Head of Fundraising and Membership

British Science Association

Hours
35 hours per week

About the Organisation

British Science Association (BSA) is a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting science, engaging the public, and encouraging inclusivity in scientific fields. Established in 1831, the BSA has a rich history of fostering curiosity and understanding of science among diverse audiences. Its mission is to transform the way people connect with and view science, making it more accessible and part of everyday culture.

About the role

The Head of Fundraising & Membership will be an experienced professional fundraiser responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive fundraising and membership strategy to grow and diversify sustainable income for the British Science Association across its portfolio of programmes.​

A central part of the role will be leading development and delivery of the membership and fundraising strategy for EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health), a national membership coalition hosted by the British Science Association (BSA) delivered in partnership with the Francis Crick Institute and funded by the Wellcome Trust. ​

Working closely with the Director of Development & External Relations, Chief Executive, and other colleagues across the organisation, the postholder will lead fundraising and business development activity, strengthen BSA supporter engagement, and EDIS organisational member engagement, and help shape resilient income models that support the BSA’s mission to ensure that all of society is included in science.

Responsibilities

Develop and Deliver the BSA’s Fundraising Strategy​:

• Develop the BSA’s fundraising strategy, working with key stakeholders, and create an accompanying implementation plan, KPIs, and milestones.​
• Monitor and report on the delivery of the fundraising strategy to the Senior Management Team and Board.​
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the delivery of the fundraising strategy. 

Develop and grow the Membership of EDIS (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Science and Health):

• Develop and deliver the EDIS membership strategy, including an implementation plan with clear KPIs and milestones.​
• Work closely with the Head of EDIS and wider EDIS team to develop a compelling and sustainable membership offer and pricing structure (from year 3 of the programme) for current and prospective organisational members .​
• Develop and deliver a membership growth plan, and work closely with the EDIS team to oversee member communications, engagement campaigns and retention strategies.​
• Work with the Head of EDIS and other colleagues to develop additional earned income streams that complement membership (such as sponsorship or paid-for training).​

Lead, support and champion the Development team​:

• Foster a strong, collaborative team culture for the BSA Development team, reflecting the values of the BSA and of EDIS, and inspiring the team to develop and contribute to the fundraising strategy and the BSA’s and EDIS’ mission and vision.​
• Work collaboratively with teams across the BSA, encouraging all teams to support the organisation’s fundraising and income generation activities, as appropriate.​
• Deputise for the Director of Development & External Relations, when needed.​

Lead on our fundraising activities and donor engagement:

• Lead and provide oversight on high-quality applications and bids to corporates, trusts and foundations, statutory sources and other funders, working closely with Development team members and other colleagues.​
• Lead the development of high-value strategic partnerships, including multi-year and/or multi-programme partnerships, aligning funder priorities with organisational impact.​
• Lead on the BSA’s donor stewardship plans, ensuring timely and effective reporting to funders as well as a strong supporter experience.​
• Ensure there is a comprehensive pipeline of funding bids with a clear prospecting plan for the BSA.​
• Work closely with the Head of Education and wider team to develop and deliver fundraising approaches that complement earned income for the BSA’s flagship CREST Awards programme.​
• Work closely with the Director of Development & External Relations, CEO, Trustees and other colleagues to help build strong relationships with prospective donors and high-profile stakeholders, by providing timely briefings for donor meetings to support senior-level engagement.​

Develop our processes and systems to allow for effective fundraising and membership​:

• Lead on our fundraising Customer Relationship Management (CRM), ensuring that fundraising and membership relationships are captured, updated and shared in a timely and consistent way across the organisation.​
• Develop compelling cases for support and fundraising collateral, working closely with programmes, communications, policy and other teams across the BSA.​
• Ensure that our fundraising complies with the highest fundraising standards, as set out by the Fundraising Regulator, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Charity Commission of England & Wales, and other relevant bodies.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential​ Criteria:

• Proven track record in fundraising, including securing significant grants and/or contracts, managing a complex  fundraising pipeline and stewarding funders during a partnership 
• Excellent line management skills, including leading high-performing teams and dealing with all aspects of people management 
• Experience in developing and implementing successful supporter/member engagement strategies.    
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and digital fundraising tools.     
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and leadership capabilities.    
• Experience in managing budgets effectively, including planning & controlling spend.    
• Excellent organisational and time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and remain calm and clear-headed under pressure     
• A commitment to the British Science Association’s and EDIS’ mission and vision.

Desirable​ Criteria:

• We don’t expect applicants to meet all of the following criteria, but having one or more of the following would be really helpful in the role
• Experience in developing and implementing successful organisational membership strategies     
• Experience of mixed-income  models, such as combining membership, earned income and sponsorship    
• Knowledge of the science engagement or charity sector    
• Experience of working on corporate partnerships

Compensation & Benefits

• 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Up to two days paid leave per year for significant voluntary commitments in support of professional and personal development
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme after 3 months (4% paid by the employer).
• Up to five days’ unpaid leave per year
• Life assurance for death in service benefit from your first day (subject to scheme rules). Complementary access to a 24/7 online GP service.
• Occupational sick pay: up to six weeks’ full pay per year (pro-rata for part-time employees).
• Confidential telephone counselling service, offered by our legal insurance.
• Interest-free loan for season ticket, bike to work, and assisted study;
• Discounts may be offered on Science Museum tickets and in the shop.

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Applications should be made via this link.
• Please send a CV and covering letter (each of no more than two A4 pages) that summarises your interest in the role and details your ability to match the criteria.​
• If you have further questions or would like this information in a different format, please contact: [email protected]

Interviews

• First round interviews are due to take place in the week commencing Monday 27th April 2026, with second round interviews taking place on Monday 11th May and Tuesday 12th May 2026. ​
• You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for an interview.

Policies

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled* applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme. If you wish to apply under the guaranteed interview scheme, you will be asked to indicate this when you submit your application by selecting ‘yes’ in the relevant box when asked during the application process. Applicants do not need to state any further information or declare their disability at the application stage.​

Whether you are applying under the scheme or not, if you are successful in being shortlisted, we will ask candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions to let us know if they need any adjustments during the recruitment process. The Disability Confident scheme’s definition of disability is in line with the Equality Act 2010: “a physical or mental condition which has a long-term and substantial effect on your daily life. Further information about our Disability Confident commitments can be found on the Disability Confident

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