At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow WWF-UK's Events and Community Fundraising strategy for impactful income growth.
- Company: Join WWF-UK, a global conservation charity dedicated to restoring nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26+ days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a vibrant office environment at the Living Planet Centre.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in conservation while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive fundraising experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57986 - 57986 £ per year.
Join us at WWF-UK as the 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 & Community Fundraising in Woking employer: WWF-UK, Ltd.
WWF-UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Living Planet Centre in Woking, where employees can thrive amidst nature. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, WWF-UK fosters a collaborative culture that empowers its team to make a meaningful impact in conservation. Join us to be part of a passionate community dedicated to restoring our planet and driving innovative fundraising strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Challenge Events & Community Fundraising in Woking
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the fundraising and events space. Attend industry meetups, webinars, or even casual coffee chats. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for community fundraising shine through. Share your ideas on innovative fundraising strategies and how you can make a real impact at WWF-UK. Enthusiasm goes a long way!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching WWF-UK’s current projects and challenges. Think about how your skills can help tackle these issues. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your past successes in fundraising – numbers speak volumes!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the WWF-UK team. Get your CV and supporting statement ready and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Challenge Events & Community Fundraising in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for fundraising and community engagement shine through. We want to see how your values align with WWF-UK's mission to protect our planet.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in events and community fundraising. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve driven income growth and built strong supporter relationships.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to tell us why you’d be a great fit for the role. Be clear about your strategic thinking and operational delivery skills, and how they can benefit WWF-UK.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply as early as possible through our website to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity!
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 of specific challenges you've faced in fundraising and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive results.
