Executive Director, Development

The King's Foundation; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent global charity in the UK is seeking an Executive Director, Development. This role involves leading fundraising efforts, developing a philanthropy strategy, and managing key donor relationships. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in fundraising leadership and a proven ability to cultivate major gifts. This opportunity offers a competitive salary of at least £80,000 with flexibility for outstanding candidates.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in significant philanthropic fundraising.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders.
• International fundraising experience is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Devise and oversee an ambitious philanthropy strategy.
• Raise capital to meet fundraising targets.
• Maintain detailed and up-to-date fundraising projections.
• Manage donor/prospect relationships.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Relationship building

Diplomacy

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Executive Director, Development
The King s Foundation

Location: London, Ayrshire or Gloucestershire

Salary: The salary for this role is no less than £80,000 pa with significant flexibility on this for an exceptional candidate to ensure that the Foundation is able to attract leading professionals to this critical position

First formed in 1990, The King s Foundation is a global charity delivering for people, places and the planet.

About the Foundation and Context

Inspired by His Majesty s philosophy of Harmony, we build and support thriving, sustainable communities where people, places and the planet can coexist. We practise and teach the principles of nature that underpin food, horticulture, farming and wellbeing, showcasing this knowledge at our sustainable sites around the world. We also bring these philosophies and practices to life at heritage sites across the UK, and train and educate people of all ages to develop practical skills, rooted in nature and tradition, that help them play an active role in their communities.

Philanthropy plays a key role in the delivery of our vision and, with the support of a strong donor base, we raise c. £15M pa alongside an equally robust commercial income stream. We have enjoyed success in raising support for some significant capital projects in the last few years, and have been strengthening our case for a range of educational programmes and projects that will help us achieve our strategic objectives. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our work, we are now seeking a new Executive Director, Development to lead our fundraising activities in this next stage of our strategy.

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, and working closely with the CEO, COO, Executive team and members of our Board and Development Advisory Board, the Executive Director, Development will shape and drive a roadmap for this next stage of our philanthropic activity. As a member of the Executive Team, you will exemplify the highest standard of professional integrity and represent the Foundation to senior stakeholders both internally and externally. With the support of a dedicated team and the expertise of your peers, you will:

• devise, implement and oversee an ambitious philanthropy strategy, underpinned by appropriate fundraising policies, procedures and records including due diligence
• raise the capital required to meet the Foundation s fundraising targets
• maintain detailed and up-to-date projections
• own donor/prospect relationships; and communicate effectively to these stakeholders

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced and entrepreneurial fundraising leader, who is equally adept at building significant philanthropic relationships as you are in meeting the operational requirements of an organisation of our size and complexity. You will bring a track record of personally cultivating significant gifts, as well as leveraging and supporting key stakeholders and volunteers to support these activities. Your international fundraising experience will be an added bonus, particularly with donors in North America. With your highly developed diplomacy, tact, and sophisticated interpersonal skills, you understand and know how to get the best of people in support of the organisations you ve represented. In return, you will have the strong support of an experienced Executive Team, a committed Board and Development Advisory group, and an exceptional organisation and brand to support these endeavours.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the career defining opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you. We are pleased to partner with Richmond Associates on this search and to learn more, please contact Sonja Dunphy, Managing Director, or Nicola Reames, Senior Consultant for a confidential conversation. To find their contact details, download a full information pack on this exceptional opportunity, or to apply, please visit their website by following the "Apply" button.

Closing date for applications: 9AM Thursday, 30 October 2025