Communications and events fundraiser jobs

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join Kids and play a key role in growing our philanthropic income. If you are passionate about building meaningful donor relationships and creating lasting impact for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we'd love to hear from you.

Philanthropy and Relationships Manager

Location: Home-based with regular travel for face-to-face meetings
Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview)
Salary: £35,000 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and motivated Philanthropy and Relationships Manager to lead the development of our major donor programme. Building on recent strategic recommendations, you will develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising programme that grows support from mid-level and major donors.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-value supporters, creating compelling opportunities for them to invest in Kids' mission. You will play a vital role in securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that help children and young people with SEND achieve their full potential.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a portfolio of supporters while helping to create a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a measurable strategy for philanthropic growth.
• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to strengthen and embed a culture of philanthropy across Kids.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, cultivate and solicit major donor prospects.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on donor engagement and relationship management.

Relationship Management

• Build, manage and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
• Understand donor motivations and create tailored engagement plans that inspire long-term support.
• Represent Kids at networking and cultivation events, building visibility and awareness of our work.
• Work collaboratively with service delivery teams to demonstrate the impact of donor support.

Prospect Development

• Manage and grow a mid-level giving programme.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, identification and outreach.
• Build and manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donor prospects.
• Work with the Events Manager to deliver engaging donor cultivation events.

Income Generation and CRM Management

• Take ownership of individual income targets and contribute to wider fundraising goals.
• Manage donor pipelines, forecasting and reporting through Donorfy CRM.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities to maximise income growth.

Donor Communications

• Develop compelling cases for support and impact reports.
• Create personalised communications and proposals that align with donors' interests and motivations.
• Deliver a high-quality donor experience that encourages long-term engagement and investment.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven success in networking and relationship building that has resulted in financial support.
• Experience securing new gifts and developing new donor relationships.
• A strong track record of building and managing fundraising pipelines and supporter portfolios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage high-value supporters.
• Experience using CRM systems and data to manage donor relationships, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong budgeting and financial forecasting skills.
• Experience researching and identifying prospective donors.
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including CEOs, trustees and decision-makers.
• The initiative and resilience to build new relationships from the ground up.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
• An understanding of the policy and influencing landscape affecting children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Kids?

At Kids, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to creating brighter futures for disabled children, young people and their families. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop meaningful supporter relationships and secure transformational gifts that make a lasting difference.

Apply today and help us create life-changing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

For further details about the role, responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the full Job Description attached.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications

Community Fundraiser – East Midlands

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser – East Midlands, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in our East Midlands region (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland)?

Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack attached below. 

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date: 06th September 2026

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Help build a stronger future for children and families across Hackney.

Hackney Playbus is looking for a relationship-focused Community Fundraiser to grow community fundraising, corporate partnerships and individual giving. This is an exciting freelance opportunity to help build sustainable income while working alongside a passionate team supporting children under five and their families.

About the role

We’re looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and connecting communities.

Working collaboratively with our staff team, you’ll help grow unrestricted income by developing:

• Community fundraising campaigns
• Corporate partnerships
• Individual giving
• Friends of Hackney Playbus
• Corporate volunteering
• Employee fundraising
• Local business relationships

You’ll also help build a sustainable pipeline of supporters using Beacon CRM and work closely with colleagues across fundraising, volunteering and programme delivery.

We’re looking for someone who has

• Experience in community fundraising, partnerships or supporter engagement
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of Hackney or experience working in diverse urban communities
• Strong organisational skills
• Experience working independently and collaboratively
• Experience using a CRM (or willingness to learn Beacon CRM)

Experience in corporate fundraising, challenge events or individual giving is desirable.

What you’ll achieve

Over six months you’ll help us:

• Deliver at least two fundraising campaigns
• Launch Friends of Hackney Playbus
• Build new community and corporate partnerships
• Grow unrestricted income
• Strengthen local supporter relationships
• Create recommendations for future fundraising growth

Why join Hackney Playbus?

This is more than a fundraising role.

You’ll help shape a brand-new community fundraising programme from the ground up and play a key role in securing the future of an organisation that has supported children and families across Hackney for over 50 years.

If you’re passionate about community, partnerships and making a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Hybrid working between the Aldgate, London office and home

Contract:  9-month fixed term contract

We are delighted to be a participating charity in the exciting, one-off, TCS London Marathon 2027 Double, meaning we’ll have large teams on both the Saturday and Sunday of the event weekend.  We’re looking for a motivated Sporting + Events Assistant to help us deliver an exceptional experience for our supporters.

Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research, provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment.

You will support the Sporting + Event Officer and Manager to deliver the London Marathon, as well as playing a fundamental role in stewarding our runners. You will help manage our London Marathon inbox, support fundraisers on the phone, help to provide content in our communications and social media posts, review and manage applications and support logistics.

You will have excellent communication skills and ideally some experience of charity fundraising or a desire to learn more about it. You will be organised, a strong verbal and written communicator with the ability to empathise and adapt tones. You will interact with colleagues at all levels across the organisation and have a great opportunity to develop your event fundraising skillset.

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including 30 days (pro rata) annual leave plus bank holidays, membership of a health cash plan, employee assistance programme and pension scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious team at a pivotal time, helping to deliver our largest fundraising event while supporting the continued growth of our Sporting + Events portfolio.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a fantastic health charity on a Community Fundraiser role. In this position, the successful candidate will lead efforts to engage communities, organise events, and increase awareness and support for the organisation’s charitable objectives through inclusive and impactful fundraising activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies to promote the organisation’s mission.
• Organise and deliver fundraising events, campaigns, and activities within local communities.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders, volunteers, and supporters to maximise participation.
• Identify new opportunities for fundraising growth and community involvement.
• Maintain accurate records of donations, activities, and supporter engagement to inform ongoing strategies.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure fundraising initiatives are aligned with organisational goals.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of community outreach programmes.

Person Specification

• Experience in community fundraising, charity events, or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to organise and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Skilled in building and maintaining positive relationships with supporters and partners.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

What’s on Offer
Salary: £31,000 per annum

Location/ Work Pattern: Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire - homebased with travel and team meetings

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

This is a flexible, relationship-led role for someone who loves being out in the community, opening doors, inspiring supporters and turning local goodwill into long-term income to support seriously ill children and their families.

We are looking for an ambitious, energetic and relationship-focused Regional Community Fundraiser to join our fundraising team and grow sustainable support across Sussex. Working from home and spending significant time within your region, you will act as the face of the charity locally, engaging individuals, community groups, schools, local businesses and volunteers.

Following a restructure of the school’s development department, St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, is looking to appoint a self-motivated and dynamic fundraiser to help secure and sustain significant grants from trusts and foundations.

The postholder will develop high quality applications, bids and reports for a diverse range of audiences.
The School is keen to appoint someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as exceptional relationship-management skills, who will work to develop and deliver a strategy to grow sustainable income from grants and foundations over time.

The successful candidate will work closely with the School Bursar, Individual Giving Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager and Database Assistant, as part of the School's development team.

This is a part-time post of 21 hours/3 days per week, working over the whole year.

Role Purpose:

To develop and manage a programme of trust, foundation and statutory fundraising that delivers sustainable income for St Mary's Music School.  The Trusts and Foundations Manager will identify funding opportunities, prepare compelling applications and reports, and build strong relationships with funders to support the School's strategic priorities.

Specific duties will include:

Fundraising

• Contributing to the overall Fundraising Strategy;
• Developing and implementing plans to meet income targets;
• Working with the development team on fundraising messaging, including a consistent and compelling narrative;
• Establishing strong relationships with staff, the public, stakeholders, supporters, funders and the media.

Research, Bids and Grant Applications

• Managing and researching a pipeline of prospective trust, foundation and statutory funders;
• Developing relationships with existing and prospective funders, attending fundraising events as required;
• Preparation of cases for support including the development of restricted funding proposals for projects and bursaries;
• Creation of high quality grant and tender applications for funding and submission of funding reports.

Reporting, Fundraising Database & Compliance

• Ensuring that all activity undertaken is accurately recorded and submitted reports as required;
• Ensuring the maintenance of up to date, accurate records of trust and foundation contacts;
• Building relationships with representatives from trusts and foundations;
• Capturing and recording information on individuals’ relationships with relevant organisations.

Are you an experienced challenge events fundraiser? We have an opportunity to join a leading mental health charity to join the Events team for a 12 month contract.

This is a hybrid role based in London or Cardiff, with 2 days a week in the office.

The role
The Events team is a part of a wider Engagement team, responsible for raising more than £23 million this year!

This role would be working with the Senior Events Officer and another Events Officer, and would help deliver the charity's biggest and best London Marathon event (likely spending 75% of the time working on London Marathon, and the remaining 25% working on another event in the portfolio).

