Ambassador manager jobs

Grade: 0 - Director

Salary: £87,720

Position type: Permanent, Full time 37.5 hours a week. Flexible hours considered.

Responsible to: CEO

Direct reports: Deputy Director of Fundraising and Communications, Head of Global Brand and Content, Head of Global Comms and Digital, Head of Fundraising Operations, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

Location: ShelterBox HQ, Truro, Cornwall (hybrid working, mix of office and home) or Remote (UK only)

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a member of the Executive Team. This is ShelterBox's most senior management team, with overall responsibility for leading, planning and managing the work and development of ShelterBox.

You will be responsible for the delivery of our current 5 year organisational strategy 2022-27 as well as the implementation of the departmental Fundraising and Communications strategy, driving continued ambitious growth in our reach, engagement and fundraising. You will also play a leading role in driving the development of the next 5-year strategy for 2027 onwards.

You will work with the wider organisation and stakeholders to represent Fundraising and Communications and ensure the team are supported and able to thrive.

This is a role for a dynamic senior fundraising and communications specialist, who will bring significant experience within the sector. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will develop and implement a strategy that builds foundations for growth and drives a bold and confident ShelterBox of the future. You will take full accountability for the successful delivery of income forecasts and expenditure budgets. You will work with the team to deliver best in class communications across our channels, reach new audiences and grow unrestricted income through digital and offline acquisition, oversee the strategic growth of our philanthropy and partnerships programme, support our strategic partnership with Rotary, and ensure that the ShelterBox brand is optimised to ensure we stand out in a crowded market.

You will also be responsible for understanding the needs and ambitions of the ShelterBox network of affiliates (in Europe, North America and Australasia), seeking to understand the strategies and tactics that will drive global income growth. You will recommend where investments by ShelterBox Trust can support global fundraising into the future.

You will be a proven, highly effective communicator with an empowering management style and the ability to quickly build relationships. A personal desire to invest in your teams with limited resources is essential. Creativity, commitment and best practice implementation are key.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are seeking a highly experienced fundraising and communications expert, who has a passion for storytelling and building impactful relationships. You must be able to hit the ground running, have a strong record of developing and leading successful teams by building highly effective relationships. This role is all about inspiring leadership, strategic innovation, and maximising every opportunity to grow our vital work.

Experience and understanding of the humanitarian sector is desirable, as is an understanding of current fundraising opportunities and challenges, ethical storytelling and communication trends. This includes an understanding of the competitive fundraising environment in the sector, following announcements by some government donors. The need for emergency shelter around the world is vast and growing daily. This role must understand and drive ambitious and effective ways to communicate our specialist focus on shelter and the tangibility of our offer to current and future supporters.

The role will support the Fundraising and Communications department to deliver 2025/2026 plans, as well as implement the longer-term fundraising and communications strategy, seizing all opportunities in an ever-changing landscape.

As well as leading the UK team, working with colleagues from different countries to grow international fundraising, requires excellent communication skills and a commitment to a long-term diplomatic approach.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for the wider cultural context that affects our supporter's lives and behaviours. You will be results oriented and be confident using data and insight to inform decision making and drive our fundraising to the next level. Driven by a desire to connect in a meaningful way with audiences old and new, you will continuously seek new ways to ensure supporters are at the heart of everything we do.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to lead a passionate and high-performing team, drive longer-term strategy and ensure the development of ShelterBox's strategic planning at a time of considerable change across the sector

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

As part of the Executive Team:

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of ShelterBox's Strategy 2022-27 as well as play a leading role in developing the next organisational 5 year strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of ShelterBox's vision, mission and values, including through demonstrable leadership and communication skills.
• Direct all fundraising and communication activities to achieve strategic goals, in line with our vision, mission and values.
• Work closely with the ShelterBox Board of Trustees, reporting on progress against strategy.
• Deputise for the CEO as required.
• Regular travel to our Headquarters in Truro will be required. Occasional travel to London, affiliate offices internationally, and other locations.

As Director of Fundraising & Communications:

• Provide inspiring leadership and direction for the Fundraising & Communications department's multi-disciplinary team, ensuring ongoing development and implementation of our strategy to see continued ambitious growth in our income and profile.
• Drive and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, setting clear expectations, providing ongoing support and ensuring that teams are aligned with the strategy and our vision, mission and values.
• Ensure we grow the profile and influence of ShelterBox through the delivery of compelling fundraising and communications strategies to increase our supporter base and income.
• Line manage the FundComms SLT: Deputy Director of Fundraising and Communications, Head of Global Comms and Digital, Head of Global Brand and Content, Head of Fundraising Operations, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
• Embed a culture of data and insight driven decision making, innovation and collaboration.
• Build strategic relationships with internal stakeholders to support collaboration, integrated planning and effective delivery of fundraising and communications activities.
• Be accountable for budgets and the best use of financial resources within the department, ensuring all budget and procurement processes are effectively implemented.
• Drive performance against targets within the department, identify and mitigate risk and develop contingency plans.
• Ensure our global brand aligns with the organisational strategy and audience insight, and that there is consistent application across the international team.
• Ensure our reputation is enhanced and protected - our teams produce high-quality, accurate materials, our processes are safe and robust, our supporters feel valued, and we are upholding our organisational values.
• Represent and act as an ambassador for ShelterBox externally, including with strategic partners like Rotary, and our community of incredible supporters. This includes taking part in media interviews to promote our work to a wide audience.
• Work closely across the department and affiliate teams to deepen understanding of our audiences, using data and sector insights to better target and grow these audience groups and increase lifetime value.
• Keep up to date with sector trends and developments, and particularly work with the CEO office to build networking and profile-building opportunities.

