Head of Development

Job Scope

The Royal Society’s fundamental purpose, reflected in its founding Charters of the 1660s, is to recognise, promote and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity. The Society has played a part in some of the most fundamental, significant and life changing discoveries in history and Royal Society scientists – our Fellows and those people we fund – continue to make outstanding contributions to science and help to shape the world we live in.

The Society has three key roles, operating as a registered charity, a fellowship of outstanding scientists and as the UK national academy of science.

The Head of Development role manages the Royal Society’s development team, which is focused on maximising philanthropic income and achieving a collective team target of approx. £5.5 million annually. Working closely with members of the Development team and with senior colleagues, the post holder is responsible for developing a programme of approaches that secure gifts of mainly at the high 6-figure and 7-figure level from a range of income streams including trusts and foundations, legacies, individual supporters, and companies in the UK and overseas.

The postholder will also be responsible for ensuring that stewardship, administration and gift acceptance processes operate smoothly, and are completed efficiently and in accordance with the relevant policies.

The team is currently going through a period of change and the post holder has the opportunity to help shape the team and develop the next fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Director of Development and Scientific Programmes, the Executive Director and the trustee body (Council).

Reports to : Director, Development and Scientific Programmes

Line Report : Research and Stewardship Manager and up to 4 other direct reports

Location : Hybrid (office based in Carlton House Terrace, Piccadilly, with some remote working available)

Hours : 35 hours – Full Time

Some evening and weekend working may occasionally be required. Some domestic and international travel may also be required.

Pay Band : F, £61,506 - £76,882 per annum

Duration : 12 Month Fixed-term Contract

This Final date to receive applications will be 22 January at 9 am.

For more information and to apply please contact .

• Be responsible for the Society’s philanthropic income generation as directed by the Director of Development and Scientific Programmes in conjunction with the Society’s Officers, particularly the Treasurer, Council and Executive Director.
• Work with senior leadership and Fellows to identify strategically important activities that would lend themselves to philanthropic funding prospective donors to the Society.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of individual, trust and corporate donor prospects with the ability to make 6 and 7-figure donations.
• Establish co-operative working relationships with appropriate Society colleagues and volunteers.
• Work with the team and senior colleagues to increase the number of legacy pledgers to the Society, through the development of long‑term relationships with Fellows and other prospective legators.
• With the Director of Development and Scientific Programmes, develop cases for support for gifts at all levels aligned with the strategic and sectional plans of the Society.

• Oversee the efficient and smooth operational delivery of voluntary income streams.
• Ensure that robust due diligence is carried out where needed and that any risk to the Society is identified and mitigated.
• Oversee the preparations and paperwork for the Gift Acceptance Committee, ensuring the relevant paperwork is completed in good time and communication is clear.
• Ensure regular and timely reporting against targets and KPIs.
• Operational management of the Development section budget.

• Ensure that all donors are stewarded effectively and in line with the schedule agreed in the gift agreement.
• Oversee and resolve any issues arising relating to the fulfilment of a project, escalating as needed to the Director of Development.

• Establish or develop co‑operative working…