Chief Executive Jobs

Are You Ready to Transform Fundraising for Animals in Need?

Do you have a proven track record of growing fundraising income? Are you full of energy, fresh ideas, and a drive to do things differently? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you!

We’re looking for a dynamic, strategic, and ambitious fundraising leader to help us increase income by a third over the next five years—powering our vital work in rescuing and rehoming animals.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Develop & implement a bold income generation strategy aligned with our mission.
• Identify & secure new fundraising opportunities, from corporate sponsorships to digital campaigns.
• Grow & lead our individual giving, legacy giving, and major donor programs.
• Build & nurture long-term relationships with supporters, donors, and key stakeholders.
• Inspire & manage the Income Generation team, fostering innovation and high performance.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing us at key events.
• Monitor & report fundraising performance to the CEO and Board.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Someone who can bring innovation and creativity to unlock new income streams?
• Are you passionate about making a real difference for our animals?
• Do you have the vision and experience to drive sustainable growth?
• A strategic thinker who isn’t afraid to do things differently.
• A natural relationship-builder who can secure major gifts & partnerships.
• An inspiring leader with the passion and vision to drive growth.

 Why Join Us?

• The chance to make a real impact for animals in need.
• A role with huge potential to grow and shape the future of fundraising.
• A passionate, supportive team that shares your drive to create change.

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Work Location: Hybrid remote in Leicester LE3 1UQ

Operations Director - North Scotland
Reference: FEB20259974
Location: RSPB Scotland – Inverness
Salary: £70,490.00 - £75,257.00 Per Annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: Pension scheme (7%), Life Assurance scheme, 26 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)

What must be one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in Nature Conservation in the UK is about to become vacant. Nature is in crisis, and we have a climate emergency. As Operational Director of the RSPB's delivery programme in North Scotland, you will be uniquely placed to make a positive contribution to these twin crises. Do you have the exceptional leadership skills to take action for nature and lead our brilliant operational teams in North Scotland?

What's the role about?

As part of the Scotland Leadership Team, the North Scotland Operations Director leads the RSPB’s place-based delivery, primarily across our nature reserves and within the RSPB’s Priority Landscapes where we are working to influence and support others to restore nature and inspire communities within some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.

This is a role for an exceptional director, with a team of approximately 150 staff and 500 volunteers, significant budget (£5M+), land based commercial operations, major project and risk accountability, and responsibility for restoring some of Scotland’s most threatened species & habitats.

The role covers four large Operational Areas which comprise the RSPB’s North Scotland Region, including the organisation's two largest nature reserves. The Operations Director line manages 4 Area Managers in the following operational areas:

1. Shetland & Northeast Scotland;
2. Orkney;
3. North Highland and Outer Hebrides, and
4. South Highland.

Other line reports are the Senior Programme Manager for the Scotland Peatland Programme, and the Inverness Office Manager.

Alongside the Operational Director role, the post holder also has overall responsibility for some of the RSPB’s largest and most high-profile projects and programmes, including the Orkney Native Wildlife project, the Scotland Peatland Programme, and Cairngorms Connect.

We’re looking for a talented director with experience of managing a diverse and dispersed operational portfolio. You’ll be someone who can build strong collaborations (both internally & externally), and you’ll be comfortable representing the RSPB to a range of audiences, from community groups to public agency executives and leaders alongside politicians and Government Ministers.

You should be confident to make decisions and be able to balance risk and opportunity. An understanding of - and an ability to operate within - governance, finance and risk frameworks is also a key part of the role. A background in nature conservation isn’t necessary, but you’ll be passionate about our mission and joining the movement to end the nature & climate emergency.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Educated to degree level or relevant high-level experience to effectively communicate complex messages and use management information to undertake responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the RSPB and its mission
• Visible, inspiring and effective leadership of own Operational Team, engaging and motivating staff and volunteers at all levels (reserves, sites, project, specialist and area teams)
• Proven leadership and people management skills, able to develop team members for high performance and build a positive culture across geographically dispersed teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present, influence and represent the organisation
• Collaboration skills to build relationships, navigate politics and manage conflicts
• Business management skills to understand strategy, business functions and decision-making
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, forecasting, understand financial statements and understand and use business metrics
• Proven ability to influence others, build partnerships and negotiate at a senior level

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Team management and development of geographically dispersed teams
• Knowledge of the geography, socio-economic, organisational landscape and political context of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland
• Experience of land management/nature reserve management

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 4th May 2025
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from w/c 26th May 2025.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

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

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

No agencies please.

Fundraising Relationships and Business Development Manager (1-2 days a month in London)
£40,000 per annum | Full-Time or Part-Time Considered | Permanent

Are you an experienced fundraiser passionate about building high-value relationships? Join SPANA as our Fundraising Relationships and Business Development Manager, where you’ll develop corporate partnerships and engage major donors to secure vital funding for the welfare of working animals worldwide.

What You’ll Do
As Fundraising Relationships and Business Development Manager, you will:

• Lead and grow SPANA’s high-value donor and corporate fundraising programme.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate partnerships and major donors to expand income streams.
• Manage and develop relationships with existing high-value supporters, ensuring long-term engagement.
• Develop compelling fundraising proposals, appeals, and stewardship activities to maximise donor commitment.
• Project-manage the development of marketing materials and fundraising events.
• Work closely with internal teams to identify funding opportunities and align donor engagement strategies.
• Support senior stakeholders, including the CEO and Global Director of Fundraising, in donor engagement activities.

Why Choose SPANA?

• Impact-Driven Work: Your fundraising efforts will support vital programmes improving the lives of working animals globally.
• Career Development: Work in a growing team, with opportunities to develop your expertise in major donor and corporate fundraising.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a dedicated team working together to make a tangible difference.
• Flexible Working: Hybrid role with remote working and travel to London 1-2 times per month.
• Part-Time Considered: We are open to part-time arrangements for the right candidate.

What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a proactive fundraiser who:

• Has experience securing income from high-value donors and corporate partnerships.
• Is skilled in developing tailored fundraising proposals and relationship stewardship strategies.
• Can confidently engage senior stakeholders and supporters in fundraising activities.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities.
• Is passionate about animal welfare and SPANA’s mission to protect working animals worldwide.

About SPANA
SPANA is dedicated to transforming the welfare of working animals in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Through veterinary care, training, and advocacy, we ensure working animals receive the protection and support they deserve. Our fundraising partnerships are crucial in driving this mission forward.

How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead high-value fundraising initiatives and make a real impact, apply today. Together, we can create a better future for working animals worldwide.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.