Development Director

Soil Association; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental charity in the UK is seeking a Development Director to drive fundraising initiatives and support impactful growth. This role requires a proven track record in strategic fundraising leadership, with an emphasis on collaborative relationships and compliance with regulations. You will lead teams and develop compelling strategies to inspire support and funders, contributing to transformative change for people and planet.

Qualifications

• Track record of significant income growth across multiple streams.
• Experience leading teams and managing fundraising strategies.
• Ability to navigate complexity with clarity.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering a fundraising strategy.
• Leading and inspiring fundraising teams.
• Building relationships with major donors and partners.
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations.

Skills

Strategic fundraising leadership

Collaborative approach

Team leadership

Relationship building

Job description

Overview

We're now looking for a Development Director to help us deliver even greater impact. Reporting to our Group Chief Executive as a core member of our Leadership Team, you'll lead our charitable income generation strategy, growing existing streams and developing new ones across membership and regular giving, philanthropy, trusts and foundations, statutory funding and corporate partnerships. You'll shape compelling propositions that inspire funders and supporters, ensuring coherence between charitable and commercial income streams across the group.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering a fundraising strategy that supports our mission and growth objectives.
• Leading and inspiring high‑performing fundraising and supporter development teams, setting clear objectives and driving results.
• Designing and delivering compelling fundraising propositions and supporter journeys, working closely with Marketing & Communications.
• Building and nurturing relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations and corporate partners.
• Working collaboratively with other Directors and our Development Board to identify fundable opportunities aligned to our impact priorities.
• Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who brings strategic fundraising leadership, a collaborative and people‑centred approach, and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. You'll have a track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple streams, experience of leading teams, and the ability to craft transformative strategies. You'll be motivated by our values and excited by the opportunity to play a lead role in enabling us to shape a better future for people and planet.

About The Soil Association

The Soil Association is the UK's leading charity working with people and nature to transform the way we eat, farm and care for the natural world. Founded in 1946, we've been at the forefront of pioneering organic and sustainable practices for nearly 80 years. With a turnover of £25 million, around 380 staff and a structure that includes two trading subsidiaries and a sister charity, we are a dynamic organisation with national reach and international influence. Together, we are a force for nature.