Head of Fundraising & Communications

Surrey Wildlife Trust; Pirbright; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Pirbright is searching for a driven Head of Fundraising & Communications to lead fundraising initiatives. You'll develop strategies to diversify income streams and manage a dynamic team, driving engagement through PR and marketing. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership in fundraising and a passion for wildlife conservation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising leadership across multiple income streams.
• Track record of securing major gifts and partnerships.
• Strong strategic leadership skills and ability to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of SWT’s fundraising strategy.
• Line-manage and inspire the fundraising and communications team.
• Drive donor engagement and stewardship for major gifts.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Relationship-building

Strategic leadership

Marketing and PR

Job description

Overview

We are working in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) to secure their new Head of Fundraising & Communications. SWT provides expert advice and guidance to landowners and managers, inspires and educates people and organisations across the county on tackling the climate emergency, and supports the health and wellbeing of people in Surrey. SWT aims to create a county rich in wildlife where nature informs individual choices, corporate decisions, and local policy. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven, passionate and experienced senior fundraiser to lead transformational fundraising and communications across the organisation.

As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will lead a dynamic team to develop and deliver a powerful fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies income, from major donors to corporate partnerships, membership growth to trusts & foundations, ensuring SWT has the financial strength to support ambitious conservation goals. You will also drive mission-led communications, engaging a wide range of audiences through PR, marketing, digital, and social media to enhance awareness and inspire action through compelling campaigns and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of SWT’s fundraising strategy across multiple income streams (major gifts, corporate partnerships, membership, trusts & foundations).
• Line-manage and inspire the fundraising and communications team; foster a high-performance culture.
• Drive donor engagement and stewardship to secure and grow major gifts and philanthropic support.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with corporates, trusts, foundations, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and oversee campaigns, appeals, and programmes to diversify income and strengthen financial resilience.
• Lead mission-led communications across PR, marketing, digital, and social media to raise awareness and inspire action.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align fundraising and communications with conservation goals and organisational strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising leadership, with expertise across multiple income streams.
• A track record of securing major gifts and partnerships.
• Strong strategic leadership skills, able to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent relationship-building abilities with donors, corporates, and key stakeholders.
• Experience in marketing, PR, and digital communications to enhance engagement.
• A passion for wildlife, conservation, and nature recovery, with a creative, storytelling mindset to inspire others.