Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global fundraising strategy to secure major philanthropic gifts for ocean conservation.
- Company: Join Nekton, a pioneering marine science and conservation institute.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £70k+, hybrid work, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ocean exploration and protection while driving financial success.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in fundraising with proven success in securing significant gifts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for team leadership and growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Head of Fundraising is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton's global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations to help Nekton and its programme achieve their aims.
Contract: Initial 2-year fixed term, full-time employment (with extension opportunities).
Location: Hybrid/ Oxford, UK >1 day a week, with national and international travel.
Application deadline: 2 February 2026.
How to apply: Submit your CV and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in the role and highlighting the skills and experience you have which best meet the requirements of the role.
Start date: From 1 March 2026.
Salary: £70k+ (subject to experience).
ABOUT NEKTON
Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact.
- Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life
- First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation
- Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean
- YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea - matching private vessels with marine research.
- New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.
JOB DESCRIPTION
You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton's vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support. This role requires an entrepreneurial, strategic, and hands-on approach, leveraging a proven track record to secure very significant multi-year funding commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and Execute Strategy: Co-define and execute a robust, multi-year fundraising strategy with a primary focus on major gifts and philanthropic foundations, aligning with Nekton's mission and programme funding needs (e.g., Ocean Census, Global Voyage).
- Funding Pipeline Management: Establish and manage a rigorous pipeline of prospects, setting clear revenue targets and tracking progress against annual and campaign-specific goals.
- Budget & Forecasting: Work closely with the CEO and Finance team to develop accurate fundraising forecasts and budgets for all programmes.
- Donor Relations & Management:
- Major Gift Fundraising: Proactively identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and major foundations capable of making seven-figure and multi-year commitments.
- Case for Support: Create bespoke, compelling, and scientifically informed cases for support and proposal documents tailored to individual donor interests and programme needs.
- Stewardship & Reporting: Ensure world-class stewardship, including regular updates, expedition invitations, and detailed impact reporting to maintain long-term donor relationships.
- Programme Alignment: Work seamlessly with the Science and Operations teams to ensure deep knowledge of programme details, budget requirements, and specific funding needs, turning technical information into engaging donor communications.
- CEO Support: Prepare the CEO for all major fundraising meetings, including drafting briefing notes, proposals, and presentations.
- Cross-Sectoral Development: Explore and pursue opportunities in other income streams, including corporate partnerships and government/institutional funding, as appropriate.
Personnel Attributes for the Fundraising Lead
- Experience: Proven track record (7+ years) of securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.
- Networking: Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.
- Strategy & Drive: Highly strategic, self-motivated, and target-driven, with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to build and manage a major giving pipeline independently.
- Commitment: Passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.
Desired Attributes
- Knowledge: Direct experience in fundraising for biodiversity, conservation, or scientific research programmes.
- UK & Global Focus: Prior experience working with donors across the UK and multiple international regions (e.g., notably Asia, Europe, North America).
- Other Fundraising Experience: Other fundraising experience, such as Legacies, Direct Appeals, Corporate Partnerships and Events.
- Transferable Skills: A strong network and proven success in philanthropy from adjacent sectors (e.g., climate, health, arts/culture, higher education) with transferable skills and contacts.
- Leadership: Experience in potentially growing and mentoring a small fundraising team in the future.
Head of Fundraising in Oxford employer: Nekton
Contact Detail:
Nekton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fundraising in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising and conservation sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for ocean conservation! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, share your enthusiasm for marine science and how it aligns with their mission. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Nekton’s projects and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience can directly contribute to their goals. Being well-informed shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our updates and new opportunities – we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fundraising in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for ocean conservation and how your skills align with Nekton's mission. Be specific about your experience in securing major gifts and how you can contribute to our fundraising strategy.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in fundraising, especially with high-net-worth individuals and foundations. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires exceptional communication skills, consider including examples of your written work or successful donor communications. This could be a brief summary of a proposal or a case for support that you’ve created in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nekton
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Nekton's mission and current projects. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and recent initiatives like Ocean Census and the New 5-Year Global Voyage. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be ready to discuss your existing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic foundations. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully cultivated these connections in the past, as this role heavily relies on networking and relationship management.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to create engaging cases for support. Bring examples of previous proposals or communications that effectively conveyed complex scientific concepts in a way that inspired donors. This will showcase your communication skills and strategic thinking.
✨Be Ready for Strategy Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to developing and executing fundraising strategies. Think about how you would set revenue targets and manage a funding pipeline. Be prepared to share your vision for aligning Nekton’s mission with potential funding opportunities.
