At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow WWF-UK's Events and Community Fundraising strategy for impactful fundraising.
- Company: Join WWF-UK, a global conservation charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26+ days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a vibrant office environment at the Living Planet Centre.
- Why this job: Shape innovative fundraising experiences while driving sustainable income growth.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fundraising, leadership, and strategic planning required.
The predicted salary is between 57986 - 57986 £ per year.
Join us at WWF-UK – Head of Events and Community Fundraising
Location: Living Planet Centre, Woking, Surrey
Contract: Permanent, full time (35 hours)
Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month
Salary: £57,986 + excellent benefits
Safeguarding level: Level Two
About the role
We’re looking for a strategic and results-driven Head of Events and Community Fundraising to lead and grow one of WWF-UK’s most important fundraising income streams. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver an ambitious Events and Community Fundraising strategy, driving sustainable income growth across a diverse portfolio of challenge events, mass participation products and community fundraising activity. You’ll lead the development and evolution of the existing portfolio while identifying and delivering new fundraising products, partnerships and opportunities that engage supporters and grow impact. Working across the organisation and with external partners, you will play a key role in ensuring WWF-UK continues to build strong supporter relationships and deliver excellent fundraising experiences.
As an experienced and inspiring leader, you will lead a high-performing team, creating a collaborative, ambitious and supportive environment where people can thrive and deliver strong results. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across WWF-UK and externally, building trusted relationships that support innovation, growth and delivery. This role requires a strong combination of strategic thinking and operational delivery. You’ll oversee complex budgets, performance reporting and planning, using insight, evidence and supporter feedback to drive decision-making, continuous improvement and long-term growth.
We’re looking for someone who brings strong fundraising expertise, commercial awareness, creativity and a proactive mindset, alongside a genuine passion for delivering meaningful supporter engagement and impact.
Skills and experience
- Extensive experience in Events and/or Community Fundraising, with a strong track record of delivering and growing income
- Significant experience of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies and plans that achieve measurable results
- Experience of driving growth across fundraising products, events, partnerships or community fundraising activity
- Proven experience of developing, launching and scaling new fundraising products, events or income-generating initiatives
- Strong experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams
- Experience of managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, priorities and deliverables
- Significant experience of setting, managing and delivering large-scale income and expenditure budgets
- Experience of managing senior-level internal and external relationships, including corporates, sponsors, suppliers or strategic partners
- Strong understanding of supporter acquisition, retention and lifetime value approaches
- Experience of leading effective fundraising marketing or supporter engagement activity across multiple channels
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to use insight, evidence and performance data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams and functions to deliver shared organisational goals
- Good understanding of fundraising regulation, compliance, GDPR and supporter data responsibilities
- Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation skills
- Ability to lead through change, bring people with you and create clarity and focus within teams
- Results-focused, proactive and solutions-oriented approach
- Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Experience of negotiating and managing contracts or supplier agreements
- Experience of community-led fundraising or mass participation campaigns
- Confident and engaging public speaking or presentation skills
- Experience of working across complex or matrix organisations
- Understanding of innovative fundraising trends, products and audience engagement approaches
What we offer
- Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
- 5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
- Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.
This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.
About WWF-UK
We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world. At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help. We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.
How to apply
Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.
Our Diversity Promise to You
At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself. We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout at recruitment@wwf.org.uk
Safeguarding Commitment
Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter. Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent. We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting. If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.
Head of Challenge Events and Community Fundraising in Surrey employer: WWF-UK, Ltd.
WWF-UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where employees can thrive amidst nature. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and generous annual leave, WWF-UK fosters a collaborative culture that encourages professional growth and innovation in the vital field of conservation. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the planet while enjoying comprehensive benefits and opportunities for personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Challenge Events and Community Fundraising in Surrey
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact. Passion is contagious!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research WWF-UK’s recent projects and challenges in community fundraising. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Follow Up
After an interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Challenge Events and Community Fundraising in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Challenge Events and Community Fundraising role. Highlight your relevant experience in events and community fundraising, and don’t forget to showcase any successful strategies you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for WWF-UK. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they align with our mission and values.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams. Include examples of how you've led teams to success and fostered a collaborative environment in your previous roles.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible through our website. This way, you won’t miss out on the opportunity to join our passionate team at WWF-UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at WWF-UK, Ltd.
✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in various fundraising strategies, especially those relevant to community and challenge events. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they can translate into success for WWF-UK.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Events and Community Fundraising, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, and be ready to share your approach to creating a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with WWF-UK’s mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how your personal passion aligns with their goals, and think about how you can contribute to their vision of restoring nature and preventing climate change.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges in fundraising and how you would address them, using data and insights to back up your decisions.
