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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support animal welfare and engage with major donors and communities.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland's leading animal welfare charity with a passionate team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative charity fighting against animal suffering and driving impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and managing diverse income streams is essential.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 54017 - 60168 £ per year.
Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the Scottish SPCA, a Charity founded in 1839 and one that over 90% of the population of Scotland know and value for what they do for domestic, farm and wild animals. They employ over 300 colleagues and have 900 volunteers who have joined the fight to stop animals suffering. High on passion, endless in energy, committed to ensuring all creatures are treated well at the hands of humans and have animal centres across Scotland, including Inverness, Aberdeenshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Charity is undergoing an exciting period of renewal and innovation, and is forward-facing, increasingly brave, and fearless in its fight to stop animals suffering. With close to 45,000 regular supporters they are the largest and leading animal welfare Charity in Scotland and are in the hearts of the public, the ears of politicians and the eyes of the media.
They are now seeking a Head of Development to join the team. You will support their fight against animals suffering by engaging new and existing major donors, trusts, corporates and communities to give to their cause generously. You will use your expertise to lead and develop a high-performing fundraising team, grow support from donors and partners, and drive innovation to build a resilient and growing income base.
Key responsibilities of the role:
- MANAGE INCOME STREAM PLANS: You will be responsible for ensuring major donor, trusts, corporate and community income streams have clear annual plans in place that form part of a bigger multi-year growth plan.
- CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS: You will play a key role in ensuring the whole Charity is playing its part in being ‘fundraising friendly’ with case studies, identifying fundable projects and able to engage with donors in authentic and inspirational ways. Work in collaboration with wider fundraising teams, marketing and communications teams to deliver integrated fundraising activity plans.
- ENGAGEMENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: You will explore, develop and take to market one or more participation products that generate income or act as a powerful ‘hand-raiser’ for identified key audience segments.
- TEAM AND BUDGET: You will manage and develop your team, giving them every opportunity to be the best fundraisers in Scotland.
- ENABLE SENIOR ENGAGEMENT: You will lead on ensuring the Chair, Trustees, CEO and Leadership Team are supported and comfortable with playing an active role in growing fundraising success.
- PROSPECTING AND CULTIVATION: You will lead on developing processes for identifying new supporters and will manage flagship cultivation events to inspire new support and recognise existing contributors.
Key skills and experience required:
The Charity has a turnover of circa £20 million, made up of mostly voluntary income. You will know how legacies, major donors, trusts, corporates, community and event fundraising work and how to turn that into meaningful, sustained growth. Experience of leading step-change growth or transforming income streams would be a bonus. You will be an experienced fundraising professional, most likely already been a Head of Function. Undoubtedly, you will know how purpose-driven organisations think and act. You will have experience of managing a variety of fundraising income streams.
Dunfermline based. Hybrid working. This role offers an excellent competitive salary within the range of £54,017 - £60,168 depending on experience.
Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with the Scottish SPCA on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity with a truly unique and best in class employer, please submit your CV online or to request a Recruitment Pack. Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 8th May 2026. First stage interviews: Friday 15th May 2026.
Head of Development in Edinburgh employer: Scottish SPCA
Contact Detail:
Scottish SPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the Scottish SPCA or any other organisation, let your enthusiasm for animal welfare shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in fundraising and community engagement. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨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 Scottish SPCA and supporting their incredible work.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Development. Highlight your experience with fundraising, managing teams, and driving income growth. We want to see how your skills align with the Scottish SPCA's mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for animal welfare and how you can contribute to the Scottish SPCA's goals. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this exciting opportunity.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led fundraising initiatives or transformed income streams. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Don’t miss out on this chance to join a fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish SPCA
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on the financials of the Scottish SPCA. Understand their income streams and how they operate. Being able to discuss their fundraising strategies and suggest innovative ideas will show that you're not just passionate about the cause but also knowledgeable about their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Development, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in fundraising contexts. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about how you can engage with major donors and communities effectively. Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships and creating authentic connections. The Scottish SPCA values genuine engagement, so come ready with examples of how you've fostered these relationships.
✨Be Ready to Innovate
The charity is looking for someone who can drive innovation in fundraising. Think of creative ideas or participation products you've developed in previous roles. Be prepared to share these during the interview to demonstrate your forward-thinking approach and how you can contribute to their mission.