A rare and newly-created opportunity to join David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) as Director of Development at a pivotal moment of growth. As part of the Senior Mangement Team (SMT) you will help shape the future direction of the Foundation, leading its fundraising strategy, inspiring support and delivering significant and sustainable income growth.
We are looking for a collaborative team player, who leads with integrity, warmth and passion. Experience in the conservation sector is an advantage but not a prerequisite. The right candidate will be the person who can prove that they are able to ignite action, build lasting relationships and generate meaningful growth in support of the DSWF’s mission.
Throughout the interview process we’ll be keen to hear about your track record in fundraising at a leadership level and your experience of making an impact on an organisation of our size or larger. You will demonstrate how you develop strategies and implement them successfully, show an understanding of DSWF’s existing development portfolio, and a view on where you see you might help to take us over the next 3 years and beyond.
Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Role: Director of Development (DoD)
Reports to: CEO
Works closely with: CEO/COO/CFO as part of the SMT
Line manages: Development Team: Development Manager, Trust and Foundations Manager, Development Executive, CRM Executive
Hours: Part-time, 28 hours per week (4 days)
Location: Hybrid working between the DSWF Shalford Office (GU4 8JU) for a minimum of two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and home with occasional travel
Annual Leave: 25 days per annum pro rata. Bank Holidays are also provided, and at DSWF’s discretion the office usually closes between Christmas and New Year (additional to annual leave)
Salary: Competitive executive-level salary dependent on experience and breadth of impact. Please ask for salary range on application.
Start date: Asap.
Summary of the Role
The Director of Development (DoD) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising income and supporter engagement activity at DSWF. The role is accountable for delivering sustainable, diversified revenue growth aligned with DSWF’s mission across conservation, education and art, while building lasting relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, corporate partners and senior supporters.
Working in close partnership with the CEO, COO, CFO, and Board of Trustees, the DoD translates organisational strategy into compelling Cases for Support, effective fundraising plans and measurable outcomes. The postholder leads and develops a high-performing Development team, ensuring strong delivery and continuous improvement.
As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Director shares responsibility for shaping the Foundation’s overall direction, contributing to governance, organisational culture and high-level strategic decision-making.
This is a pivotal position combining senior management with hands-on major gift fundraising and team leadership. Central to enabling the Foundation’s long-term impact and growth, the DoD is a driving force behind DSWF’s ability to successfully deliver its mission to protect endangered species in Africa and Asia.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
•Lead on the development, implementation, delivery and continuous refinement of DSWF’s multi-year Development strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
•Advise the CEO and Trustees on fundraising performance, trends, risks and opportunities.
•Own and articulate the organisational Case/s for Support, ensuring a clear, compelling narrative that integrates conservation impact, education outcomes and artistic heritage.
•Working closely with the rest of the SMT, embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, enabling all team members, Trustees and ambassadors to actively support income generation.
•As part of SMT, be jointly responsible for over-arching decisions regarding the direction of the Foundation, its mission, strategies and culture.
Major & Strategic Fundraising
•Working closely with the CEO, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of DSWF’s most significant donors and prospects, including major individual donors, trusts and foundations, legacy campaigns and strategic partners.
•Responsible, alongside the CEO, for the overall management of all corporate partnerships and sponsors.
•Design and lead bespoke solicitation strategies for new high-value prospects, involving the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues as appropriate.
•Oversee the development of structured approaches to major giving, trusts & foundations, legacy giving and corporate partnerships.
•Have strategic oversight of lower-level individual giving programmes including appeals, regular individual giving and adoption schemes.
•Be responsible and ensure best practice in prospect research, due diligence, stewardship and ethical fundraising.
Team Leadership & Management
•Lead, manage and develop the Development team, setting clear objectives, KPIs and income targets aligned to the overall strategy.
•Ensure the structure, resourcing and capabilities of the team are fit for purpose and scalable as income grows.
•Coach and support all those within the organisation that are responsible for fundraising, providing professional leadership, mentoring and performance management.
•Lead on all training and offer career progression for all staff within the Development team.
•Foster strong collaboration between Development and all departments, including; Policy and Programmes, Marketing and Communications, Education, Art, Finance and Operations.
Supporter Engagement
•Represent DSWF externally with senior donors, partners and sector peers, enhancing the organisation’s profile and credibility.
•Oversee a high-quality supporter journey across all touchpoints, ensuring donors feel valued, informed and connected to impact including lower-level individual giving.
•Champion systematic all level stewardship, donor care and impact reporting to maximise retention, lifetime value and advocacy.
•Ensure accurate, GDPR-compliant data capture and effective use of CRM systems (Beacon) to drive insight-led fundraising.
