Senior Development Manager - Major Gifts

  • ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS/KEW GARDENS
  • Feb 19, 2026
Full time

Job Description

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 is a wide-ranging, responsible position within 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 Manager, 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 £30m fund, to support crucial scientific research and global conservation partnerships to 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 successful candidate will be a passionate major donor fundraiser with experience securing five and six figure gifts from individuals and family foundations. They will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, be a strategic and creative thinker, and enjoy working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. They will have line management experience and highly developed interpersonal skills, with notable experience and interest in motivating others to succeed. This person will enjoy making things happen and a strong appreciation for Kew's mission.

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.

About Us

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.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

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.