Director of Development

British Library
St Pancras, London, with occasional travel across the UK and internationally
c.£100,000 per annum on a full-time, permanent basis
Hackney

British Library is the national library of the UK. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day.

Although our roots extend back centuries, we collect everything written today, tomorrow, and decades into the future.

We have millions of books, but we have so much more. Our London and Yorkshire sites have everything from newspapers to sound recordings, patents, prints and drawings, maps, and manuscripts.

We are free to use and open to everyone.

We work with partners and other libraries to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to use and explore our collection. From fostering an early love of learning with local schools, to livestreaming events for audiences joining us from across the UK, to helping researchers around the world find the information they need.

Our spaces are open for research and study, to find business support, as a place to meet friends, or to get inspired by visiting our galleries.

THE ROLE

As Director of Development, you will lead the British Library’s fundraising function, delivering a successful capital campaign for the St Pancras Transformed programme while growing sustainable income to support the Library’s mission.

You will provide expert strategic and operational advice to the Executive Leadership Team, CEO and Board on all aspects of fundraising.

You will be a visible, inclusive leader who inspires high performance, collaboration and continuous development across your team and the wider Library.

You will embrace and lead change; be outcome-focussed; and put the British Library’s users, staff and partners at the very heart of everything you do, and every decision we take. As a senior leader, you will contribute to the delivery of corporate objectives and the future direction of the organisation, working closely with SLT colleagues. You will also represent the British Library externally, building strong peer networks and advocating for the Library with partners across government, business and the cultural sector.

INFORMATION

Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.

DOWNLOAD    
Timeline

Closing date: Friday 27th February 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c 9th and 16th March 2026
Final panel interviews: w/c 13th and 20th April 2026

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than two sides).
  • A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the Person Specification. Please also outline your vision for the role and how you propose to approach it if appointed.

We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.

Apply