Supporter engagement sits at the core of the role, with a focus on meeting and exceeding engagement and fundraising KPIs through proactive communication, tailored guidance, and personalised stewardship.

You would need to interpret and analyse performance data to optimise supporter journeys, strengthen campaign effectiveness and maximise income.

Work closely with supporters to understand their motivations, while collaborating effectively with colleagues across teams.

Support with key events and activities, with some travel and out of hours working required to help deliver high quality, on the ground supporter experiences.

The candidate

• Experience working on peer-to-peer fundraising programmes and delivering memorable fundraising experiences for supporters.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic and effective relationships with supporters.
• Track record of monitoring and meeting targets and KPIs, ensuring strong ROI and supporter engagement.
• Project management skills, including ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to use initiative to work alone ensuring work is planned, prioritised, and organised to achieve set deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and analyse data and use insight to improve performance
• Available to start ideally August / September 26

IMPORTANT NOTE

Closing Date: 10 August 2026

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you haven't been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future. We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Build what comes next.

Big Creative Education Foundation is looking for an experienced Fundraiser to help unlock the support needed to create new opportunities for young people entering the creative industries.

You’ll lead trust and foundation applications, develop new funding opportunities, and build relationships with partners who share our ambition to open more doors into industry.

If you’re skilled in fundraising, grant writing or business development and want your expertise to create tangible outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

• Post Title: Fundraiser for Big Creative Education Foundation (0.5)
• Salary: £60k (pro rata 30k)
• Basis: Part Time (2.5 days a week)
• Weeks: 1yr fixed term contract, freelance role.
• Start Date: October 2026
• Reporting to: Alexis Michaelides MD BCT & Sacha Corcoran Principal BCA, BCEF Board of Trustees
• Location: Creative Works, Blackhorse road, Walthamstow E17 6HL

Purpose of the role:

The Part-Time Fundraiser will lead on developing and delivering early-stage fundraising activity for BCEF, helping to secure income from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, individual donors, corporate partners, and events.

This role suits a proactive, experienced, organised fundraiser who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities, and working closely with a board of trustees in a growing organisation, recognising, understanding and promoting its primary objects.

Big Creative Education Foundation Charitable Objects are:

• Advancement of education and training for the public benefit, particularly (without limitation) in the creative arts and in digital skills; and
• Relief of need arising from disadvantage, particularly (without limitation) by providing and increasing opportunity in relation to education and training. (“Objects”).

Key Responsibilities

Principal Accountabilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Development

• Support the development and delivery of a realistic and sustainable fundraising plan
• Identify and research funding opportunities aligned with the Foundation mission
• Contribute to income targets and pipeline planning
• Identify seed funding opportunities to support operational growth

Trusts, Foundations & Grants

• Research and apply to relevant trusts, foundations, and grant-makers
• Draft high-quality funding applications, proposals, and reports
• Track deadlines, outcomes, and reporting requirements

Individual Giving & Corporate Support

• Support the development of individual giving and corporate fundraising opportunities
• Build and maintain positive relationships with donors and supporters
• Assist with stewardship and donor communications

Events & Campaigns

• Support planning and delivery of small-scale fundraising events or campaigns
• Help develop creative fundraising ideas that reflect the organisation’s values

Monitoring & Administration

• Maintain accurate fundraising records and income tracking
• Support impact reporting and evidence collection for funders
• Ensure fundraising activity meets relevant legal and ethical standards
• Report into the board of trustees and Foundation advisors with regular updates
• Attend board meetings and produce board reports

How to apply

Please refer to the advert on he company website for exact details of how to apply. This must include a supporting statement that evidences your experience matched to the accountabilities and person specification of the job role and how you will embed the case for support in your fundraising strategy.

Case for support attached as an appendices.

Closing date for application is : 28th August

Interviews will be held the week of : 7th September

Safeguarding BCE operates safer recruitment practice in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education regulations. Please expect the highest level of scrutiny and background checks. Appointments are subject to  satisfactory references being obtained, and an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. New members of staff cannot start their positions until these documents are in place.

Warner Interviews

As a values led organisation we conduct Warner interviews as part of our recruitment process. These are designed to help us understand your own values and motivation for working with the specific cohort of young people we serve. We recommend that you research this interview technique should you be invited to attend an interview.