As a senior team leader and people manager at ShelterBox

• Actively demonstrate the importance of staff development in line with ShelterBox's policies and procedures, for example by undertaking regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports and investing in performance management.
• Model ShelterBox's values through behaviours and leadership and build on what is a great senior leadership team in the Fundraising and Communications Department
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
• As part of an emergency organisation there will be times when you will be required to work evenings and weekends at short notice in response to a disaster.

Other responsibilities

• Any other duties as required which are deemed appropriate to the level and grade of the post.

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees. 

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

The LifeSkills Support Worker (Virtual) will provide online support to individuals who are further away from employment, education or training by using a strengths based approach as part of the LifeSkills Intensive Programme. 

This is a new role and it is planned that referrals will be received directly from Tier 3 FamilyLine services (counselling and befriending services). 

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the wider LifeSkills teams (Intensive and Open).

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

The LifeSkills Support Worker (Virtual) will provide online support to individuals who are further away from employment, education or training by using a strengths based approach as part of the LifeSkills Intensive Programme. 

This is a new role and it is planned that referrals will be received directly from Tier 3 FamilyLine services (counselling and befriending services). 

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the wider LifeSkills teams (Intensive and Open).

Join us at the Foundling Museum at a pivotal moment in its story. We are seeking an experienced, conscientious and collaborative Director of Development to lead our fundraising and strategic growth. 

With passion, creativity and realism, you will drive philanthropic support, nurture key relationships and be a key contributor to shaping the Museum’s future as we build on its unique heritage and national profile.

You will bring proven leadership, deep understanding of cultural fundraising and the ability to inspire colleagues, supporters and stakeholders to achieve income targets. This is a rare opportunity to make a dynamic impact on a museum with history, relevance and ambition.

Role Overview 

The Director of Development at the Foundling Museum will lead the Museum’s fundraising strategy, driving income generation to support its mission and programmes. This senior leadership role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including corporate sponsorship, individual giving, trusts and foundations, membership schemes, philanthropic campaigns and communications.  

The Director of Development works closely with the Museum's Director (CEO & Artistic Director), Trustees and key stakeholders to cultivate relationships with high-value donors, build strategic partnerships and secure sustainable financial support. As part of the Senior Management Team, this new role will work in collaboration with the Director of Finance (PT) and Director of Commercial and Operations (FT). 

Reporting directly to the Museum Director, the role involves managing a small development team (2FTE) and communications team, setting ambitious targets and achieving actual income goals, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s values and strategic priorities.

The Director of Development will play a critical role in shaping the Museum’s long-term financial resilience, leveraging the Museum’s reputation and impact to inspire and engage supporters from diverse sectors.  

Key duties 

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising, membership and partnership strategy to support the Museum’s short and long-term goals 
• Work closely with senior leadership and the Board to align fundraising priorities with the Museum’s mission and strategic objectives
• Fundraising 
• Lead efforts to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, with a particular focus on individuals, trust and foundations, and corporates 
• Oversee the development of compelling proposals, pitches, and presentations to corporate and individual supporters, including negotiation of corporate and philanthropic agreements   
• Work with trusts, foundations, and statutory funding bodies to secure grants that support the Museum’s exhibitions, programmes and capital projects, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on all grant-funded activities
• Ensure that proper due diligence around potential donors is conducted in line with the organisation’s policies and compliant with the Fundraising Code of Practice of the Fundraising Regulator and other national bodies with which the Museum is registered
• Donor and Partnership Development 
• Identify, cultivate and secure new high-value donors of all types, including individuals, corporate partners, trusts and foundations and statutory funders
• Develop strong professional relationships with the Museum’s existing donors in a warm and personal atmosphere and in alignment with the Museum’s values
• Strengthen existing relationships with key stakeholders, including internal colleagues and board and committee members, to harness their relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and understanding of fundraising across the organisation
• With the Director of Commercial and Operations, plan and deliver all major Museum events for key stakeholders 
• Lead the team to cultivate the membership base of the Museum
• Leadership & Team Management 
• Manage the fundraising team, providing guidance and support to ensure success in meeting income targets
• Manage the communications team to oversee the brand, marketing, media communications and related budgets
• Oversee digital communications, including website and social media, to increase income generation, philanthropy and partnerships
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, and with SMT across the staff
• Financial & Administrative Oversight 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising activities, ensuring that targets are met and that funds are raised in line with the Museum's mission
• Oversee the fundraising budget and ensure efficient use of resources
• Liaise with the Director of Finance to ensure fundraising revenues are accurately tracked and accounted for 
• Ensure complete, accurate and timely processes are conducted around all fundraising activity, including gift administration and acknowledgement, Gift Aid, GDPR compliance, etc.
• Provide regular reports to the Museum Director and Board of Trustees on the Museum’s progress on key projects and targets as articulated in the Museum’s strategic plan
• Public Relations & Advocacy 
• Serve as a key ambassador for the Museum, deputising for the Director where appropriate regarding income generation, enhancing its public profile and strengthening its reputation in the philanthropic and corporate sectors 
• Represent the Foundling Museum at events, donor meetings and public forums 
• Keep up to date on best practice in cultural fundraising and charity sector fundraising and communications, and bring this knowledge back for institutional benefit 
   