Events
•This senior role will have overall responsibility for any fundraising or donor profile events (at present this would include the Wildlife Ball which is an annual fundraising/profile raising event that takes place at the Dorchester Hotel).
•Working closely with the rest of SMT, this role will direct the Development team to ensure that all events deliver optimum, high level donor experiences and are run professionally (with logistics and operational support from the COO and team).
•This role will have overall responsibility for ensuring the CEO has all information required to support engagement with donors at all events.
Governance & Reporting
•Report on Development performance to the CEO, SMT and Trustees, providing clear analysis against agreed targets.
•Work closely with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting and long-term income planning.
•Work closely with Finance and legal advisors in relation to all legal matters pertaining to legacies and bequests.
•Ensure all Development activity aligns with regulatory, governance and ethical standards.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
•Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising and development within complex, mission-driven non-profit organisations, at Director level or equivalent, where philanthropy is critical to organisational impact and growth.
•Significant experience in leading and delivering long-term development strategies, with a demonstrable track record of translating organisational ambition into clear, costed and achievable fundraising plans.
•Proven ability to set strategic direction across multiple income streams, establish measurable objectives and KPIs and use data and insight to monitor performance, evaluate impact and adapt approach over time.
•Experience of driving sustained income growth, strengthening donor pipelines, and delivering measurable outcomes aligned to organisational priorities and long-term sustainability.
•Deep understanding of the UK philanthropic landscape, with well-established networks across major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates and high-net-worth individuals and the ability to build credibility and influence rapidly at national and international levels.
•Demonstrable experience of leading and scaling fundraising income through periods of organisational change, growth or strategic transformation.
•Proven track record of securing transformational gifts and long-term partnerships from individuals, corporates, trusts and foundations.
•Strong history of inspirational leadership, team building and talent development, with the ability to motivate teams towards ambitious shared goals.
•Experience of working with public sector stakeholders and cross-sector partnerships to advance organisational objectives.
•Experience of implementing and embedding robust CRM systems and donor stewardship frameworks to support data-led decision making and excellent supporter journeys.
Personal Skills, Qualities and Attributes
•Exceptional interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage, influence and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
•A collaborative team player who values partnership working and shared success.
•Strategic, visionary thinker with the confidence and credibility to operate at senior leadership and Board level, influencing internal and external decision-makers.
•A strong personal commitment to wildlife conservation, environmental protection and the role of philanthropy in driving long-term change.
•Clear alignment with DSWF’s mission, vision and values, and a genuine passion for advancing David Shepherd’s legacy through impactful fundraising.
•Entrepreneurial and opportunity-led mindset, with the confidence to set and pursue ambitious income and growth targets.
•Resilient, adaptable and resourceful, with the ability to navigate complexity, manage ambiguity and maintain momentum in a fast-evolving environment.
•Credible and compelling ambassador for DSWF, able to represent the organisation confidently with major donors, partners and at public-facing events.
•Willingness to travel and attend events as required to support donor engagement, stewardship and organisational visibility.
•Commitment to being actively engaged in the life of the organisation, contributing to its culture, leadership and long-term success.
Please note that as part of a small team, the role may include occasional additional duties to help meet the charity’s wider needs.
Application Process
To apply, please email a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages no later than Monday 15th June.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We focus on saving endangered species and ending the exploitation of wildlife before it’s too late.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Income Generation and Development Lead
Do you have experience of securing income across multiple streams?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead a new phase of income generation and organisational sustainability within a growing and ambitious mental health charity.
Help shape the future of mental health support in Surrey
Position: Income Generation & Development Lead
Location: Surrey/Hybrid
Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week (0.6 FTE)
Salary: £55,000-£60,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 5% Pension Employer Contribution, Paid Sick Leave, Blue Light Card Scheme, Staff Social Events, Staff Social & Wellbeing Committee, Celebration Day (in addition to annual leave entitlement)
Closing Date: 28 June 2026, interviews will be scheduled for the beginning of July 2026.
The Role
The charity is investing in this role because they believe the organisation can significantly strengthen and diversify its income, increase unrestricted funding, and build new strategic partnerships and opportunities that support long-term impact across Surrey.
You will establish and lead a high-performing income generation function, bringing strategy, structure and momentum to activity that is currently fragmented and underdeveloped.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
You will work closely with senior leadership at both the charity and Catalyst Support on selected partnership initiatives and collaborative opportunities that strengthen mental health support across Surrey. There is a clear expectation that the role will contribute significantly to improving the organisation’s financial resilience and move towards generating net financial contribution over time.
