Development Manager at the Adam Smith Institute
Job Title: Development Manager
Working For: Adam Smith Institute
Location: London
Salary: Competitive, depending on profile, with commission or bonus structures available
About the ASI
Founded in 1977, the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) is one of the world's leading think tanks.
Independent, non-profit and non-partisan, we work to promote free markets and economics, through research, publishing, media outreach, and public education. We inject sound ideas into public debate and help shift the climate of opinion.
The ASI has always been a practical think tank rather than a purely academic organization. Despite our strict political independence, we work with policymakers to deliver real change, and to make its ideas reality.
The UK is held back by restrictive planning regulations, punitive taxes on wealth creators, and an inefficient, bloated state. Our policy research and educational programmes lead with free-market principles in our mission to make Britain more prosperous.
About the Role
We are currently recruiting an experienced Development Manager to lead the ASI’s fundraising, external affairs and donor engagement efforts. To find the right fit for our team, we are fully open to both full-time and part-time arrangements.
You will manage grant applications to foundations, as well as charitable donations from private individuals. You will also be responsible for developing a fundraising strategy, as well as cultivating relationships with key donors, together with the Chairman and senior staff.
We’re looking for someone who’s interested in and knowledgeable about politics and economics. You should also be committed to the ASI’s free-market principles.
With a small core team, we are looking for someone who is self-motivated and enthusiastic about our work, dedicated to sourcing the resources necessary to achieve our objectives. You should be able to write quickly and well and be confident and comfortable in high-stakes conversations.
The Fundraising Manager’s responsibilities include:
Devising and implementing the Institute’s overall fundraising strategy;
Managing and sourcing grants from external foundations;
Managing and sourcing donations from private individuals, and,
Overseeing relationships with important donors.
Essential:
Full alignment with and passion for the mission of the Adam Smith Institute
Experience in fundraising, sales, or marketing
Familiarity with British and global charities law
Excellent attention to detail and time management skills
Bias towards action and a proactive approach in the workplace
Strong communication abilities, including both written and interpersonal communication
Solid grasp of economics and public policy with the ability to explain the Institute’s work
A drive to work in a highly entrepreneurial, self-driven and collaborative environment
Willingness to innovate, including through the responsible use of artificial intelligence
At least a 2.1 undergraduate degree from a globally leading university.
What we offer
A competitive salary (adjusted based on experience and with the potential for commission)
An empowering environment that will advance your career
An office-first environment at the heart of Westminster, minutes away from the Houses of Parliament, with flexibility and part-time working options for the right candidate
Weekly opportunities to meet senior movers and shapers, including MPs, Cabinet ministers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, journalists and academics
An optional annual trip abroad (somewhere sunny in late winter, which doesn’t count towards your Annual Leave allowance)
28 days annual leave
Interview/Start Dates
Interviews will begin during the week of 13 July 2026 so please do apply ASAP. We are looking to hire the right applicant and are flexible on the start date (but can offer an immediate start).
We reserve the right to re-open the application process if the right candidate has not been found.
How to apply:
Please fill the application via this google form, with:
An up-to-date CV.
A formal cover letter isn’t required, but let us know in 300-500 words why you’re interested and might be a good fit for the role
A 300-500 word assessment of the think tank fundraising environment.