Fundraising Executive (Full-Time / 12 Months Maternity Cover Contract)

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife. 

Role Profile

ZSL has launched a new strategy, ZSL 200, that will lead us into our 3rd century, achieving impact in three priority areas: Wildlife & People, Wildlife Health and Wildlife Back from the Brink. Reporting to the Head of Private Philanthropy, the Fundraising Executive is responsible for the strategic development, recruitment and management of a portfolio of supporters and our Patron programme to generate sustainable and growing income streams.

Our ambition, as part of the new strategy, is to significantly grow these important programme’s through the successful development, implementation and monitoring of marketing, recruitment and stewardship plans driven by the post holder. The successful candidate will also develop existing and create new and engaging activities that inspire, inform and empower a range of audiences to become philanthropically engaged with ZSL and our Patron programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the portfolio and Patron marketing, recruitment and stewardship programme to ensure an increase in support for both streams and an evolving supporter journey.
• Cultivate relationships with Patrons and members of the portfolio to ensure they are acknowledged by and engaged with ZSL through the most appropriate, timely and personalised communications and touchpoints whilst co-ordinating all the associated administrative tasks some of which are delivered by key colleagues and departments.
• Create and deliver an on-brand and impactful range of supporter and Patron marketing materials, communications and activities reflective of a diverse range of audiences.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders such as volunteers and colleagues to ensure a sound understanding of the programme’s and that they remain alert to and refer opportunities to the post holder immediately.
• Review and analyse sector trends for supporter and Patron (or similar membership schemes) and apply those most appropriate and relevant for ZSL and our core audiences.
• Prepare and present monthly reports on activity and pipeline.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience leading a major gift and/or Patron (or membership) programme and fundraising from individuals.
• Have project and strategy planning skills and demonstrable experience of creating, monitoring and delivering a marketing and communications plan to identify and recruit prospects and Patrons.
• Be confident and comfortable in the sensitive stewardship of a range of prospects, supporters and key external partners.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Have strong numeracy skills with the ability to develop budgets and deliver financial reporting.
• Be self-motivated and driven to succeed with a natural instinct to create new opportunities.
• Be confident working autonomously as well as making significant contributions to the team, department and ZSL. 
• Be educated to degree level with an additional marketing or fundraising qualification desirable.
• A commitment to environmental and conservation issues, with a working knowledge of broad fundraising sector developments.

Please note: The role will initially be on a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed term contract for 12 months depending on the further need for maternity cover. Reporting to the Head of Private Philanthropy, the post will be based at ZSL’s head office in Regents Park however the programme may occasionally require the post holder to work some evenings and weekends when required which can be taken back in lieu.

Benefit Package

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.

To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 28th April 2019.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

ZSL kindly requests no contact from agencies or media sales please regarding this position.