Development Research Officer

The British Academy

About the Organisation

British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing, Development, Policy, Research, and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.

About 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).

Responsibilities

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.

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.

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.

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 (providing reports to aid with the 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.

Internal:

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

External:

• Senior volunteers, prospects, and donors

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Requirements:

• 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 resolving possible conflicts.   
• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect.   
• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

Knowledge & 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 & 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 & 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 proactive, 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 the 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.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent relevant experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive benefits package
• 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Apply online
• 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 16th 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

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

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