The Natural History Museum is uniquely positioned as both a world-class visitor attraction and a leading scientific research institution. As we approach our 150th anniversary, we are embarking on one of the most ambitious transformations in our history. Our mission is to create advocates for the planet and to use our global platform, collections and scientific research to address the urgent challenges facing the natural world.
Work is already underway. In 2024, we unveiled our new five-acre gardens and opened the Fixing Our Broken Planet gallery, which welcomed more than one million visitors in its first six months. Looking ahead, we will relocate 28 million specimens to our new science and research centre at Thames Valley Science Park, due for completion in 2031. This will free significant space in South Kensington, enabling us to transform our iconic Waterhouse building (our cathedral to nature) and open up more of our collections to the public than ever before.
To complete this transformation, we are raising £150 million as part of our 150 Campaign. Throughout the lifetime of the campaign, we will breathe new life into four existing galleries, open two magnificent galleries that have been closed to the public for 80 years, welcome one million additional visitors annually, engage 10 million young people and families through our programmes, and inspire more than 100 million advocates for the planet worldwide.
This is an extraordinary moment to join the Museum. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Development to lead and deliver this ambitious fundraising programme and to shape the long-term financial resilience of the organisation.
Reporting to the Museum Director, Dr Doug Gurr, and serving as a member of the Executive Board, the Director of Development will provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activity across the Museum. They will determine and drive the overall fundraising strategy, building deep and lasting relationships with philanthropists, corporates, trusts, foundations and individual supporters in the UK and internationally. The role encompasses the full development portfolio, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, patrons, legacies and individual giving.
Leading a team of 35, the Director will cultivate a high-performing, collaborative and ambitious function capable of delivering £150 million over the next five years. The successful candidate will bring significant senior-level experience of delivering a major institutional fundraising strategy, raising in the region of £20 million per annum, with the ambition and capability to grow further.
They will have a strong track record of securing seven-figure gifts, extensive experience of working with major donors and corporate partners, and deep knowledge of fundraising within the scientific, cultural or similarly mission-driven sectors. Experience of engaging senior volunteers, operating internationally and managing complex stakeholder relationships will be essential.
Above all, the Director of Development will share the Museum’s belief in the power of science to secure a thriving future for people and planet, bringing energy, drive and personal commitment to advancing our mission at a pivotal moment in our history.
Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is 09.00 BST on Monday 30th March 2026.
To get in touch confidentially about this opportunity, please contact Ilona Motyer on Ilona.Motyer@perrettlaver.com.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so we can make appropriate arrangements.
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Diversity and Inclusion Matter To Us
The museum’s vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
General Information
This is a full-time position. We are open to the possibility of flexible working.
