Head of Development

Location Edinburgh

Salary £52,406 - £60,809 per annum (pay award pending) plus generous benefits and hybrid / flexible working

Application Deadline Tuesday, December 2, 2025

We are looking for an ambitious and strategic Head of Development to lead the National Galleries of Scotland's fundraising and philanthropic efforts at an exciting time for the organisation. This pivotal role will deliver our long term strategy to increase our philanthropic income.

You will lead and shape the future of fundraising, supporting key major projects such as The Art Works and the Upper Mound Level Galleries (UMLG). You will play a central role in helping us achieve our target of raising £50 million over the next five years to 2030. This will come from multiple income streams, and a key challenge of the role will be to establish philanthropic income as the core of our regular income sources. Annual targets will be agreed in partnership with the Director General and Director of Audience and Development.

You will be an experienced fundraising professional who is entrepreneurial, innovative, and passionate about philanthropy. You will have a deep understanding of fundraising principles and methodology, with a proven record of turning strategy into action.

As a natural leader, you will motivate and develop a high performing team, setting direction while coaching colleagues to deliver objectives and priorities. You will be confident in building meaningful relationships with senior supporters and inspiring them to invest in the vision and mission of the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you will represent NGS to key stakeholders, donors, and external partners.

This is a rare opportunity to join NGS at an exciting time, leading a programme of philanthropic growth that will have a lasting impact on Scotland's national collections and ensure the galleries remain accessible, inspiring, and world class for generations to come.

The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 02 December 2025.

Need support? Contact the Talent Acquisition Team at .

At the National Galleries of Scotland we're committed to embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in the way we work. We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging and freedom to be themselves at work or at play with us. Take a look at our Equality, Inclusion and Diversity priorities and commitments for more information.