People policy officer jobs

Salary: £41,855 per annum

Hours: Full time or flexible hours considered

Location: Hybrid working - London based twice a week and the rest home working

Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other theatre in the world – from tango to hip hop, ballet to flamenco, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary dance. With an innovative, year-round programme of performances and learning activities, this is the place where artists come together to create dance, and where we welcome everyone to experience dance and be inspired.

The Role

The Major Gifts Manager will work closely with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to provide support on all gifts at £12,000 and above. The role combines face-to-face fundraising of the annual Major Donor levels of Artistic Director’s Circle and Avant Guardians, implementing the strategy to recruit further support at these levels as well as supporting recruitment at the Major Project Support level which begins at £50,000. There is regular and proactive collaboration with development department colleagues and the wider Sadler’s Wells team to deliver a dynamic programme of donor cultivation and stewardship.
 

What are my responsibilities?

Fundraising

• Manage the annual Major Gifts programme (Avant-Guardians and Artistic Director’s Circle), overseeing stewardship, retention and recruitment as well as the implementation of the five-year fundraising strategy of this income area.

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with own portfolio of major donors as the ‘Primary Worker’

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to deliver special fundraising events for cultivating and stewarding Major Project Supporters and annual Major Gifts Supporters.

• Work with the Head of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to identify and cultivate Major Project Supporter prospects from current Sadler’s Wells donors.

• Support on administration of Major Project Support, including writing reports, gift agreements and stewardship touchpoints with donors.

• Along with other team members, support administration of Sadler’s Wells America, our 501 (c)(3) US entity.

• Build strong relationships with other departments and project teams to foster a deep understanding of, fluency with, and confidence in talking about the work and vision of Sadler’s Wells and related disciplines.
• Recognise and exploit key crossovers exist between all income areas (e.g. Individual Giving/Corporate Giving/Sponsorship/Trusts and Foundations) and liaise with colleagues as appropriate to ensure best results.

• Attend regular Development evening events as necessary.

• Network and gain knowledge across the fundraising spectrum.

Management and Administration
 

• Line Management and development of the Major Gifts Officer including carrying out annual reviews and objective setting.

• Ensure the team maintain accurate financial records and cultivation and stewardship plans.

• Ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Keep abreast of developments in fundraising best practice, new funding programmes and legislation and contribute to any changes in procedures and practices as appropriate.

• Represent Sadler’s Wells at external meetings and events.

Who should apply?

The successful applicant will demonstrate the following skills, experience, and personal qualities.

Experience and knowledge
 

• A proven track record in achieving fundraising targets from major donors at the £25,000 and above level

• A personal track record in initiating and securing new gifts and retaining support from individuals

• Experience of creating and developing strong relationships with supporters and stakeholders at all levels

• The ability to work both as part of a team, and autonomously

• Experience of managing expenditure and income budgets and in communicating and presenting financial information

• Thorough knowledge of fundraising database systems

• Experience of Line Management and supporting others within their role/s, with positive performance management

Skills and abilities
 

• Ability to think strategically and creatively and contribute effectively to department strategy

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet challenging targets, multi-tasking and delegating where needed

• Excellent written and oral communications skills with keen attention to detail

• Excellent IT skills; including spreadsheets and presentation packages

• Proactive, entrepreneurial and creative in identifying new income sources

• Diplomatic, with a professional approach to good customer care

• Ambitious, collaborative and enthusiastic

• Available to work in the evenings on a regular basis

• Demonstrable interest in the performing arts

• Must currently hold the right to work in the United Kingdom

Additional, but not essential
 

• Experience of working within an arts organisation / charity

Why Work for Us?

You will be a key part of our mission to make and share dance that inspires us all and delivering our vision to create, through dance, a depth of connection beyond borders, cultures and languages, so we see ourselves in each other.

