Seasonal Fundraiser

NFP PEOPLE; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation charity is seeking a Seasonal Fundraiser for the 2026 season at Rathlin Island. The role involves welcoming visitors, promoting conservation efforts, and inspiring memberships. Full training will be provided, and no previous fundraising experience is necessary, making it ideal for students or those seeking seasonal work. The position offers a competitive salary, flexibility in working days, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Full training provided

Salary-based role

Flexible working days

Inclusive work environment

Opportunity to return each summer

Qualifications

• Must live within 20 miles of Ballycastle harbour.
• No experience required; full training will be provided.
• Availability to work 3 out of 4 weekends per month.

Responsibilities

• Welcome visitors and share the conservation importance of the site.
• Work alongside staff and volunteers to inspire new memberships.
• Role model best practices for reserve fundraising.

Skills

Passion for conservation

Effective communication skills

Resilience

Confidence speaking with the public

Customer service experience

Job description

Seasonal Fundraiser

Are you looking for the ideal summer job? Would you like to work at the home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony? We are looking for a seasonal fundraiser to work at the stunning Rathlin Seabird Centre for the 2026 season and it could be you!

Position: Seasonal Fundraiser - Rathlin Island (Reserve-based)

Ref: NOV20257033

Location: Rathlin Island

Salary: £25,847.00 - £27,549.00 per annum

Contract: Until the end of August/Early September 2026

Closing Date: Sat, 3rd Jan 2026. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any stage once we have made a hire.

What’s the role about?

Located 6 miles away from Ballycastle, Rathlin Island is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland. Comprised of rugged cliffs, unimproved grassland and several lakes, Rathlin island is an idyllic workplace.

The team at the Rathlin Seabird Centre have been delivering exemplary visitor experience for over 16 years, making the reserve a serious opportunity for fundraising and membership recruitment.

As a core part of both the Rathlin team and the Face to Face membership teams, you be working alongside staff and volunteers to welcome visitors to the reserve and enthuse them about the conservation importance of the site. You will be expected to role model best practices for reserve fundraising to inspire new memberships for the RSPB.

Given that this position is based on Rathlin island, the ideal candidate will live within 20 miles of Ballycastle harbour. You don’t have to have fundraising experience - full training will be provided.

Expert knowledge of Northern Irish wildlife is not a pre‑requisite, but a passion for conservation, an ability to employ effective communication skills and an eagerness to learn are essential.

About the Role

You will work alongside friendly staff and volunteers to welcome visitors, share the importance of this extraordinary site, and inspire them to support the vital conservation efforts.

The role is target‑driven and requires confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm - but for those who thrive on purpose and people, it’s truly rewarding.

This position may be well suited to students or individuals seeking a recurring seasonal role each year.

What’s On Offer

• Full training provided - no wildlife knowledge necessary.
• Salary‑based role (not commission‑based) ensuring stable income.
• Flexibility to work 3, 4 or 5 days per week to suit your schedule.
• Inclusive and supportive working environment.
• Potential opportunity to return each summer.
• A chance to make a real difference for nature.

What We Need from You

• Passion for people and conservation - we’ll teach you the rest!
• Resilience and positivity when facing challenges.
• Confidence speaking with members of the public and working toward clear targets.
• Comfortable working outdoors and often independently. Availability to work 3 out of 4 weekends per month.
• Fundraising, sales or customer service experience (desirable, not essential).

Additional Information

• Fixed‑term, until early September 2026
• The successful candidate may attend an in person induction and training at our HQ in Sandy, Bedfordshire (travel and accommodation expenses covered).
• We may close early if sufficient applications are received.
• Start Date: February/March 2026 - For a full list of our start dates please see the Recruitment Pack when you apply.

How to Apply

Please upload your CV and complete a short online application form. Use the cover letter section to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Inclusion and Diversity

We’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive charity where everyone feels valued and supported.

We particularly welcome applications from people of colour and disabled people, who are currently underrepresented across the environmental sector.

If you need any adjustments or support to apply, please contact us.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The charity is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.