Senior Development Manager - Major Gifts

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Development Manager, Major Gifts (maternity cover) for a 12‑month role in the Major Donor Team within Kew Development. This wide‑ranging, responsible position is part of a collaborative and supportive team. The post holder will play an integral role in helping Kew to maximise philanthropic support, cultivating high‑net‑worth individuals who have the capacity and passion to make major gifts.

Alongside line‑managing two Development Managers, Major Gifts, the post‑holder will play a pivotal role in fundraising for key projects including the £60 million renovation of the Palm House and the Seeds Future Fund, a £30 million fund to support crucial scientific research and global conservation partnerships that protect biodiversity round the world.

The Senior Development Manager, Major Gifts will be an integral member of the Major Donor team, partnering with the Associate Director, Major Gifts and Patrons to develop and implement Kew’s major giving strategy. The role involves securing five‑ and six‑figure gifts from individuals and family foundations, managing a team, and delivering major fundraising initiatives for high‑profile projects.

The successful candidate will have experience securing five‑ and six‑figure gifts from individuals and foundations, outstanding organisational and communication skills, a strategic and creative mindset, and a passion for Kew’s mission. They should have demonstrated line‑management experience, strong interpersonal skills, and an interest in motivating others to succeed.

Interviews are due to take place w/c 16 March.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well‑being of people and the future of all life on Earth. We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably.

We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The salary for this position is £50,000 – £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience (Development Grade).

Our benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support such as cycle‑to‑work scheme and discounted gym membership, a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme, free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, and access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.