At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising strategy and inspire support for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation at a pivotal growth moment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in wildlife conservation while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising leadership experience and a passion for conservation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
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 Management 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.
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.
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.
- Embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation, enabling all team members, Trustees and ambassadors to actively support income generation.
- Major & Strategic Fundraising
- Cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of DSWF’s most significant donors and prospects.
- Responsible for the overall management of all corporate partnerships and sponsors.
- Design and lead bespoke solicitation strategies for new high-value prospects.
- Oversee the development of structured approaches to major giving, trusts & foundations, legacy giving and corporate partnerships.
- 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.
- Supporter Engagement
- Represent DSWF externally with senior donors, partners and sector peers.
- Oversee a high-quality supporter journey across all touchpoints.
- Champion systematic stewardship, donor care and impact reporting.
- Events
- Overall responsibility for any fundraising or donor profile events.
- Direct the Development team to ensure that all events deliver optimum, high-level donor experiences.
- Governance & Reporting
- Report on Development performance to the CEO, SMT and Trustees.
- Work closely with Finance to support forecasting, budgeting and long-term income planning.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience:
- Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising and development within complex, mission-driven non-profit organisations.
- Proven ability to set strategic direction across multiple income streams.
- Experience of driving sustained income growth and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Deep understanding of the UK philanthropic landscape.
- Strong history of inspirational leadership, team building and talent development.
Application Process
To apply, please send a CV and supporting statement of no more than two pages to no later than Monday 15th June.
Director of Development in Westcott employer: David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful fundraising initiatives in the conservation sector. With a collaborative work culture that values integrity and passion, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in protecting endangered species. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a dedicated team based in Shalford, enhancing work-life balance and engagement with the Foundation's mission.
Contact Detail:
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development in Westcott
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the conservation sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Director of Development role. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching DSWF's mission and current projects. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss specific strategies you’d implement to drive fundraising growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to articulate your vision for the role clearly and passionately. Think about how you can ignite action and build relationships, and be prepared to share examples from your past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DSWF team and making a difference in wildlife conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development in Westcott
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for in the Director of Development role. Highlight key responsibilities and requirements that resonate with your experience to tailor your application.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your fundraising achievements and how they align with DSWF’s mission. Be specific about your strategies and the impact you've made in previous roles.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, we want to see your best work without wading through pages of information. Stick to the two-page limit for your supporting statement and ensure every word counts towards demonstrating your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at DSWF!
How to prepare for a job interview at David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's mission and values. Understand their current projects and how they align with your vision for fundraising. This will help you articulate how your experience can directly contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements, especially at a leadership level. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented that led to significant income growth. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken that could inspire DSWF’s future fundraising efforts.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key for this role, think about how you can demonstrate your team player mentality. Share experiences where you've successfully led a team or worked cross-departmentally to achieve a common goal. This will show that you can fit into their Senior Management Team seamlessly.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Ask about their current challenges in fundraising or how they envision the role evolving over the next few years. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
