Twycross Zoo is the first female-founded zoo in the UK, established in 1963 by Molly Badham MBE and Nathalie Evans, and today, an internationally recognised conservation charity. Set in beautiful scenery in the heart of England, the Zoo site spans across 100 acres and is home to 400 animals from over 80 species. 

 

We welcome over 600,000 visitors a year and offer a broad range of family and educational activities including animal experiences and tours, behind the scenes experiences, and indoor and outdoor play. 

 

In addition to our significant collection of animals, our work encompasses veterinary services, research programmes, conservation education and in-situ partnerships. Having launched an ambitious new Conservation Strategy and 10-year Masterplan in 2023, we are ready to embark on the next exciting chapter in the charity’s history. 

We have been awarded £18 million from levelling up funds to create the country’s first National Science and Conservation Centre and we aim to secure a further £2 million to create a resource that is world-leading in conservation research, science and education. Plans and designs for the project are well progressed and work will start on site in mid-2024. 

 

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Development professional who will work strategically and collaboratively at leadership level to leverage this unique opportunity.  By attracting significant income from philanthropic supporters and business partnerships, you will make a major contribution to securing Twycross Zoo as a national centre for science and conservation as well as a leading visitor attraction. 

Key responsibilities

 

·       Set and lead a new Development strategy in consultation with the CEO, Finance Director and Board, to drive forward strategic development and secure significant additional external funding to support the delivery of the conservation strategy and ten-year master plan

·       Develop and maintain a compelling case for support for the whole organisation, including the narrative to promote the NSCC

·       Network and cultivate relationships across the Midlands and nationally that will optimise the chance of major funding partnerships and income

·       Research and understand relevant political, social and economic objectives and initiatives, using them to inform pitches, presentations and funding negotiations

·       Set out how external strategic agendas can be aligned with potential donor interests and the internal ambitions and capacities of our charity.

·       Contribute to the delivery of the broader communications strategy to enhance public perception and position the organisation for further funding success

·       Build a broad and well-researched pool of prospective major funders, understanding donor motivations and identifying the initiatives and partnerships most likely to secure funding success 

·       Identify and develop new funding partnerships, holding a personal portfolio of leads, prospects and funders, and supporting the CEO, Director of Conservation and Trustees in the cultivation of others where more appropriate

·       Negotiate and secure major gifts (6-figure plus) from individual donors, grant-giving bodies and corporate sponsors to leverage the support already in place for the NSCC

·       Implement a high-quality stewardship approach to ensure all external funders and donors are informed and engaged on an ongoing basis, and are appropriately recognised and celebrated for their support 

·       Agree annual income and expenditure budgets for all Development activity

·       Ensure compliance with internal policy and external regulation including Data Protection legislation and the Code of Fundraising Practice

·       Provide regular performance reports for the CEO and Trustees as necessary

·       Draw up and implement a plan for a new Development Department to be built over the next five years, capitalising on the new organisational strategy and securing support for the new business plan

·       Work with the CEO, senior leadership team and Trustees to foster an overall organisational outlook conducive to major external funding success

·       A strong sense of integrity and personal credibility, able to build trust at all levels of seniority

·       A proven track record in initiating and securing 6- and 7-figure gifts from donors, grant-givers and strategic funders

·       Highly developed communication skills (written, verbal and in presentations)

·       A skilled and socially confident networker, able to build and manage strategic relationships at senior level

·       A strategic thinker able to flex and adapt your style to match the needs of your audience

·       Experience in building a team and embedding a culture where fundraising can flourish

·       Systematic approach to fundraising with excellent attention to detail

·       Committed to excellent internal relations as well as external

·       A commitment to the mission and values of the organisation

At Twycross Zoo, you’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation, with staff engagement at its very core. We offer a diverse range of roles and are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. Our team strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore contribute to saving, the other species with which we share our planet. 

 

Initially, we think this role requires 22.5 hours a week and we are open to a conversation about how you will manage this. We can also consider full-time hours, the most important thing is finding the right candidate. Please state your preference in your covering letter.