Donor Experience Lead

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Swindon; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension scheme (up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Job summary

The National Trust in Swindon seeks a Donor Experience Lead for a fixed-term, full-time role. You will lead the development and delivery of donor communications, reports and campaigns to bring the Trust's work to life.

You will work with Relationship Managers and agencies to craft high-quality materials, ensure on-time delivery, and use data to strengthen donor relationships and support fundraising ambitions.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-value fundraising and/or communications and marketing.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management, with CRM experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of donor communications, reports, campaigns and experiences.
• Work with colleagues and agencies to create high-quality communications on time and budget.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers to tailor communications reflecting donors' interests and motivations.
• Help shape fundraising events and gratitude messaging.
• Leverage data and insights to improve donor engagement and loyalty.

Skills

Fundraising

Communications

Storytelling

Project management

Stakeholder management

CRM systems

Job description

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 30/09/27)

Swindon

71.4 mi from undefined

Ends: Aug 30th

Ref: IRC179327

Donor Experience Lead 40,576 pa

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 30/09/27)

Swindon

71.4 mi from undefined

NEW Posted 17th Aug

Ends: Aug 30th

Ref: IRC179327

Summary

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY PLEASE***

We’re looking foran experienced fundraising or communications professional to join ourteam as aDonor Experience Lead. Working across the donor journey, from prospecting through to stewardship, you'll create engaging experiences and inspiring communications that build lasting relationships and connect supporters with the impact of their giving.

This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months. The salary for this role is between £36,621 and £40,576 per annum.

What it's like to work here

You’ll join the Donor Engagement team, a friendly, collaborative and ambitious team responsible for creating meaningful experiences and communications that inspire supporters to deepen their connection with the National Trust. From donor communications and impact reporting to special events and supporter journeys, we work together to build lasting relationships that help to engage and inspire donors and deliver our fundraising ambitions. As a newly established team with a clear sense of purpose, we value high-quality work, fresh ideas and a commitment to getting things done.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon and there will be an expectation for you to attend the office. However, there is flexibility on where you are based at other times. You will be required to work at a National Trust location for 40-60% of your working week. This will be discussed in more detail at interview.

What you'll be doing

You'll lead the development and delivery of donor and prospect communications, reports, campaigns and experiences that bring the National Trust's work to life. Working with colleagues and agencies, you'll create high-quality, inspiring communications and materials, ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.

You'll work with Relationship Managers across our fundraising teams including Major Gifts and Grants, Mid-Value and Corporate Engagement to develop tailored communications and touchpoints that reflect donors' interests and motivations, strengthen relationships, and express our gratitude for their support. You'll also help shape fundraising events through compelling content and key messages that inspire supporters, recognise their generosity and create memorable experiences.

Working closely with our Fundraising Intelligence team, you'll use data and insight to improve engagement with donors, while building strong relationships across the wider C&F Directorate and the National Trust to identify stories and opportunities that strengthen supporter connections and loyalty.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

You'll bring the following knowledge, skills and experience gained in a fundraising, marketing or communications role, alongside the ability to apply them effectively in a fast-paced environment:

• Experience in high-value, corporate or public fundraising and/or communications and marketing, with a proven track record of creating and delivering high-quality communications, experiences, supporter journeys and reports that engage audiences, build relationships, demonstrate impact and inspire action.
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into compelling, audience-focused communications, using insight and data to develop relevant, targeted approaches that achieve objectives.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate at all levels, together with experience using CRM or relationship management systems to support audience engagement and communications.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

National Trust place

Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA

Documents

Donor Experience Lead - Grade 6.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 30 August 2026

Interview Dates: Week commencing 31 August 2026

*Internal Applicants only*

Our colleagues work for the National Trust in many locations and sometimes don't have easy access to internal vacancy listings. Using the internet ensures we can reach as many of our colleagues as possible. We appreciate that this can be frustrating for external talent. Do note that some roles are released externally after an initial period of time.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversityhere .

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.