Person Specification  

Experience (required) 

• Proven leadership, ideally at least 5 years, in a similar role where philanthropic and grant income is central to the success of the organisation
• Extensive experience of shaping and implementing fundraising strategies that have delivered a step change increase in actual income
• A substantial fundraising track record in securing income from diverse constituencies and across funding types, including personal experience in securing major gifts and managing teams to do the same
• A demonstrable history of innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to identifying income generation opportunities and pushing organisations forward to increase income
• Proven experience of nurturing long and short-term funding opportunities and being the key point of contact for both
• Significant team leadership experience of creating, leading, inspiring and motivating a high performing team and collaborating with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong performance management skills with a proven ability to develop, articulate and champion funding opportunities and gain buy-in among staff and key stakeholders, including board and committee members
• In-depth understanding of relevant UK charity and tax legislation, due diligence processes and policies relating to fundraising

Experience (desirable) 

• Extensive experience of fundraising in arts and / or heritage, preferably in the UK
• Knowledge of effective fundraising in Europe and the US, including tax-effective giving
• Thorough understanding of Data Protection legislation as it relates to fundraising, marketing and communications
• Experience of effective endowment and legacy fundraising strategies
• Personal characteristics and skills (required) 
• Ability to lead, motivate and inspire a fundraising and communications team 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Highly developed negotiation, influencing and persuasion skills  
• A natural networker who builds confidence and trust and can represent the Foundling Museum at the highest levels and garner respect within peer networks 
• Project management skills and ability to remove any organisational roadblocks that exist in relation to development 
• Resilient, diplomatic and resourceful in solving problems 
• Ability to prioritise and focus on the areas of greatest impact 
• Commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards  
• Strongly numerate with the ability to be entrepreneurial and take measured risks 
• Alignment to the Foundling Museum’s values, communicating clearly, transparently and consistently; having accountability and working as part of a collaborative team towards a common purpose 
• Enthusiasm and passion for the mission of the Foundling Museum and for the importance of increasing engagement with and access to the arts 

Conditions of Work and Benefits 

• £65,000-70,000 full-time salary, depending on experience. We are open to 0.8 FTE at a pro-rata salary.  
• Probation period of 6 months, and notice period of 3 months (1 month during probation)  
• This job will be based onsite at the Foundling Museum. For all our employees, there are opportunities for partial hybrid working if desired; we have an agreed minimum of 60% of working hours that must be onsite at the Museum. 
• Normal working hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm. This role requires some flexibility, including some mornings, evenings and weekends. 
• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata) + bank holidays (pro rata) + Birthday leave (one day) 
• You will be eligible to join a group contributory pension scheme (3 months after your start date) 
• Free access to our fully-funded Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing – WISDOM 
• Training support from our online learning platform 
• Discount from the Foundling Museum Shop and local partner businesses 
• Free or reduced-price access to partner museums 
• Access to season ticket, rental deposit and cycle to work scheme loans (3 months from your start date) 
• Please also note that this job description will not form part of your contract or your terms and conditions of employment. Duties and requirements of the role may vary from time to time in accordance with the needs of Foundling Museum, its strategy and the directions from the Museum Director. 

  Application timetable   

• Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday 20th October 2025 
• First interview date:  Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th November 2025 
• Second interview date for shortlisted candidates: Monday 10th November 2025 
   

How to apply  

To apply please follow the link to our application portal where you will be asked to upload a completed copy of our standard application form you may also attach your CV if you wish. Please note that the job is being advertsised via CharityJob until the 10th October and after this date you will need to go directly to our website to apply where you will have until the 20th October to submit your application.

PLEASE NOTE: On the application portal, where it requests a CV, please ensure to upload your completed Application Form (required), your CV (optional) the Equal Opportunities Form (optional).  

Please get in touch with us if you have any access requirements or queries related to the application process details of how to do this are in the Job description.

If you wish to book a time to have a short informal conversation (phone or video) prior to application with the Museum Director her contact details are in the job description.

Please also note that any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references and  proof of right to work in the UK and also may be subject to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.