Jobs for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Union Chapel is one of London’s most iconic live music and cultural venues — a Grade I listed landmark where world-class events power transformative social justice and community work. We are looking for an ambitious Development and Evaluation Manager to help grow and sustain our fundraising across arts, heritage and social impact projects.

Working closely with the Head of Development, you will lead on trusts and statutory fundraising, develop compelling funding applications and evaluation reports, and contribute to the growth of individual giving and corporate partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who combines strategic thinking with strong relationship-building and storytelling skills, and who wants their work to have visible community impact within a unique cultural organisation at the heart of arts, heritage and social justice.

Our client is a world-renowned, independent policy institute based in London, dedicated to building a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world through the advancement of international relations. Following a period of rapid growth, the organisation is currently undergoing an exciting phase of transformation—consolidating and simplifying their internal structures, modernising their financial systems, and refining their strategic business model. 

Goodman Masson are exclusively partnered with this prestigious institute to recruit for a high-calibre Finance Business Partner to join their dynamic central finance team.

This role would suit an ACA qualified auditor looking to make their first move into industry or someone who has already established themselves as a qualified Finance Business Partner within the not for profit sector. 

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will act as a vital strategic partner to the institutes core international research programmes (covering Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East). This is not a traditional back-office accounting role; you will actively bridge the gap between central finance and research directors, driving a culture of financial accountability and empowering non-financial stakeholders to make data-driven strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnering: Build trusted relationships with budget holders and research colleagues, providing commercial acumen, financial insights, and expert analysis to improve financial performance. 

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Lead the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and management reporting for dedicated programmes.

• Project & Grant Oversight: Oversee the financial health of complex research projects, ensuring accurate income recognition, monitoring variances, and ensuring strict compliance with complex funding/grant requirements.

• Commercial & Contract Management: Collaborate with the Contract Manager and Research Partnerships team to support project costing, ensure legal/financial terms are optimised, and manage audit processes for centre funding. 

• Continuous Improvement: Play a key role in change projects to modernise procedures, enhance internal financial controls, and improve the efficiency and value-add of the finance function.

• Statutory Support: Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts, including necessary disclosures and detailed analysis.

Essential Criteria: 

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Background within either external audit or a Business Partnering role within a similar organisation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to translate complex financial metrics into clear, concise, and accessible insights for diverse, non-financial audiences.

Salary is £60,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits. 

Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the London office. 

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered. 

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and strategically minded individual with a strong track record of developing and delivering successful projects who can identify new opportunities, build and maintain strong relationships, uphold established ways of working, and bring fresh ideas and energy to our creative programme.

The Projects and Community Engagement Lead will lead on the development and delivery of new creative, community and participatory projects; and will play a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation's engagement with its volunteers and audiences in communities across Dorset.

Working within a small team can at times be highly pressurised, so we require someone who can adjust quickly and contribute positively to a supportive and collaborative working culture. This role requires a flexible and adaptive approach to support our volunteer promoters and venues in delivering high-quality cultural experiences to their communities, ensuring our events meet their needs and interests; and to support the Executive Director in delivering the core performance programme with our volunteer promoters.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and supporting a high-quality volunteer programme within Rubicon Dance to ensure volunteers are engaged effectively across all areas of the organisation. You will oversee the recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing support of volunteers, ensuring they are confident, informed, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to Rubicon’s work within the building and at external locations.

You will be responsible for implementing clear processes that enable volunteers to thrive, including safeguarding, compliance, and regular communication. The post holder will work closely with a wide range of internal teams and external stakeholders, including community groups, charities, public services, and partner organisations, to build strong relationships that strengthen volunteer engagement, widen participation, and support Rubicon’s organisational outcomes. Through effective coordination and relationship-building, the Volunteer Coordinator will contribute to enhancing Rubicon’s reputation as a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive organisation within the community and across the sector.  

How to Apply: Please see the Rubicon website for details.
Deadline for applications: Midnight Wednesday 27 May 2026 
Interviews: w/c 8 June 2026

This project is funded by Welsh Government’s Volunteering Wales Main Grants Scheme, administered by WCVA

The Anti-Racism Organiser will sit at the heart of Himmah's organising work, building relationships in racialised and working-class communities, supporting members through advice and casework, and turning lived experience, collective memory and community knowledge into collective power.

This is a role for someone who believes that anti-racism is the organised struggle to shift power, resources, voice and decision-making into the hands of Black, Asian and other racialised communities.

In this role, you will:

• Build relationships across racialised and working-class communities through the Race Equality Justice Council Nottingham
• Organise meetings, listening sessions and local activity in priority neighbourhoods
• Support members through advice, casework and navigating systems
• Identify patterns in issues and turn them into collective action and campaigns
• Work with partners, coalitions and public bodies to challenge institutions and shift power
• Contribute to political education and community-led organising activity
• Work across the Race and Class Arts Lab to connect organising with cultural and narrative work
• Engage with the Fanon Centre to support approaches to care, reflection and sustainability in the work

Our client makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. They share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on stage, on tour, in schools, on cinema screen and streaming at home. The organisation now requires a Senior Major Gifts Manager and Prospectus is pleased to lead the search.

