Head of Philanthropy
Somerset House Closing date: Mon, 19 Oct 2026
- Full time
- £50k+
- Apply now
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The Development team at Somerset House raises over £3m per annum and works across four key income streams - brand partnerships, corporate partnerships, trusts & foundations and individual giving. Somerset House does not receive any core public funding, therefore income from philanthropic sources is especially important. We have ambitious plans to increase philanthropy and this postholder will be central to realising those ambitions.
Somerset House is an inspiring cause to support, and there is a real opportunity to create rewarding associations with donors across activity including public programming, exhibitions, capital, artist studios and our work developing pathways for underrepresented young people into the creative industries.
Job Requirements
Experience:
- Significant experience of securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations, working to targets and holding relationships at the six-figure level
- Demonstrable track record of developing and delivering fundraising strategies that result in long-term increases in income
- Experience working with High Net Worth Individuals
- Experience of managing, creating and shaping individual giving schemes
- Experience of managing grant funding relationships and delivering financial, KPI and commentary reporting to funders
Skills:
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to negotiate, collaborate and influence internal and external stakeholders
- Confidence in establishing and holding relationships with high net worth and high-profile individuals
- Exceptional written skills with the ability to craft compelling fundraising asks
Please see the job pack for a full list of requirements and responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Oversee all philanthropic giving from individuals, trusts and statutory bodies - encompassing one-off and regular giving; mid-level and major giving; trusts and foundations; statutory grants; and legacies
- Grow and manage a personal portfolio of constituents, soliciting philanthropic gifts at the five, six and seven figure level, making a significant contribution to the annual fundraising target
- Oversee systems and processes for identifying, qualifying and assigning prospects across the philanthropy team, ensuring clear prioritisation, systematic cultivation plans and a focus on increasing the value of the pipeline
Strategy
- Devise and deliver a new strategy for individual giving including a review and refresh of individual giving schemes. This will be aligned with the long-term vision and income targets for the department and with a view to significantly increasing the value of this income stream over the next three years
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Head of Philanthropy
- Salary: £50k+
- Hours: Full time
- Role: Fundraising
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 19 Oct 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Head of Philanthropy
Job: Head of Philanthropy
Organisation: Somerset House
Postcode: WC2R 1LA
How to Apply
Please apply using the link provided by midnight on 19 October 2026.
About Somerset House
Somerset House is the home of cultural innovators, sitting at the meeting point of artistic and social practice. We host the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community right in the heart of London.
We welcome 3 million annual visitors to share our unique combination of cultural events, the creative industries and history. It is this mix that empowers our programme and our organisational culture, making us a singular, compelling and inclusive place to visit and work.