About Us

Head and neck cancer is one of the fastest-rising cancers in the UK, now affecting around 14,000 people every year — the 5th most common cancer among men, 7th overall, and the fastest growing among young people. Too often, symptoms are missed or misunderstood, and more than half of cases are diagnosed at a late stage. That means compromised survival rates, more invasive treatment, and a recovery that can mean a new way of eating, speaking and living.

Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK exists to change that story. We work to prevent cancers where possible, drive earlier detection, and make sure people have clear information, support and guidance through and after treatment — so nobody has to cope in silence or confusion. We also fund groundbreaking research and collaborate across the sector to maximise our impact for patients.

As the only national charity dedicated to head and neck cancers, we're moving in an exciting new direction — and we have a unique opportunity to build an organisation that delivers maximum impact for patients and their families, while staying true to our roots.

The Role

We're looking for a Trusts, Foundations and Corporate Fundraiser to join our small, ambitious team. You'll bring specialist experience securing income from trusts, foundations and corporate partners, and you'll be confident building a robust funding pipeline and reporting on project delivery to funders.

We are looking for someone adaptable and hands-on, willing to engage fully with the breadth of activity a small charity requires. We are committed to pushing boundaries on behalf of our patient community, and we value candidates who demonstrate innovative thinking and the confidence to act on opportunities as they arise.

We offer a competitive salary and remote working, as well as a generous annual leave allowance and professional development and mentorship opportunities.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides each. The statement must clearly demonstrate your relevant experience and how you meet the person specification set out in the full job description attached.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and organised Fundraising Lead to join our busy and dynamic team, raising vital funds to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. 

The Haven Wolverhampton is a Women’s Aid organisation and the city’s leading provider of domestic abuse support services for women and children. Everything we do is rooted in one purpose:we support victim-survivors to be seen, heard and safe. 

The successful fundraiser will be enthusiastic and will enjoy a varied role, working across many areas of fundraising – from organising key events such as our Gala Dinner and recruiting regular donors, to accepting cheques at community events and creating emotionally engaging appeals. The Fundraising Lead will work alongside our marketing communications function to improve our current and potential donor's supporter journey, which covers everything from impactful corporate presentations to personalised supporter thank yous.

It is crucial the Fundraising Lead can develop and nurture long-term relationships, particularly with businesses, local groups and individuals in the local area to help with raising awareness and engage the whole group or workforce in our work.

The Fundraising Lead will also monitor and manage income and expenditure ensuring all donations are accounted for and thanked.

We are looking for a friendly and engaging professional who wants a fast-paced role that makes a difference to the lives of real people and the local community.

Working to support the Executive Director and the fundraising team, we are looking for a highly motivated, organised person with excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to take initiative to optimise our planned fundraising activities over the next few months to enable us to raise vital funds and grow our funding networks.

The role is to focus on three key fundraising events, an art auction in autumn, our Big Give Campaign in December and a speaker event at the beginning of 2027 to kick off our 30-year celebrations.

Key responsibilities:

• Organise the logistics of the art auction including setting up online bidding and the in-person auction event liaising with the artists, creating the brochure and overseeing the photography
• Oversee and implement all publicity around the auction including PR and social media campaigns
• For the in-person auction, establish and manage the guest list and venue liaison
• Support the Big Give Campaign liaising with potential and pledged donors, identifying opportunities for new donor support and the supporting communications campaign
• Work with the Development Board to set up and organise a speaker-based event for Q1 of 2027 to ensure a well-attended, professional event in line with our organisational goals and policies
• Be the point of contact with the Development Board and the fundraising team

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with excellent project and time management skills
• A confident team player who thrives in a busy, creative environment working within a multi-talented, multi-disciplined team
• An exceptional communicator, who a passionate about the projects and has strong relationship building abilities
• A highly skilled writer with highly tuned story-telling strengths able to identify the audience and get the message across clearly, concisely and effectively
• Proactive with a results-driven focus
• Flexible and willing to work on very occasional weekday evenings to support events
• At least five years’ experience in fundraising including experience running events and with running Appeals with donor-match giving

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work and support a team of highly experienced fundraising staff and supporters
• A thriving, friendly, inclusive work environment
• The possibility of some remote working
• The support of the Fundraising and Events Officer
• The chance to support a charity making a real difference in criminal justice

About Fine Cell Work

Fine Cell Work delivers a proven, scalable model of rehabilitation by giving people in prison and post-release high-quality textile skills, combining paid work, creative engagement, and structured support to enable long-term desistance from crime.

