Legacy Fundraising Executive (Full-Time / Permanent)

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 all 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 Legacy Fundraising Executive is responsible for developing and managing the legacy and in memory fundraising strategy and programmes to generate sustainable and growing income streams. Our ambition, as part of the new strategy, is to significantly grow this important programme through the successful development, implementation and monitoring of a recruitment and stewardship plan driven by the post holder. The successful candidate will develop existing and create new and engaging activities that inspire, inform and empower a range of audiences to become legacy pledgers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the legacy and in-mem recruitment and stewardship programme to ensure an increase in legacy pledgers and an evolving supporter journey.
• Create and deliver an on-brand and impactful range of legacy and in-mem giving 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 and this sensitive nature of giving and that they remain alert to and refer opportunities to the post holder immediately.
• Cultivate relationships with legacy pledgers to ensure they are acknowledged by and engaged with ZSL through the most suitable, timely and personalised communications.
• Prepare and present monthly reports on activity and pipeline.
• Review and analyse sector trends for legacy and in-mem giving and apply those most appropriate and relevant for ZSL and our core audiences.
• Sensitively and timely steward those giving in memory of family, friends and colleagues to ensure their support is recognised in the most appropriate manner and coordinate all the administrative tasks for the programmes some of which may be delivered by key colleagues and departments.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience leading a legacy and in-memory supporter programme and fundraising from individuals.
• Be educated to degree level with an additional marketing or fundraising qualification desirable.
• Have project and strategy planning skillsand demonstrable experience of creating, monitoring and delivering a marketing and communications plan to recruit legacy pledgers.
• Be confident and comfortable in the sensitive stewardship of a range of prospects, supporters, solicitors 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. 
• A commitment to environmental and conservation issues, with a working knowledge of broad fundraising sector developments.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position 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 27th January 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.