Associate Director of Fundraising & Development
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Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
9 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Locations: Wallingford (preferred) or Edinburgh LancasterBangoror London.
PermanentFlexible&Hybrid working (50/50)
Closing date: 9 March 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate so we encourage you to apply early.
This is a rare opportunity to build something entirely new-and to shape the future of environmental science for generations to come.
UKCEH is a worldleading independent environmental science institute with a 60year legacy of extraordinary research and impact. With our ambitious strategy now in motion we are embarking on a major shift: developing our first ever philanthropic and partnershipsprogrammeto unlock transformative investment in landairand water.
We are seeking a visionary entrepreneurial fundraising leader to design launch and grow this function from the ground up-and to spearhead a landmark 50m campaign supporting science that mattersforpeople and the planet.
Why this role matters
Environmental science has never been more important. UKCEHs data models and insight shape national and global understanding of biodiversity loss water security climateresilienceand sustainable land use. Philanthropy corporatepartnershipand crowdfunding will now play a defining role in extending that impact.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Create UKCEHs first philanthropy and partnershipsprogramme-taking the first steps we have been putting in place to build the strategy systemscultureand team needed for longterm success.
Work in close partnership with the Executive Director of Partnerships & Impact our Chair and Board of Trustees and our brilliant scientists and innovators ensuring fundraising is fully aligned withorganisationalambition external engagement and UKCEHs Case for Support.
Lead a major multiyear fundraising campaign supported by an influential Campaign Planning Group that is already formed and active.
Inspire highvalue supporters from philanthropists and foundations to global corporates and missionaligned partners as well as inspiring the public tosupporte.g. our citizen science.
Shape compelling narratives and Cases for Support turning complex science into powerful fundable stories.
Establishthe governance and capability to ensure theprogrammebecomes selfsustaining by 2028.
Confidently track and deliver against Return on Investment targets
For the role of Associate Director of Fundraising & Developmentwerelooking for somebody whohas:
A track recordof securing major gifts including sixand sevenfigure commitments.
Experience shaping or building a fundraisingprogrammeand team-ideally frominception.
Credibility and confidence engaging at the highest levels with HNWI donors foundationscorporatesand senior volunteers.
Strategic vision matched with rollyoursleevesup delivery.
An entrepreneurial mindset and the resilience to create momentum in a complex environment.
A passion for environmental impact and the science and innovation that drives it.
Travel across the UK particularly to London will be; occasional international travel may occur.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks such as:
27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
10% employer pension contribution
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
Peer reward and recognition scheme
Dental insurance gym/fitness discounts retail discount portal
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
24-hour 365-day support with physical mental social health or financial issues and much more...
Shape the future of environmental science
Ifyoureexcited by the prospect ofestablishinga highperforming fundraising function from scratchand working with influential leaders across UKCEH and our Campaign Planning Groupwedbe delighted to hear from you.
Please apply bysubmittingyour CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At UKCEH we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds identities abilities and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities andwerehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us youreexcited about this role but your experiencedoesntalign perfectly with every requirementwedlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.
Please note:Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Crisis Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Fundraising
- Media Relations
- Constant Contact
- Strategic Planning
- Social Media Management
- Team Management
- Public Speaking
- Wordpress
- Writing Skills
About Company
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is a world-class research organisation focusing on land and freshwater ecosystems