• You will get 25 days annual leave per annum (pro rata), with an additional 3 days after five years’ service

• You will be enrolled into the Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd. pension scheme

• You will have access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your wellbeing

• Engage in learning and project opportunities to develop personally and professionally, and support your career journey

• You can access an interest-free Season Ticket Loan and a Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme

• You will be eligible for a death in service insurance policy covering twice your annual salary

• You will be encouraged to attend performances at both theatres with a discretionary allocation of tickets to employees (subject to availability), and a staff discount at the Garden Court Café

• We welcome everyone through our doors and encourage and enable people to be the best versions of themselves and to feel confident and capable in their roles

• We celebrate diversity in the dance we share and showcase, and in our workplace. We are working hard to be more inclusive and increasing access both on stage and off and have several anti-racism commitments to make lasting changes in the way we work

Application

To apply, please send Anna Ludeman your CV and a letter (max. 2 pages) letting us know why you would like this role and what you can bring to us here at Sadlers Wells.

Accessibility is incredibly important to us here at Valued Recruitment and at Sadlers Wells. If you would like any accessibility amendments or support throughout the application and interview stage, please don’t hesitate to let us know. No question or request is too big or too small.

We want this process to be comfortable and enjoyable and a chance for you to bring your best self to the process.

Closing date: 26th January 2026

ABOUT REEF-WORLD

The Reef-World Foundation is a registered UK charity that delivers practical solutions for marine conservation globally. They are a small but highly effective team of passionate individuals dedicated to achieving lasting conservation impacts where they are most needed. Starting in Thailand in 1999, we now operate globally, supporting governments, businesses, and communities to sustainably develop their coastal resources.

Today our team is committed to our mission to inspire and empower people to act in conserving and sustainably developing coastal resources, particularly coral reefs and related ecosystems. We are driven by our vision of a future where coral reefs are healthy and thriving.

In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Reef-World works to stop the environmental impact of the global marine tourism industry through the internationally recognised Green Fins initiative. The work focuses on buying more time for coral reefs to thrive by mobilising collective and urgent action through the marine tourism industry.

Our work involves supporting, inspiring and empowering governments, businesses, communities and individuals around the world to act in conserving and sustainably developing coral reefs and other coastal resources.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Fundraising and Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Reef-World’s mission to protect and sustainably manage coral reefs and coastal ecosystems worldwide. This hands-on, senior position combines leadership of the charity’s fundraising and communications function with strategic oversight, ensuring that Reef-World maximises its global reach, secures sustainable income, and delivers compelling, mission-aligned messaging across all channels. This position reports directly to the Directors.

You will lead the development and delivery of income generation strategies while overseeing multi-channel communications, digital engagement, media relations, and brand stewardship. You will manage a small, dynamic team of staff, consultants, and volunteers, coordinating resources to support programme delivery and ensuring high-quality outputs that enhance both conservation impact and fundraising success.

You will join a remote, globally distributed, and diverse team, collaborating across multiple countries and cultures to advance Reef-World’s mission. You will be given autonomy to lead the fundraising activities of the organisation and will be encouraged to try new things and take ownership of the fundraising portfolio as a whole. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, proactive, versatile professional to shape the charity’s growth, profile, and influence in marine conservation on an international scale.

Our Fundraising Landscape

We have had steady year-on-year growth in income since we were founded, with a shortfall recorded last year. The shortfall in income for the last financial year is down to our main donor, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) not being able to provide funds due to the global economic and political climate. This grant source is naturally very unpredictable in nature, however, we had previously successfully secured a year-on-year budget from UNEP since 2009.  You can see our financial history on our Charity Commission listing. Our financial year runs from June to May. For June 2024 to May 2025, our fundraising target is £425,000. We have secured £240,000 of this, and around a further £60,000 is unconfirmed but likely.  However, we have previously successfully secured a year-on-year budget from UNEP since 2009. 

So far in the current financial year, 65% of our income is grant income, corporate sector and commercial partnerships make up 17%, individual giving is 7%, and 11% of income comes from programme’s products and services. 

