At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supporter engagement and transform how we connect with our community.
- Company: Join Dogs Trust, the UK's leading dog charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until March 2027 with a focus on personal growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for dogs while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporter development and strong leadership abilities required.
Are you an experienced fundraiser who is passionate about animal welfare? We’re looking for a Head of Supporter Development to oversee our supporter communications journey, collaborating with various teams to ensure our supporters receive the best care and attention.
What does this role do? As Head of Supporter Development, you will:
- Lead and transform how we engage with supporters, embedding a cultural shift and supporting teams to deliver on strategic objectives.
- Implement the supporter engagement strategy, including producing annual plans and a programme for regularly monitoring and evaluation activity, continuously improving the approach to enhance outcomes.
- Ensure all fundraising activities and products are audience led, using audience insight to inform decision making and ensuring high standards are upheld.
- Develop and manage budgets for supporter engagement activity.
This role is a fixed term, family leave cover contract until March 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 1st June 2026, and will take place on Teams.
Could this be you? To be successful in this role, you’ll need significant experience in supporter development and direct marketing, and experience of audience insight and segmentation principles. You’ll have strong leadership skills, with experience of leading high performing teams, with the ability to lead change and growth, and embed culture. You’ll also have a deep understanding of compliance and data protection regulations, and excellent attention to detail. Above all, you’ll have a commitment to the work we do.
About Dogs Trust: We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role. Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission.
Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Head of Supporter Development employer: Dogs Trust
At Dogs Trust, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the animal welfare sector, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters personal growth. As the Head of Supporter Development, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact the lives of dogs and their owners, all while working alongside passionate colleagues who share your commitment to making a difference. With a focus on continuous improvement and professional development, we ensure our team members are equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Supporter Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fundraising and animal welfare sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Dogs Trust thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporter development and engagement strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level and demonstrate that you truly care about the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Dogs Trust team and making a difference in the lives of dogs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Supporter Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to clearly express your passion for animal welfare and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your significant experience in supporter development and direct marketing. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams and implemented successful strategies. We love seeing real-life impact!
Be Audience-Led:Remember, this role is all about understanding and engaging with supporters. Share how you’ve used audience insights in your previous roles to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. It’s all about putting the audience first!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the APPLY NOW button! This ensures your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dogs Trust
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Dogs Trust and their mission. Understand their approach to supporter development and how they engage with their audience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely passionate about animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Supporter Development, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or implemented change. Highlight how you’ve fostered a culture of engagement and collaboration in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Savvy
Since the role involves audience insight and segmentation, brush up on your knowledge of data protection regulations and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve fundraising outcomes in your previous positions.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Dogs Trust's current supporter engagement strategies and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.
