Fundraising Communications Manager
| Posting date: | 27 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 April 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4JP |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Science Museum Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | SMG03461_1774607432 |
Summary
Are you looking to use compelling storytelling to inspire philanthropic support for a world-leading museum group?
About us
At the Science Museum Group (SMG), we make it our mission to inspire futures. Through our collections, learning programmes, research, access initiatives and public engagement, we connect millions of people with science and innovation every year.
Our Fundraising and Partnerships team plays a critical role in enabling this work, building long-term relationships with donors and partners who share our vision.
We are recruiting a Fundraising Communications Manager, based at the Science and Industry Museum, to help us convey the impact of supporters and reach our fundraising target of close to £15 million by April 2027.
Hybrid working is available in line with SMG policy, with a minimum of 40% of working hours onsite, to be agreed with your line manager.
About the role
As Fundraising Communications Manager, you will manage the development and delivery of clear, engaging and impact-led communications for donors and prospective supporters.
With a renewed focus on SMG's purpose, you will translate activity across collections, learning, access, public engagement and capital projects into compelling narratives that demonstrate public benefit and explain why support matters. You will ensure that donors understand not only what we do, but the difference their support makes.
Working closely with fundraising colleagues, communications teams, curators, public programme teams and senior leadership, you will embed storytelling at the heart of donor engagement and stewardship. Your work will build confidence, deepen relationships and sustain long-term support.
What you will be doing
- Develop and deliver a fundraising communications plan that supports donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships.
- Turn SMG's work across collections, science, learning and capital projects into clear and compelling narratives for philanthropic audiences.
- Create high-quality content for donors, including cases for support, case studies, the Annual Impact Report, funding reports and digital communications.
- Support fundraising campaigns, major gifts and capital projects through timely and strategic communications.
- Lead and coordinate internal communications for the Fundraising and Partnerships team, ensuring shared understanding of priorities and key messages.
- Work collaboratively with curatorial, learning, communications and digital colleagues to identify stories and evidence that demonstrate impact.
- Use insight, evaluation, and engagement data to improve the effectiveness of fundraising communications.
- Manage multiple complex communications projects across print and digital channels, working to agreed deadlines and quality standards.
- Promote best practice in fundraising communications by providing guidance and materials to colleagues.
- Advocate for the SMG brand, making sure every communication aligns with our mission, values, and visual identity.
About you
You will bring a track record in communications roles within fundraising, cultural or charitable organisations. You are a skilled writer, able to craft clear and persuasive content for donors and prospective supporters.
You will have experience working within brand guidelines and collaborating with graphic designers, alongside solid project management skills across print and digital channels. You are comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong stakeholder management is essential. You will be able to build trusted relationships across teams, influencing colleagues and drawing out stories that demonstrate meaningful impact.
Above all, you will bring a values-driven approach and a genuine commitment to contributing to an open, inclusive and mission-led organisation.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.
What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.
- Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
- Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme and other wellbeing support.
- Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the National Museum Directors' Council network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.