At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and marketing campaigns to support donkey welfare and community engagement.
- Company: The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, dedicated to caring for neglected donkeys.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team making a real difference in animal welfare.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow professionally while making a positive impact on lives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the sanctuary while inspiring others to support our mission.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising, marketing, and team leadership with a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary provides lifelong care for donkeys that have been neglected, abandoned or have nowhere else to go. Every year, more than 150,000 people visit the sanctuary, and thousands more support us online. Through education, volunteering and community engagement, we also make a positive difference to people’s lives across the Island.
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Marketing & Communications Manager to lead our fundraising, marketing and communications activity. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the sanctuary’s future by growing sustainable income, increasing supporter engagement and raising awareness of our work.
Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll develop and deliver an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy, leading campaigns that inspire people to support the sanctuary through donations, donkey adoptions, grants, corporate partnerships, legacy giving and other fundraising initiatives.
You’ll also lead a small team, oversee our supporter communications and digital marketing, develop engaging visitor and supporter journeys, identify new fundraising opportunities and use insight and data to continually improve performance.
About you
We’re looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands‑on approach. You’ll have:
- Proven experience in fundraising with a track record of growing income.
- Experience developing successful marketing and communications campaigns.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills.
- Experience leading and developing a team.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with supporters, partners or customers.
- The ability to use data and insight to improve fundraising and engagement.
- A collaborative approach and a passion for delivering excellent supporter experiences.
Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to animal welfare and helping ensure every donkey receives the lifelong care it deserves.
Why join us?
At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, every day is a chance to make a difference — for our animals, our visitors, and our community. You'll join a friendly, supportive team where kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you're shaping inspiring campaigns, sharing the stories of our donkeys and the people who care for them, strengthening our brand, engaging supporters across digital and traditional channels, or helping visitors and the wider community connect with our mission, your role will play a vital part in raising awareness, building lasting relationships, and supporting our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare.
If this role is for you, and you want to be part of our journey to provide refuge, new beginnings and exceptional care for our animals, then apply today by uploading your CV and tell us a little about yourself.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer. We share your personal information internally within the organisation for recruitment purposes only. We ensure your information is treated with the care and the level of security that is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulations. Please see our full policy online: Candidate Privacy Notice | Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Marketing & Communications Manager - The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Ventnor employer: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on both animal welfare and the local community. With a supportive and friendly work culture, employees are encouraged to grow through meaningful engagement in fundraising and communications initiatives that resonate with our mission. Join us in a role where your creativity and passion can truly make a difference, all while working in a beautiful location that attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Contact Details:
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing & Communications Manager - The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Ventnor
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Network through Fundraising Events
Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, you’ll definitely make an impression!
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.
✨Showcase Your Passion through Content
Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. It’s all about being visible and passionate!
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing & Communications Manager - The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in Ventnor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!
Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.
Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Marketing & Communications Manager - The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary role at Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
✨Display Your Passion for the Cause
Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building
Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.