As a charity working in criminal justice since 1997, Fine Cell Work has supported nearly 9,000 people in prison.

By providing purposeful activity, we address some of the most pressing challenges within the prison system—mental ill-health, lack of opportunity, and high rates of reoffending. Creative activity and the arts reduce reoffending because they change how people think, feel, and behave in ways that traditional prison programmes often can’t reach. We deliver a proven model of rehabilitation through high-quality needlework classes delivered in prison by committed volunteers. Prisoners produce beautiful, hand-stitched products, gaining both financial independence and a sense of pride.

Our vision is for prisoners and prison leavers to rebuild meaningful, independent, crime-free lives.

About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For over 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya. Founded on the extraordinary work of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, we are best known for our orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme – the most successful of its kind in the world. Our work has grown to encompass anti-poaching, habitat protection, community conservation and long-term field programmes across East Africa.

We have a global community of passionate supporters, a powerful brand, and a cause that genuinely moves people. Our UK charity facilitates the global elephant adoption programme, leads on UK fundraising, and connects supporters everywhere with the animals and landscapes they love.

The Opportunity

This is a new and significant appointment for SWT UK. We are looking for a Director of Development to develop and lead our UK fundraising strategy – taking ownership of income generation across all streams, donor communications and supporter stewardship, and managing a team of three talented fundraising professionals.

Our individual supporter base is large globally – growing in UK – loyal and deeply engaged: many give through our elephant adoption programme, which connects them directly with named animals in our care. We are now ready to build on this engaged supporter base and develop it into a structured individual giving programme – with mid-level giving pathways, major donor cultivation, systematic stewardship and deeper philanthropic relationships. That is the central challenge and opportunity of this role.

We also have active corporate and trust relationships, a legacy programme in development, and real potential to grow income from European and international funders. The Director of Development will take ownership of all of this – hands on and strategic in equal measure.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement a new UK fundraising strategy, establishing clear priorities, income targets and programmes that will drive growth through to 2030 and beyond
• Develop and implement a UK individual giving programme – building on our adoption base to create structured giving journeys, mid-level and major donor cultivation, and meaningful stewardship
• Manage the UK fundraising budget, set and monitor income targets across all streams, and report regularly to the Executive Director on performance and ROI
• Take day-to-day ownership of corporate and trust relationships, writing reports, proposals and partner communications
• Build a major donor programme from the ground up, identifying and cultivating high-value individual prospects
• Develop legacy marketing activity, working alongside our existing legacy administrator and Freewill partnership
• Manage and inspire a team of three: Communications and Fundraising Manager, Retail Manager and Supporter Care Officer, and Fundraising Support Officer
• Oversee the donor database (Donorfy), ensuring data quality and insight-driven decision making
• Explore opportunities to grow income from European and international donors
• Contribute to the global income picture, including through improved donor stewardship and deeper supporter engagement
• Support the growth of SWT's profile and visibility in the UK through press opportunities, social media, and other channels.

About You

We are looking for a fundraiser who loves the craft – someone who is energised by building relationships, writing a compelling proposal, developing a giving programme from scratch, and ensuring every supporter feels genuinely valued. This is a hands-on role as much as a leadership one, and the right person will be comfortable doing both.

• Proven track record in fundraising, with demonstrable success securing income from individuals, trusts or corporates – including five-figure gifts and above
• Experience developing individual giving programmes, including mid-level or major donor cultivation
• A hands-on practitioner – comfortable writing proposals, reports and donor communications yourself
• Experience managing a small fundraising team with warmth, clarity and accountability
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience working with a donor CRM and using data to inform fundraising decisions
• Comfortable in a building role – excited by developing programmes that don't yet exist
• Experience managing fundraising budgets and producing income forecasts and performance reports.
• Genuine passion for wildlife conservation – this role is for someone who cares about the cause
• Committed to in-person working – we believe day-to-day presence and collaboration produces better outcomes for our donors and our team, and ask for a minimum of three days per week at our Billingshurst office

Why Join Us

• A mission that genuinely matters – 50 years of life-changing conservation work and a cause that moves people around the world
• A large, loyal and warm supporter base with significant untapped potential
• Real scope to build something – this is a new role with genuine influence from day one
• A small, close-knit team with shared purpose and a genuine commitment to each other's wellbeing
• Direct line to the Executive Director and member of senior leadership team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (33 days total)
• Salary exchange pension with 5% employer contribution
• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages – telling us why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification – by 16th August 2026.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.