This is a rare opportunity to:
- Build an income generation function from the ground up
- Shape organisational strategy and sustainability
- Develop high-value partnerships and collaborative opportunities
- Work across innovation, community mental health and system partnerships
- Help position the charity as a key partner in improving mental health support across Surrey.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and lead an income generation strategy
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
- Secure income from trusts, statutory and partnership sources
- Strengthen the case for support and external positioning
- Develop strategic partnerships and collaborative opportunities
- Establish systems, structure and focus across income generation activity.
The role will also contribute to selected partnership initiatives and joint funding opportunities with Catalyst Support as part of strengthening collaboration across the county.
About You
We are looking for someone who can build pipeline, secure funding, develop partnerships and create the systems and relationships needed for sustainable growth.
You will also:
- Have a strong track record of securing income across multiple streams
- Have built and converted funding pipelines into secured income
- Understand the UK charity and/or commissioning landscape
- Be able to work strategically while remaining hands-on and delivery-focused
- Be comfortable operating autonomously in a growing and evolving environment
- Bring energy, credibility and relationship-building strength.
You will have experience of:
- Securing income across multiple streams (trusts & foundations, statutory funding, corporate or major donors)
- Record of building and converting income pipelines into secured funding
- Developing and delivering income generation strategies
- Working within the UK charity and/or commissioning environment
- Translating organisational priorities and relationships into income opportunities
- Leading or significantly contributing to successful funding bids.
This role is not suited to someone looking to learn income generation in post. We need someone who can bring experience, momentum and delivery from the outset.
When you click to apply you will be asked to upload your CV and covering letter (in which you’ll explain how you feel your experience is suitable for the role). Please ensure you upload your documents in order to be considered for this role.
About the Organisation
The charity is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity, supporting Surrey residents since 1994 in Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley.
Offering a variety of face-to-face and online services, available to adults (aged 16+) living in Surrey who would like to restore and/or maintain their mental and emotional wellbeing (no diagnosis needed). The services are free of charge, with no waiting list and no time limit.
This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the successful completion of a probationary period.
You may also have experience in areas such as Income Generation and Development, Trusts Fundraiser, Foundations Fundraiser, Funding, Corporate Fundraiser, Major Donor Fundraiser, Fundraising, Fundraising Lead, Fundraising Manger, Income Generation Manager. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Thank you!
Lead a trusted community development charity and bring partners and businesses together to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefits across West Wales.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 16th June.
Location: Pembrokeshire (office-based, with travel across West Wales)
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000
Who we are
PLANED is a long-established community development charity that now works across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. For decades, we have supported communities to improve their quality of life by harnessing local potential, strengthening social infrastructure and helping people turn ideas into sustainable action.
Our work, regionally, brings together communities, public services, third sector partners and local businesses to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefit across West Wales.
A defining feature of PLANED is our asset-based approach. We own and manage a growing portfolio of buildings and assets, including our home site, the Old School in Pembrokeshire, which combines our office and conferencing space, with an additional range of tenanted spaces for local businesses.
We also lead the management of the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre, a multi-use community facility hosting health, well-being, advice and support services. The Living Well Centre brings together a wide range of charities and statutory partners under one roof, creating a genuinely collaborative, free-to-access, local hub supporting 700 clients per month, which is increasingly seen as a model of best practice.
Most of PLANED’s work is delivered through multiple live projects funded by a mix of Welsh Government, NHS, National Lottery, National Grid, BT and other sources. We have a healthy financial position, but much of this funding is short to medium term, requiring continuous bid writing, relationship management and adaptation. The CEO role is therefore both externally facing and highly hands-on.
About the role
We are seeking a CEO to lead our next exciting chapter. This will include developing a new and updated organisational strategy, continuing to secure sustainable funding, overseeing project delivery and ensuring the organisation remains financially resilient while continuing to grow its impact and influence.
The organisation has a strong, inclusive and supportive culture that is bilingual. The team is community-rooted, collaborative and delivery-focused, with a clear ethos of shared responsibility and mutual support. We have a team of around 18 people, the majority of whom are project funded, supported by a small core team, including the CEO.
The role requires on-site presence; given our reach across West Wales, there is also regular travel required.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who will be comfortable in a village hall as they are in a meeting with national and local politicians, senior civil servants, charity or business leaders. You will be confident working across rural and coastal communities, and able to build trust quickly and authentically.
Our CEO leads a significant part of our fundraising activities, and experience in securing income and developing sustainable funding models will be important.
We are open to leaders who might be seeking their first CEO role, and are open to considering what support we can put in place to help a new CEO thrive.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 16th June.
For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants:.
