Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to guide and shape the future of donkey welfare globally.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary is a leading animal welfare organization transforming lives since 1969.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse board, contributing to impactful global initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in donkey welfare while collaborating with passionate leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles; skills in finance, fundraising, or animal welfare are a plus.
- Other info: Commitment of 12-16 days per year; applications close on March 25, 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Donkey Sanctuary works across the globe to help achieve our vision of a world where every donkey has a good quality of life. Since its foundation in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse to an impactful international animal welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.
As we near the halfway point of our current five-year strategy (2023-2027), we are hoping to appoint up to four new Trustees to contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of The Donkey Sanctuary. One of our main drivers is to increase the diversity of our board. We want to hear from you if you think you can offer the leadership, passion, drive and skills we are looking for.
We are searching for candidates with the following skills or experience:
Essential: Board member or Executive level leadership experience
Desirable – one or more of the following:
- Audit and Risk/Finance (UK knowledge required)
- Charity Fundraising/Marketing/Philanthropy
- Animal health, welfare & behaviour (equine focus)
- Business transformation/change management
We estimate that there are more than 60 million donkeys and mules in the world. At The Donkey Sanctuary we tailor our approaches to meet donkeys’ unique challenges in different regions. The new Trustees will join at a crucial time for the organisation; not only do we continue to maintain our UK and Europe network of farms, sanctuaries and holding bases but our international operations and partnerships are also growing. For example, after extensive lobbying, the brutal donkey skin trade was banned by the African Union last year, but there is still a great deal of work to embed and extend this ban to other continents.
Trustees will help the Board, CEO and Executive Team to monitor the continued success of the strategy and act as a guardian of the charity. Trustees will help monitor organisational performance in terms of reputation, people, donkey welfare, income and organisational effectiveness. The Trustees will be joining a collaborative, motivated and open-minded Board.
The Board are committed to the Donkey Sanctuary’s mission to improve the lives of millions of donkeys worldwide and to be the leaders in a global plan for donkey welfare. The new Trustees will bring thoughtful, mature and collaborative contribution to board meetings, and be both principled and innovative. They will have truly international mindsets as well as a strong strategic focus.
The role of Trustee is likely to require a time commitment of an estimated 12-16 days per year.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter and addressed by an email is 25 March 2025.
Interviews dates are likely to be held on 1st May and 7th May 2025.
We are committed to an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen as real value for the Donkey Sanctuary and our work with Donkeys.
The Donkey Sanctuary is fully committed to the elimination of unlawful and unfair discrimination by promoting and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates and values the differences that diverse backgrounds, thinking, skills and experience brings.
Trustees employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your board member or executive leadership experience in conversations and networking events. This will help you connect with current trustees and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission by attending their events or volunteering. This shows your commitment to animal welfare and gives you insights into the organization’s culture and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with current issues in donkey welfare, especially regarding the international operations of The Donkey Sanctuary. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to contribute meaningfully during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with individuals who have experience in charity fundraising, marketing, or philanthropy. Building relationships with professionals in these areas can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
We think you need these skills to ace Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Trustee position. Understand the essential and desirable skills required, and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to The Donkey Sanctuary's mission. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the Trustee role. Emphasize your board member or executive-level leadership experience, and include any relevant achievements in areas like finance, fundraising, or animal welfare.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion: Since The Donkey Sanctuary values diversity, mention any unique perspectives or experiences you bring to the table. This could include international experience or insights into different cultures that can contribute to the board's diversity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal welfare, particularly for donkeys and mules. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to improving the lives of these animals.
✨Highlight Relevant Leadership Experience
Discuss your board member or executive-level leadership experience in detail. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've contributed to governance and strategic direction in previous roles, especially in non-profit or charity settings.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your strategic focus and how you can contribute to the Donkey Sanctuary's mission. Think about how your skills in business transformation or change management can help the organization navigate its current challenges and opportunities.
✨Emphasize Diversity and Collaboration
Since the Board is committed to increasing diversity, be ready to talk about how your unique background and perspective can add value. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team and how you can contribute to an inclusive culture.