This role is replacing a Development Manager who joined in March 2024 and created this as a new role. Through her leadership and guidance we have strong foundations across all fundraising streams to build on. We would like the post holder to maintain our excellent track record for grant funding while further establishing and growing new sources of income, especially unrestricted income. We’re open to exploring most kinds of income generation but are particularly interested in exploring corporate fundraising and major donor opportunities and have good foundations upon which to build here.

Our Board of Trustees have a good understanding of the current fundraising landscape and the importance of investing in fundraising. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of Reef-World’s Fundraising and Communications Strategy.

• Provide strategic direction to a small team of staff, consultants, and volunteers.

• Set and monitor targets across fundraising, communications, and digital engagement, reporting progress to senior leadership and the Board.

Fundraising & Income Generation

• Develop and deliver a diverse income strategy with a specific focus on corporate partnerships, major donors, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and philanthropy.

• Support trusts and foundations fundraising in collaboration with the Directors and Programmes team.

• Oversee and maintain steady growth of the individual giving income stream.

• Ensure fundraising compliance, data protection, and effective risk management.

• Maintain accurate records in the CRM system.

Communications

• Oversee planning and production of content across websites, social media, digital channels, media, and publications.

• Act as a senior point of contact for outreach partners (press, media, and content contributors), ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment.

• Maintain Reef-World’s brand and ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging.

• Approve and guide design of key outputs, including annual Impact Report, newsletters, fundraising packs, and campaign assets.

• Lead high-level media relations and manage external agencies and consultants.

• Ensure digital platforms and campaigns effectively support fundraising and programme goals.

• Coordinate communications support for the Programmes team, ensuring timely delivery of materials that enhance programme impact and engagement.

People Management

• Provide supportive leadership to the Fundraising & Communications Officer and wider team.

• Manage one permanent Social Media consultant and two project based communications and design consultants.

• Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and workforce planning.

• Foster a positive, collaborative team culture aligned with Reef-World’s Culture of Care.
   

General

• Promote organisational values, effective communication, and healthy working practices across the remote team.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a dynamic, hands-on Fundraising and Communications Manager to join our remote, globally distributed, and diverse team. The ideal candidate will combine strategic thinking with practical expertise in fundraising and multi-channel communications, able to work relatively independently to build strong relationships, inspire colleagues, and deliver high-impact outputs. You will help Reef-World grow its reach, secure sustainable income, and amplify our mission to protect coral reefs and coastal ecosystems worldwide. You’ll be open to new experiences and adventures and be adaptable and flexible.

The following outlines the essential and desirable skills and experience for this role.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven success in managing fundraising across multiple income streams to deliver income growth with specific experience developing major donor or corporate partnership programmes.

• Strong communications skills, with experience delivering multi-channel content (web, social, newsletters) and maintaining brand consistency.

• Ability to build and steward positive relationships with donors, partners, media, and stakeholders.

• Experience coordinating or line-managing staff, consultants, volunteers.

• Excellent strategic, organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and track performance.

• Experience in monitoring and managing income and expenditure.

• Experience of developing and managing fundraising targets 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Understanding of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and ethical best practice.

• Experience using CRM systems for donor/supporter management.

• Understanding of the needs of a small charity and willingness to carry out both more basic administrative work and more high-level strategic tasks

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote, international team.

Desirable

• Success in securing multi-year grants, multi year corporate partnerships or developing new income streams.

• Experience working with media, PR, or digital analytics.

• Familiarity with marine conservation, environmental NGOs, or responsible tourism sectors.

• Experience managing external agencies or creative freelancers.

• Knowledge of design or content tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite).

• knowledge of Google Workspace tools.

• Experience of working in remote teams.

Reef-World believes that a team with diverse experiences and backgrounds generates richer discussions and more nuanced thinking that will magnify our conservation impact. We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from anyone, from anywhere, with the required skills and experience: whatever their background or location. We actively encourage applications from those whose identities reflect the diversity of the communities and networks we serve and whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in the conservation sector. 

BENEFITS

Holiday entitlement

30 days a year.

