The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Development Research Officer to join our Development team, providing key support within a small fundraising team of 9. It’s a particularly exciting time to join, as we are embarking on an ambitious 125th Anniversary Campaign in 2027.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

This role is crucial in enabling the Academy to achieve its ambitious fundraising targets for our next campaign. The Development Research Officer will identify potential new funders who have the capacity and affinity to support the British Academy, as well as managing qualified prospects as they move through the prospect pipeline. You will also provide key intelligence on prospects and donors for meeting briefings and events, as well as due diligence research on potential donors to the Academy.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic insights on prospects and donors for the variety of audiences that we work with. You will enjoy gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources, make connections between people and organisations, and be creative in how to present information and data. Alongside the research role, you will also provide administrative support for the internal and external activities of the Development Team.

You will ideally have some experience of research in a fundraising environment, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will be able to work independently and look proactively for opportunities as well as working responsively to requests and deadlines. You will be confident using the Microsoft Office 365 suite and have experience using Salesforce or another CRM to manage your workflows.

Whether you’re looking to grow your career as a prospect researcher, or are making a move into the fundraising sector, we’d love to hear from you.

The role:

The Development Operations and Stewardship Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the stewardship of all donors to the Academy. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Development Operations and Stewardship, this position focuses on delivering the operational side of a donor relationship and facilitating vital communications with supporters.  Ultimately, you will help ensure that supporters feel understood and valued resulting in continued engagement with the Academy.

You will be able to approach your work creatively and look at each interaction with supporters as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the British Academy.  To do this you will work closely with the Development Team, supporting efforts across different Teams to deliver privately funded programmes (Research Awards, Communications, and Finance Directorates).   

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prospect Identification and Research

• Use the CRM and other sources to identify prospects with relevant interests and the capacity to make six- and seven- figure gifts.

• Produce both early-stage research and in-depth profiles on prospects and donors including: professional background; family; network mapping; philanthropic interests; connections with the Academy.

• Work with fundraisers to generate targeted briefings for meetings with prospects, donors and wider stakeholders.

• Produce concise biographies on prospects and donors who are attending cultivation and stewardship events held at the Academy.

 2. Prospect Data Management

• Maintain and improve the research process in the CRM. This includes updating information about prospects uncovered during research and tracking the type of research that has been produced (research profiles, due diligence, briefings and event biographies).

• Assist with the prospect data management process, including portfolio assignments, and updates to the prospect pipeline in Salesforce.

• Assist with the collation of prospect lists that are tailored to the fundraising priorities of the Academy.

• Review information and news updates on priority donors and prospects and update the Team.

3. Due Diligence and Compliance

• Work with the Head of Development/lead fundraiser to produce in depth due diligence research on prospective donors to the Academy for consideration by the Acceptance of Funds Group.

• Assist in the management of data to ensure that it is compiled, stored and deleted in compliance with the Academy’s GDPR policies.

4. Team Administration

• Support the Major Donor Team in coordinating governance and advisory group meetings (including room bookings) and taking meeting minutes.

• Assist in diary co-ordination and room bookings for meetings that Academy staff/Senior volunteers have with prospects and donors.

• Working with the Stewardship Officer, provide administrative support for the Development Team, including: monitoring and responding to emails that are sent to the Development Inbox; setting up rooms for internal meetings (e.g. monthly Development Team Meetings); assisting with office administration (managing incoming/outgoing post, and printing).

• Contribute to team data needs more broadly (e.g. providing reports to aid with Development Team data requirements).

Other Requirements:

• To support other areas of fundraising by attending cultivation and donor events as required.

• Stay updated on the latest developments in fundraising by attending conferences, participating in forums, and reading sector media.

• Any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Director of Development or Head of Development.

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

Development team; IT Department; Central Office; Clio (Front of House); Fellows

External:

Senior volunteers; prospects and donors

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree or equivalent relevant experience

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally.   

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way.  

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate.   

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts.   

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect.   

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of CRMs and their function within a Development office

• Knowledge of the fundraising environment in the UK

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including: Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied portfolio with minimum day to day input from the line manager.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

•  Proven ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload taking the initiative, often working to conflicting deadlines.  

• Manages own time and resources effectively in order to achieve own, team and organisational objectives.   

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input.   

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible.  

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead, referring to the appropriate level where necessary.   

• Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues.   

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure.   

• Copes with the unexpected.   

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions 

• Can think outside direct area of expertise and ownership to contribute to the wider strategic aims of the team and the British Academy.   

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Professional approach when dealing with a variety of people. 

• To support other areas of fundraising by attending development events as required, which may be outside of normal working hours on occasion.

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 16 March 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 30 March 2026 but this may be subject to change.