International & Principal Gifts Lead

Job description

Based in Edinburgh, with regular travel to London and the US
Salary: £50,021 - £56,155 pa

28.5 days’ annual leave plus public holidays | 28.97% contribution Civil Service Pension | Hybrid and flexible working | Excellent benefits including relocation assistance

Full time or part time considered

National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe.

We care for internationally significant collections and weare proud of the impact the Museums have on people’s lives by sharing the remarkable stories and objects we care for in Scotland’s National Collection.

Now is an exciting time to join National Museums Scotland.

Philanthropic income is vital to NMS and we are investing in our Development team to enable our future ambitions.Alongside support for exhibitions, acquisitions, specialist posts, archaeological digs, conservation and research projects, we are in the early stages of planning a major capital campaign which will see the complete transformation and renewed interpretation of our Scottish History & Archaeology Galleries (the ‘Scotland Galleries’) at the National Museum of Scotland which first opened 30 years ago.

The newly created role of International & Principal Gifts Lead, will work closely with the Board of the American Foundation for National Museums Scotland, senior leadership, the Head of Development and colleagues across the organisation to develop and lead international fundraising campaigns.

We are looking for someone with a passion for museums, and curiosity about Scottish history and archaeology, with exceptional interpersonal and communications skills. The successful candidate will bring experience of working on major fundraising campaigns, securing gifts of six+ figure value, and the ability to build credibility and confidence with key stakeholders including trustees and US Board members.In this role, you will engage with donors and prospects, working both independently as well as with a supportive and growing Development team.

The role is offered initially on a 3 year fixed-term basis, with scope for extension based on operational priorities and performance of the international philanthropy programme. NMS is committed to equality of opportunity and will consider flexible working arrangements including requests for part-time hours. The organisation’s hybrid working arrangements for working 40% from home may be considered on a weekly or monthly basis.

This is a career-defining opportunity to contribute to campaign strategy at an early stage, and to substantially increase international philanthropy to NMS, securing the future of the most visited visitor attraction in the UK outside of London.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to help you in your application or with our recruitment process.

International candidates who are interested in relocating to the UK will be considered as visa support is available for this position.

Application deadline: 9am Thursday 12th November 2026

Photo: Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland. ©National Museums Scotland

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of Edinburgh

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Salary indication

Between £50,021 and £56,155 Per Month

Published at

01-11-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English