The Senior Major Gifts Manager will play a crucial role in the theatre’s new Stories Start Here campaign, building on the successful major donor fundraising programme, acting as the key relationship manager for a portfolio of some of the closest and most passionate supporters. The postholder will identify, cultivate, solicit and secure major gifts of £25,000 and more, working collaboratively across the excellent Development department. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, the Senior Major Gifts Manager will support Development senior management, Trustees, and the Development in their solicitation of principal and major gifts.

The appointed candidate will have experience in a fundraising capacity with a successful track record of meeting targets and personally soliciting and securing five-figure philanthropic gifts. There will be evidence in your application of relationship management to proactively develop a portfolio of prospects and of demonstrable prospect research skills. You will need to write persuasively in this role and will have experience of creating compelling fundraising materials.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.  

Finance Business Partner

We are seeking a qualified finance professional to support strategic decision making across a high-profile arts and cultural organisation.

Position: Finance Business Partner
Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 per annum
Location: Millbank, London
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 June 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 15 June 2026

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a collaborative finance team supporting a wide range of audience-focused departments including Membership, Marketing, Visitor Experience, Learning, International Partnerships and Research & Interpretation.

Working closely with budget holders and senior stakeholders, you will play a key role in promoting strong financial management, supporting planning and forecasting activity, and helping teams make informed decisions through high quality financial insight and analysis.

Key responsibilities include:

• Producing and analysing monthly management accounts and reports
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
• Providing variance analysis and clear financial commentary
• Processing accruals, prepayments and financial adjustments
• Building strong relationships with budget holders and non-financial stakeholders
• Supporting business cases, option appraisals and ad hoc financial projects
• Monitoring financial performance and key benchmarking data
• Promoting financial awareness and supporting colleagues with financial management

About You

You will be a qualified accountant with strong management accounting experience gained within a complex organisation. You will be confident working with senior stakeholders and able to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

To succeed in this role, you will ideally have:

• A recognised accountancy qualification
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience producing management accounts and financial analysis
• Strong Excel and financial systems knowledge
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines
• A collaborative and supportive approach to working with colleagues

Experience of using Unit4 or financial reporting tools would be beneficial but is not essential.

About the Organisation

This organisation is internationally recognised for its contribution to arts and culture and is committed to making creativity and artistic experiences accessible to all. With a strong focus on inclusion, collaboration and innovation, it offers an inspiring and purpose-driven working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and thrive.

Benefits include generous annual leave, pension contributions, season ticket loans, wellbeing support, discounts, and access to exhibitions and cultural venues.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, Finance Manager, Commercial Finance Analyst, Senior Management Accountant, Financial Planning Analyst, FP&A Analyst, Finance Analyst, Finance Officer, Business Partner Accountant.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

English Heritage are seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity, which cares for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England. We care for the bridges and bronzes, gardens and gargoyles, stone circles and secret bunkers and everything in between. We are the only charity in the world which looks after a National Collection from our own earned income.

Our mission focuses on creating inspiring visitor experiences, preserving historic sites and collections for future generations and connecting people to places.

We have a world-class portfolio of heritage assets, diversified funding and a successful operating model and are supported by our hardworking employees, the generosity of our volunteers, a loyal membership of 1.2 million people, as well as donors and supporters.

The Board of Trustees, chaired by Tony Hales CBE, is seeking candidates for the role of Chief Executive Officer to join English Heritage and lead the organisation into its next chapter. 

You will work with the Board and senior leadership team to ensure English Heritage delivers on its charitable objectives, including conservation, public benefit and financial security.

You will bring a strong track record of leading large, complex organisations operating across multiple sites and engaging diverse stakeholders. You will be able to demonstrate how you develop incisive strategies and then translate them into successful delivery. A collaborative team player, you lead with integrity and inclusivity, balancing the sensitivity required for managing conservation sites with the drive needed to attract income. An understanding of the value volunteers bring would be advantageous.

If you think you have the vision, skills and experience to take on such a fantastic opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Please select the Apply button shown to be taken to our website, where you can submit your application.

The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure its well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems.

The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum.

The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.

Why Join Us:

Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive.

BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.

• Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.

• Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.

• Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.

• Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.

• The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.

• The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.

Desirable

• Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.

• Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.

• Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.

• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.

• Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.

• An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.

At BLiM, we're interviewing on a rolling basis, so we'd encourage you to apply sooner rather than later!

