We are seeking a committed and motivated Head of Fundraising to deliver the OCT’s ambitious fundraising requirements. This is a vital role for the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) leading on the development and delivery of the full spectrum of fundraising activities to support our mission. The post holder will be a key contributory member of the Senior Management Team.
The OCT has ambitious fundraising requirements. In addition to the funds raised through the National Marine Aquarium (NMA), the OCT needs a more diverse income stream to drive its core programmes, through the development of appropriate corporate, philanthropic and donation initiatives.
The post holder will need to understand the core programmes and develop appropriate schemes and campaigns to build a wide support network to secure a lasting pipeline of donations. They will need to be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, team focussed, comfortable liaising across the organisation to ensure integration with activities such as communication, research, membership, publications, partnerships and data and information services among others. They must own income targets and lead income growth, thinking in terms of pipelines, ROI, KPIs and lifetime value. In addition, they will be key to maximising use of the customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Overall, this role will be fundamental in developing the OCT as the leading Ocean conservation charity in the UK, generating significant new and diverse revenue streams to drive the Charity’s ambition. They must be capable of moving OCT beyond NMA visitor income, building a resilient, mixed portfolio.
You will lead a team of 3 staff members and be accountable for achieving specific funding goals to deliver our strategic plans. The post is based at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, UK. Flexible working arrangements include 3 days office/2 days home.
Applicants for the post will have a minimum of five years of fundraising leadership in the charity or non-profit sector with a proven track record of target-driven fundraising.
Salary and benefits
* Salary £45k.
* Company pension scheme with a matched employer’s contribution of up to 5%
* 28 days paid holiday per annum (including bank holidays)
* Up to 5 days additional holiday dependent on length of employment
* A day off on your Birthday
* Working for an Ocean Conservation Charity of repute
* Potential for some flexible working / home working
* Life Assurance scheme
* Length of service awards
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Discounted on-site parking
* Staff discounts up to 50%
* Complimentary family ticket each month on successful completion of probationary period
Essential skills/qualifications
• Significant experience of fundraising leadership in charity or non-profit sector
• Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising
• Thorough understanding of fundraising principles.
• Experience with individual giving, legacies and regular giving programmes from a range of socioeconomic groups
• Experience with campaign-driven projects with specific targets
• Proven success with donor prospecting, nurturing, stewardship and recognition
• Experience in managing a donor pipeline
• Proven success with grant applications
• Experience in utilising CRM systems to grow and manage fundraising prospects
• Ability to lead / manage team(s) to provide operational and strategic direction
• Ability to manage an area of responsibility including working with budgets and creating and contributing to the construction of a business plan
• Excellent communication skills with ability to confidently interact with individuals at all levels, internally and externally with stakeholders and customers
• Contract negotiation/experience skills
• Passion and an inquisitive and inventive mind
Desirable skills/qualifications
• Ability to produce a coherent and accessible written narrative for campaign development
• Understanding of relevant GDPR protection and Gift Aid legislation
Key Responsibilities include:
Please follow this link for the Job Description.
Closing date: 14th January 2026.
Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2nd February 2026.
In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit.
Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.