Flexible working

The Directors are based just outside Bristol, UK and we have a field office in Dauin, Negros Oriental in the Philippines. As an international team working across time zones, our working policy is flexible and hybrid. 

Pension

For all employees, we pay a minimum of 3% of your qualifying earnings per month (over £6,240). For UK employees, you’ll pay a minimum of 5% of your qualifying earnings per month.

Culture of Care

As an organisation, we are invested in the personal and professional long-term success of our Reef-World team. Reef-World’s vision for a Culture of Care embodies a collection of support mechanisms aimed at enhancing the well-being of our team and enabling each of us to properly care for ourselves, our teammates and our network. These include -

• Access to a team coach

• Access to personality type tool analysis for yourself and your team 

• Reflection days - dedicated time to reflect on your successes and takeaways

• Personal Development days, with a small budget to ease you in (think training, new books, new classes, experiences)

• Dedicated, and respected, focus time throughout your working week

• Exemplary and effective internal communication mechanisms

• We are a parent and family friendly organisation, our Directors work flexibly around their children. 

• Reef-World is a safe space for everyone. We especially want to make sure we are a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and racialised communities. We’re constantly learning to make sure everyone feels welcome here.

Staff

A small, friendly and ambitious team. Read more about our staff team and Trustee board.

“The Reef-World Foundation is a phenomenal place to work where everyone's contribution is valued and our team is able to punch well above our weight in terms of conservation impact. It has been an absolute pleasure to contribute to Reef-World's output for the last 3.5 years.” - James Greenhalgh, former member of staff and now Trustee

“Working at The Reef-World Foundation is an inspiring journey. Beyond professional growth, being part of a team actively engaging in marine conservation and witnessing efforts to protect our oceans make each day at Reef-World rewarding. It's a privilege to contribute to an organisation making a real difference in preserving our planet's marine ecosystems. The inclusive team and culture of care create a dream work environment!” - Joyce Yang, former member of staff

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be part of the Reef-World Foundation,  my time here has been a catalyst for both my professional and personal growth. Collaborating with passionate individuals sharing the common goal of protecting our marine ecosystems, particularly the coral reefs, has been an extraordinary journey. Moreover, the organisation's culture of genuine care surpasses expectations, something for which I am very grateful. In all honesty, working with Reef-World has been the highlight of my career, and I've never been happier professionally.” - Erin Canto, current member of staff

“It's inspiring and motivating to work with everyone in the team who truly believes in our work — working together towards the organisation's mission to have a global conservation impact. Reef-World has given me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally in the field of marine conservation, and I am truly grateful for that. I am very honoured to be part of this inspiring team that walks the talk!” - Teresa Moh, former member of staff

Reef-World’s Core Values 

• We empower our colleagues, our stakeholders, our partners and our supporters to have conservation impact. 

• We collaborate. Our approach is not competitive - the more we collaborate, the stronger the conservation impact we will have. 

• We are innovative. We are not afraid to break from the norm, and use innovative approaches and technology, for conservation impact.

• We stay optimistic in our decision making and in our approach to tackling global conservation issues. 

Reef-World’s Commitment to EDI 

Reef-World has incorporated an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) framework into its recruitment processes, resulting in more than 50% of leadership positions within the organisation being held by female professionals. Additionally, we take pride in operating as a fully remote team, engaging in asynchronous collaboration across various time zones.

HOW TO APPLY

Please fill out the short application form on our website including uploading your CV and Cover Letter. (Note files should be in PDF format, max. size 20MB)

TIP: In your cover letter, don't just repeat the information in your CV. We want to hear who you are, how your experience aligns with the job requirements, and how your values and culture might align with ours. 

If you are selected for an interview we will reach out to you by email to set an interview date and time. We try wherever possible to get back to applicants that have not been accepted but due to the expected volume of applications we may not have the resources. If you do not hear from us by 1 February 2026, then unfortunately we have decided not to take your application further.

Applications close:  19 January 2026 (23.59 pm UTC)

Interviews (online):  Between 2 and 12 February 2026