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Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for animal welfare? Do you have the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and media expertise to guide a respected charity in adapting to today’s challenging economic environment? If so, Ferne Animal Sanctuary invites you to apply for the pivotal role of Chief Executive Officer.
About Ferne Animal Sanctuary
For over 80 years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary has provided refuge for unwanted and neglected animals, promoting animal welfare and finding forever homes for those in need. As a small independent charity, we are at a turning point, navigating a dynamic economic climate while seeking to diversify income streams and become less reliant on legacy funding.
The Role
As CEO, you will lead the organisation in reshaping its future, ensuring sustainability and growth during challenging times. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, your key responsibilities will include:
· Steering the organisation’s long-term strategy of increasing the number of charity shops whilst ensuring resilience and responsiveness to changes in the economic environment.
· Expanding and diversifying income streams to reduce reliance on legacies, with a focus on retail growth, fundraising innovation, and commercial opportunities.
· Enhancing Ferne’s profile through media, PR, and marketing strategies, growing awareness and support.
· Managing the charity efficiently and ethically, maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and adhering to all regulations.
· Building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, donors, colleagues, volunteers, and the community to strengthen Ferne’s influence and support base.
About you
We are seeking a forward-thinking leader with the following skills and experience
· Proven leadership experience, ideally within the charity, retail, or commercial sector.
· A strong track record of achieving commercial success and driving profitability, with the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities.
· Expertise in media, PR, and marketing, with a proven ability to elevate an organisation’s profile and build engagement.
· A strategic mindset with the ability to navigate economic challenges and lead change effectively.
· A genuine passion for animal welfare and a deep commitment to Ferne’s mission.
· Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
· Outstanding ability to engage and inspire a diverse, multi-site workforce including volunteers
· Experience working with a Board of Trustees or in a governance setting is desirable.
What We Offer
· The opportunity to lead a well-loved and respected charity, shaping its future in a meaningful way.
· A dedicated team of colleagues and volunteers who share your passion for animals.
· A beautiful rural location in Somerset with a strong sense of community.
The closing date for applications is 24th March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview during the week commencing 31st March 2025.
Registered Charity 
21 - 50
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Salary: £80,000
Location: Head Office (1-2 days per week) with occasional travel to London Wildlife Trust sites. Typically 3 days working from home.
Flexible working: this role is based in Victoria with typical working hours of 9-5pm. Flexible working requests are available from day one. We would also consider applications from part time applicants working 4 days per week including over 5 days (school hours).
Role Information: Director of Development
We also offer:
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and a discretionary Christmas closure
- Benefits platform with discounts on retail, dining and days out
- Salary sacrifice schemes for gym, bicycles and nursery/childcare
- Access to a free Employee Assistance Scheme to support you inside and outside of work
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Are you a dynamic and strategic leader with a passion for fundraising, integrated marketing, and making a real impact? London Wildlife Trust is looking for a Director of Development to join our Senior Leadership Team and drive the growth of our fundraising, income streams, and public profile.
Why Join London Wildlife Trust?
London Wildlife Trust has achieved significant growth, with income increasing by 50% to over £6 million in the past five years. This is a unique opportunity to build on this success and shape the future of nature recovery in London. You’ll be leading a high-performing team, directly managing our Head of Fundraising and Head of Marketing & Communications, and play a pivotal role in achieving our ambitious 2030 Strategic Plan.
Your Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Income Growth (50%)
- Oversee and drive the Trust’s five-year fundraising plan to exceed income targets.
- Expand corporate partnerships and major donor engagement.
- Enhance fundraising systems to improve strategy and performance including growing membership recruitment and retention initiatives
- Build and strengthen relationships with senior external stakeholders, donors, and partners.
Marketing & Communications (30%)
- Lead the Trust’s five-year marketing and communications plan to grow brand awareness.
- Oversee digital marketing strategies to enhance engagement and fundraising efforts.
- Drive digital and data maturity goals for maximum impact.
Impact Measurement & Reporting (20%)
- Ensure transparent, compelling impact reporting to trustees, funders, and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement a robust impact measurement framework.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven senior experience in a charity fundraising position
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and support high-performing teams
- A strategic mindset with a track record of delivering income growth and raising brand profiles
- Experience measuring impact to create compelling cases for support and evaluation reports
(Please see attached candidate pack for full person specification)
Closing Date: Tuesday 11th March at midnight
Interviews: first stage interviews are scheduled to take place online on Monday 17th and second stage interviews will be held in person on Friday 21st March. Reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates including the choice to meet online or in-person.
Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!
Our vision is a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. In order to achieve our goal of engaging everyone in protecting London’s wildlife for the future, we know that our staff team needs to better reflect and represent all of London’s communities. Read more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on our website. We are also committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk is at the heart of our engagement with people, read more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Safeguarding on our website.
Flexible working: this role is based in Victoria with typical working hours of 9-5pm. Flexible working requests are available from day one. We would also consider applications from part time applicants working 4 days per week including over 5 days (school hours).
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