Head of Philanthropy

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-leading centre for plant science, horticulture, conservation, education, and public engagement. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants, it attracts around one million visitors each year and holds one of the world’s most diverse botanical collections.​ 

We have four gardens in Scotland; Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh and Logan.​ 

Through a wide network of national and international partnerships, we pursue our mission to Explore, Conserve and Explain the World of Plants, addressing global biodiversity loss and climate change.​ 

​RBGE is funded by Scottish Government Grant-in-Aid and self-generated income, reflecting our multi-faceted role as a public institution, charity and an enterprising organisation. The continued growth of philanthropic support is a key strategic priority for ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.​ 

RBGE is seeking to appoint an experienced and creative Head of Philanthropy to join the Income Generation & External Affairs (IG & EA) team at an exciting point in the organisation’s development. Reporting to the Director of IG & EA, this pivotal role is a member of the organisation’s broader senior leadership team and will lead the delivery of the major gifts function, contribute to the development of strategic planning for the entire organisation and lead the promotion of a culture of philanthropy throughout the entire organisation.  

This is an opportunity to shape philanthropy at RBGE, steering the next phase of the transformative Biomes capital campaign from case for support through to delivery while building on the organisation’s award-winning reputation, reach and important mission to develop deeper and more ambitious relationships across its existing supporter base. The successful candidate will work across RBGE to identify opportunities for philanthropic investment, translate its scientific, conservation, horticultural and public engagement ambitions into compelling propositions, and build the long-term relationships needed to secure transformational support. They will bring creativity, judgement and energy to the role, helping to broaden RBGE’s network of supporters and strengthen philanthropy as an increasingly important part of its future sustainability and impact. 

• Lead the major gifts function, developing a strong culture of philanthropy across RBGE and ensuring fundraising activity supports wider organisational strategy and plans. 

• Drive major donor fundraising, identifying, cultivating and soliciting significant gifts from high-net-worth individuals, RBGE Patrons, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. 

• Develop compelling funding propositions, leading the creation of tailored proposals, major grant applications and asks, and judging when and how best to approach prospective donors. 

• Develop and grow a strong, diverse and sustainable donor pipeline and steward high-quality relationships with existing and prospective donors, funders, corporate partners and key internal stakeholders. 

• Provide strategic leadership, contributing as a member of the Senior Management Team and identifying creative opportunities to grow philanthropic income. 

• Lead and motivate the fundraising team, creating a supportive, high-performing environment focused on achieving income objectives. 

• Represent RBGE externally, acting as an ambassador within fundraising networks, events and other external forums. 

• Significant fundraising experience, with a proven track record of securing major gifts from individuals, trusts and foundations, and corporate partners, including experience of capital fundraising. 

• Credibility with major donors, with the confidence and judgement to cultivate relationships, make significant financial asks and successfully progress prospects through the fundraising journey. 

• Strong strategic and commercial thinking, able to identify fundraising potential, shape propositions and contribute to wider organisational planning. 

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to develop effective partnerships with donors, funders, colleagues and external stakeholders. 

• Strong leadership and people-management experience, including successfully managing and motivating fundraising teams. 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including compelling proposal and grant writing, confident presentation skills and strong attention to detail. 

• Strong professional fundraising knowledge, including charity law, Gift Aid, GDPR and CRM/customer relationship management, alongside an interest in natural heritage and the work of botanic gardens