To be considered for a first interview, please include a Cover Letter with your application. This initial conversation will be relaxed and informal, and we'll take you through the full interview process together so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Your new company
A medium-sized, London-based, high-profile charity.
Your new role
Reporting to the FP&A Manager, you will be responsible for the production of monthly management accounts and business partnering with various departments, providing crucial insight and analysis. Anticipated duration is 3 months. Working arrangement: hybrid working, 3 days per week in the office. To start ASAP.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced Management Accountant, ideally with exposure from a not-for-profit environment.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

About the role

The Society of Genealogists is looking for a proactive and digitally confident Membership and Marketing Assistant to support a busy period of membership growth, campaign delivery, and new product development. The role will focus on marketing activity, including email campaigns, content coordination, campaign tracking, website updates, and promotional support, along with membership customer support and database management.

This role would suit a proactive and digitally confident person who enjoys working with online platforms, communications tools, and data. You do not need to have experience in the systems we use, but you should be comfortable learning new tools, following guidance, solving practical problems and asking well-judged questions when needed. You will need to write clear, accurate, and audience-appropriate communications; manage campaign details carefully; and help keep membership and marketing activity moving.

There will also be scope to use AI and other digital tools responsibly to support drafting, planning, troubleshooting, process documentation, and the efficient delivery of work.

What you will be doing

• Supporting routine member communications, including new member, renewal, lapsed member, and upgrade activity.
• Responding to routine membership enquiries using agreed-upon guidance and templates, escalating more complex queries as needed.
• Building, testing, and scheduling email campaigns in Mailchimp from approved copy and assets.
• Supporting delivery of membership, Learning Hub, course, publication, and product campaigns.
• Updating simple website content, campaign pages, or promotional listings where required.
• Checking campaign links, forms, buttons, landing pages, and customer journeys before launch.
• Maintaining campaign calendars, trackers, and delivery checklists.
• Preparing simple campaign and membership activity summaries.
• Helping document recurring processes so that knowledge is shared across the team.

What we are looking for

• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and accurately.
• Confidence using digital tools and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• A proactive approach, with good judgement about when to use initiative and when to ask for help.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with online platforms, spreadsheets, databases, and email systems.
• Able to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and small moving parts.
• Able to follow processes carefully and identify where clarification is needed.
• Experience in customer service or supporting marketing activity.

Knowledge of Mailchimp, WordPress, Elementor, CRM systems, membership databases or AI tools would be helpful, but we are most interested in someone who can learn quickly, communicate clearly, and help keep work moving.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close this vacancy early, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The ideal start date is 1 July 2026, though we are happy to discuss flexibility for the right candidate. We are also open to candidates working remotely, flexibly, or part-time.

Salary: £25,000 - £29,000 per year, dependent upon location and experience.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Fundraising Development Manager to join the Bright Shadow team at a pivotal moment for our charity.

Responsible for developing and delivering Bright Shadow’s long-term income strategy, you will play an important role at the heart of our organisation. As well as managing our funding pipeline and relationships with funders and donors, you will build a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio to support our ambitious creative programme for people living with and affected by dementia.

Why this role?

Bright Shadow has secured funding for this new position for the next three years, and we’re looking for someone to join our team at a pivotal moment. Our award-winning Zest programme is expanding in autumn 2026, we’re building our Dementia Arts Quality Framework, and we’re continuing to expand our capacity to co-create projects thanks to our Campfire Conversations and Open Forums.

Our team is small but mighty, including our fantastic inclusive board of trustees, two of whom live with dementia. We know we need to add an experienced fundraising manager to our team to help us build our community of support. Could that be you?

About the role

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, you will:

• Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy
• Build and manage a strong funding pipeline across trusts and foundations, individuals, corporates, commissioning and earned income
• Write compelling funding applications and reports
• Develop new income streams and partnerships
• Steward relationships with funders, donors and key stakeholders
• Ensure robust systems for tracking income, reporting and compliance

This role combines strategy, relationship-building and hands-on delivery, and will play a central role in shaping Bright Shadow’s future.

About us

Founded in 2009, at Bright Shadow we do dementia differently. Serving Kent and Medway, we make ambitious, enriching, joyful experiences that use the power of the arts and creativity to enable people living with dementia – and those who give care – to live happy, healthy lives.

We understand the impact of a diagnosis, yet our work fosters positivity: focusing on what we can do, not what we can’t. People with dementia, family members, expert artists and other professionals are all part of co-creating our high quality artistic work.

Our trademark Zest groups, wider creative programme, and our training and resources for organisations seeking to be dementia inclusive, are all rooted in our passionate belief in authentic relationship-centred care.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record of securing income from multiple sources
• Is an excellent writer and communicator
• Can think strategically while delivering day-to-day fundraising activity
• Is highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively
• Is passionate about creativity, community and living well with dementia

Experience in digital fundraising, commissioning or the arts/health sector would be an advantage.

Role details

Post reports to: Chief Executive

Post works alongside: Chief Executive, Director of Creative Research

Hours: 0.6 FTE – 3 days (21 hours) per week. Working pattern negotiable. Occasionally, flexibility may be required to ensure duties are delivered to a high standard and within deadlines (3 days per week)

Location: Remote, with some travel for meetings required.

Salary: £38,000 FTE (£22,800 pro rata)

***

How to apply - please follow the link below to our website for details of how to apply.

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

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.