Director of Development

British Library
St Pancras, London - office presence of at least 60% of the week
Up to £120,000 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

At the heart of this role sits a major, transformational capital campaign to support the renewal of the Library’s St Pancras site, alongside the continued growth of core fundraising activity. This is not business as usual. It is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a national institution with global significance and public purpose.

Working at the heart of the organisation, you will be a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board, providing authoritative strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of fundraising.

You will be a visible and inclusive leader who inspires excellence, fosters collaboration and champions continuous learning – within your team and across the wider Library. You will bring energy, clarity and purpose, creating a culture that empowers people to perform at their best.

Comfortable leading through change, you will be outcomes-focused and values-led, placing the Library’s users, staff and partners at the centre of decision-making. As a senior leader, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Library’s corporate objectives and long-term direction, working in close partnership with fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Externally, you will act as a compelling ambassador for the British Library, building influential networks and advocating for its work 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