Fundraising Development Officer - Northern Ireland

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Fundraising Development Officer to lead the development and delivery, raising funds to support Woodland Trust priorities and specific projects focused within Northern Ireland. This role is advertised as full-time, 37.5 hours per week, however we would consider applications from those wanting reduced hours at 30 per week.

The Role

• You will work alongside the Northern Ireland team to create, implement and deliver an agreed Northern Ireland fundraising plan for all relevant areas including Treescapes and consideration of relevant Acquisitions.
• Create, build and nurture relationships with donors, trusts, foundations, partners and organisations, creating opportunities that inspire long-term support and blended giving, including leaving a gift in will.
• Develop and deliver compelling funding plans, proposals, grant applications and Northern Ireland focused appeals to meet fundraising targets.
• Be a key Northern Ireland advocate working with UK colleagues to ensure that they see the importance, beauty, passion and impact of Northern Ireland woodlands and projects to ensure wider UK funding secured.
• Play a key role in planning and supporting philanthropy events across Northern Ireland and on occasion the wider UK, maximising opportunities to engage supporters.
• Drive forward exciting projects, working with passionate colleagues, partners and supporters to deliver impactful fundraising campaigns.
• Bring creativity and energy to events, proposals and bespoke opportunities, all while ensuring best practice and compliance in fundraising.

This is a homebased role, with access to WTNI office in Clandeboye Estate, requiring regular travel to locations within the Northern Ireland landscape, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required. This is a fixed term contract for 13 months.

The Candidate

• Experience working in fundraising, the third sector or within a targeted communications environment.
• Confidence in planning and developing engaging materials tailored to different audiences and objectives.
• Strong communication skills and are comfortable using both formal and informal methods to inspire and connect with a wide range of individuals.
• Exceptional planning and organisational abilities, especially in busy, target-driven environments.
• Experience in negotiation and collaboration skills, and thrive in partnership work with enthusiasm, influence, and strong networking capabilities.
• A proven track record of securing commitment from individuals at all levels, including major donors.
• Strong commercial awareness and understand the dynamics of relevant markets.
• IT literate, with solid experience using Microsoft Office and managing databases.
• Full clean driving licence.

Benefits and Wellbeing

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 26th & 27th August.