Head of Fundraising

Nekton Mission; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Fundraising to lead a global fundraising strategy aimed at securing significant major gifts. This role requires a proven ability to manage donor relationships and deliver compelling narratives to attract high net worth individuals and foundations. Responsibilities include developing proposals, managing income pipelines, and collaborating with various teams to align funding needs. The position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, with significant international travel involved.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing six and seven figure gifts.
• Experience managing international donor relationships.
• Strong understanding of major gifts and donor relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a major giving strategy.
• Build and manage a robust income pipeline.
• Identify and cultivate prospects for significant gifts.
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support.
• Provide strategic support for fundraising activity.
• Maintain strong donor stewardship through quality communication.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor relations

Written communication

Public engagement

Job description

Head of Fundraising

We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts to lead and deliver a high value global fundraising strategy that supports ambitious scientific and conservation programmes.

Position

Head of Fundraising

Salary

£70,000 plus, depending on experience

Location

Hybrid, with weekly Oxford presence and some international travel

Hours

Full time

Contract

Initial 2 year fixed term, full time employment (with extension opportunities)

Closing date

19 January 2026, with early applications recommended

About the Role

This is a senior post responsible for designing and delivering a multi-year fundraising strategy focused on major donors, high net worth individuals and philanthropic foundations. You will play a central part in securing significant multi-year commitments that enable large scale expedition, research, and public engagement programmes.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading the development and execution of a major giving and philanthropic strategy
• Building and managing a robust income pipeline with clear revenue targets
• Identifying, cultivating and stewarding prospects capable of six and seven figure gifts
• Developing compelling proposals, cases for support and tailored donor materials
• Providing strategic support and briefing for senior leadership fundraising activity
• Maintaining strong donor stewardship through high quality communication and reporting
• Working collaboratively with scientific, operations and finance teams to align funding needs

About You

You will be a confident and credible fundraiser with a strong understanding of major gifts and donor relations. You’ll bring :

• A proven track record of securing six and seven figure gifts
• Experience managing international donor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex information into compelling narratives
• A strategic mindset with the drive and initiative to lead and deliver income growth
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required
• Experience in conservation, scientific research or biodiversity fundraising is welcomed, along with a wider understanding of global philanthropic networks.
• Other roles you may have experience of could include : Director of Development, Major Donor Lead, Philanthropy Manager, Head of Partnerships, Senior Development Manager, Foundation Relations Lead, Global Giving Manager.

PLEASE NOTE : This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organization