Fundraising
- Lead efforts to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, with a particular focus on individuals, trust and foundations, and corporates
- Oversee the development of compelling proposals, pitches, and presentations to corporate and individual supporters, including negotiation of corporate and philanthropic agreements
- Work with trusts, foundations, and statutory funding bodies to secure grants that support the Museum’s exhibitions, programmes and capital projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on all grant-funded activities
- Ensure that proper due diligence around potential donors is conducted in line with the organisation’s policies and compliant with the Fundraising Code of Practice of the Fundraising Regulator and other national bodies with which the Museum is registered
- Donor and Partnership Development
- Identify, cultivate and secure new high-value donors of all types, including individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and statutory funders
- Develop strong professional relationships with the Museum’s existing donors in a warm and personal atmosphere and in alignment with the Museum’s values
- Strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders, including internal colleagues and board and committee members, to harness their relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and understanding of fundraising across the organisation
- With the Director of Commercial and Operations, plan and deliver all major Museum events for key stakeholders
- Lead the team to cultivate the membership base of the Museum
- Leadership & Team Management
- Manage the fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure success in meeting income targets
- Manage the communications team to oversee the brand, marketing, media communications and related budgets
- Oversee digital communications, including website and social media, to increase income generation, philanthropy and partnerships
- Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, and with SMT across the staff
- Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring that targets are met and that funds are raised in line with the Museum's mission
- Oversee the fundraising budget and ensure efficient use of resources
- Liaise with the Director of Finance to ensure fundraising revenues are accurately tracked and accounted for
- Ensure complete, accurate and timely processes are conducted around all fundraising activity, including gift administration and acknowledgement, Gift Aid, GDPR compliance, etc.
- Provide regular reports to the Museum Director and Board of Trustees on the Museum’s progress on key projects and targets as articulated in the Museum’s strategic plan
- Public Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as a key ambassador for the Museum, deputising for the Director where appropriate regarding income generation, enhancing its public profile and strengthening its reputation in the philanthropic and corporate sectors
- Represent the Foundling Museum at events, donor meetings and public forums
- Keep up to date on best practice in cultural fundraising and charity sector fundraising and communications, and bring this knowledge back for institutional benefit
Person Specification
Experience (required)
- Proven leadership, ideally at least 5 years, in a similar role where philanthropic and grant income is central to the success of the organisation
- Extensive experience of shaping and implementing fundraising strategies that have delivered a step change increase in actual income
- A substantial fundraising track record in securing income from diverse constituencies and across funding types, including personal experience in securing major gifts and managing teams to do the same
- A demonstrable history of innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying income generation opportunities and pushing organisations forward to increase income
- Proven experience of nurturing long and short-term funding opportunities and being the key point of contact for both
- Significant team leadership experience of creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
- Strong performance management skills with a proven ability to develop, articulate and champion funding opportunities and gain buy-in among staff and key stakeholders, including board and committee members
- In-depth understanding of relevant UK charity and tax legislation, due diligence processes and policies relating to fundraising
Experience (desirable)
- Extensive experience of fundraising in arts and / or heritage, preferably in the UK
- Knowledge of effective fundraising in Europe and the US, including tax-effective giving
- Thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation as it relates to fundraising, marketing and communications
- Experience of effective endowment and legacy fundraising strategies
- Personal characteristics and skills (required)
- Ability to lead, motivate and inspire a fundraising and communications team
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highly developed negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills
- A natural networker who builds confidence and trust and can represent the Foundling Museum at the highest levels and garner respect within peer networks
- Project management skills and ability to remove any organisational roadblocks that exist in relation to development
- Resilient, diplomatic and resourceful in solving problems
- Ability to prioritise and focus on the areas of greatest impact
- Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards
- Strongly numerate with the ability to be entrepreneurial and take measured risks
- Alignment to the Foundling Museum’s values, communicating clearly, transparently and consistently; having accountability and working as part of a collaborative team towards a common purpose
- Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the Foundling Museum and for the importance of increasing engagement with and access to the arts
Conditions of Work and Benefits
- £65,000-70,000 full-time salary, depending on experience. We are open to 0.8 FTE at a pro-rata salary.
- Probation period of 6 months, and notice period of 3 months (1 month during probation)
- This job will be based onsite at the Foundling Museum. For all our employees, there are opportunities for partial hybrid working if desired; we have an agreed minimum of 60% of working hours that must be onsite at the Museum.
- Normal working hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm. This role requires some flexibility, including some mornings, evenings and weekends.
- 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata) + bank holidays (pro rata) + Birthday leave (one day)
- You will be eligible to join a group contributory pension scheme (3 months after your start date)
- Free access to our fully-funded Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing – WISDOM
- Training support from our online learning platform
- Discount from the Foundling Museum Shop and local partner businesses
- Free or reduced-price access to partner museums
- Access to season ticket, rental deposit and cycle to work scheme loans (3 months from your start date)
- Please also note that this job description will not form part of your contract or your terms and conditions of employment. Duties and requirements of the role may vary from time to time in accordance with the needs of Foundling Museum, its strategy and the directions from the Museum Director.
Application timetable
- Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 20th October 2025
- First interview date: Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2025
- Second interview date for shortlisted candidates: Monday 10th November 2025
How to apply
To apply please follow the link to our application portal where you will be asked to upload a completed copy of our standard application form you may also attach your CV if you wish. Please note that the job is being advertsised via CharityJob until the 10th October and after this date you will need to go directly to our website to apply where you will have until the 20th October to submit your application.
PLEASE NOTE: On the application portal, where it requests a CV, please ensure to upload your completed Application Form (required), your CV (optional) the Equal Opportunities Form (optional).
Please get in touch with us if you have any access requirements or queries related to the application process details of how to do this are in the Job description.
If you wish to book a time to have a short informal conversation (phone or video) prior to application with the Museum Director her contact details are in the job description.
Please also note that any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK and also may be subject to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
The Foundling Museum is the only cultural institution in the UK to celebrate the lives of care-experienced people, and those who care for them.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.