Head of Individual Giving (Full-Time / Permanent)

About Us

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile

We have a new opportunity at ZSL to join as the Head of Individual Giving. This role will help raise funds from high value individual donors in support of ZSL’s mission objectives, and to build and increase a sustainable income stream.  The post will also be overseeing ZSL’s Patron, Fellowship and legacy giving activities, and ensures that all groups of individual supporters are managed effectively and efficiently, maximising their lifetime value to ZSL.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year strategy to secure income from high net worth individual donors.
• Embed a high quality, effective stewardship and cultivation programme for high value individual supporters across ZSL.
• Lead an effective prospect generating process to ensure an ongoing and strong pipeline of potential high level supporters.
• Personally manage an agreed caseload of high value individual relationships, and support senior staff and other colleagues managing other individual relationships.
• Work with the Development Director to support ZSL’s external Development Board.
• Identify and develop peer to peer opportunities using the contacts and networks of Board members and other supporters to recruit new prospects, proactively networking and liaising with trustees, directors and senior members of the organisation, providing the highest quality support and strategic direction for fundraising approaches to their contacts.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the ZSL Patrons programme and the ZSL Fellowship programme.
• Oversee ZSL’s legacy giving programme.
• Be responsible for budget management, target setting and achievement, planning, monitoring and forecasting, and performance and development of line reports.

Person Specification

• A degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in an animal/biology related subject.
• Extensive experience working with and creating successful relationships with high net worth individuals.
• Demonstrable success in identifying and recruiting donors to achieve income and other measurable targets, with a track record of making and facilitating five- and six-figure asks.
• Experience in the development and implementation of an appropriate strategy and to manage the resources (including staff) required ensuring fundraising targets are met.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the major giving process and the various techniques used.
• Able to design cultivations and proposals that meet the needs of both donor and ZSL, involving appropriate personnel to help design and present these.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships with donors at all levels. Able to manage relationships across organisations and work with key personnel across ZSL.
• Excellent people management and leadership skills.

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) and can do this 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 1st April 2018.

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.