Trust & Foundations Fundraising Manager

Merlin Entertainments; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments is seeking a Trust & Foundations Fundraising Manager to lead high-value grant initiatives for the SEA LIFE TRUST. This role involves developing partnerships, managing fundraising strategies, and ensuring impactful projects for ocean conservation. Ideal candidates will have strong relationship-building skills and a passion for marine conservation.

Benefits

Pension

Life Assurance

Discretionary company bonus

25 days holiday

Merlin Magic Pass

Discounts in retail shops and restaurants

Discount on LEGO

Qualifications

• Proven experience in securing high-value grants from trusts and foundations.
• A strategic, data-driven approach to fundraising.
• Experience in budgeting and financial forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Drive the delivery of the fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a pipeline of trust and foundation prospects.
• Write compelling funding applications.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Organizational skills

Data-driven approach

Job description

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The SEA LIFE TRUST is an international marine conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans and marine life. We champion the need for plastic-free oceans, sustainable fishing, effective Marine Protected Areas, and an end to the exploitation of marine life in captivity. Through global campaigns and the direct care of marine animals in our sanctuaries, we inspire positive change every day.

We are now seeking an experienced and passionate Trust & Foundation Fundraising Manager to take the lead on securing high-value grants that will make a real difference to ocean conservation. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape our trust and foundation strategy, develop new partnerships, and grow sustainable income to fund impactful projects around the world.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Drive the delivery of the SEA LIFE TRUST fundraising strategy by prioritising and expanding trust and foundation income streams.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of trust and foundation prospects, focusing on multi-year and high-value funding opportunities.
• Write compelling, tailored cases for support and funding applications aligned to the objectives of each prospective funder.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing funders, ensuring outstanding stewardship through regular updates and impact reporting.
• Collaborate with colleagues across our sanctuaries and within Merlin Entertainments’ Conservation, Welfare & Education team to identify fundable projects and areas of need.
• Support forecasting and budgeting alongside the Senior Head of Global Fundraising & Partnerships, ensuring income targets are met or exceeded.
• Monitor, evaluate and adapt fundraising approaches to maximise success and impact.
• Develop robust reporting and tracking systems to manage fundraising activity and report progress to senior leadership.
• Occasionally represent the SEA LIFE TRUST at internal and external meetings, events, and donor briefings.
• Support other fundraising activities as required, including corporate sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• A strong awareness of the SEA LIFE TRUST’s mission and a deep passion for protecting our oceans.
• Proven experience in securing high-value (5/6-figure) grants from trusts and foundations.
• A strategic, data-driven approach to fundraising with a focus on return on investment.
• Skilled in relationship-building, with the ability to engage senior decision-makers and tailor asks for diverse audiences.
• A confident and compelling communicator, particularly in written English, with an eye for detail and tone.
• Experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, and reporting against income targets.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and approachable.
• Resilient, results-oriented, and always willing to learn from setbacks.
• Friendly, collaborative, and passionate about conservation.
• Comfortable navigating a continuously evolving charity environment.
  
  

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive

SEA LIFE Trust Message

SEA LIFE Trust Message:Merlin Entertainments provides HR services for the SEA LIFE Trust and as part of this,all employees adhere to all Merlin Entertainments policies. Please be aware that you may receive correspondence from Merlin Entertainments regarding SEA LIFE Trust vacancies.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Entertainment Providers

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