The Talent Set are delighted to be partnering with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to recruit their new Director of Development, a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of the organisation.
Director of Development
Salary - c.£85, dependent on experience with generous benefits
Location: London/New Forest with travel across the UK
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust combines scientific research with deep, trusted relationships across the countryside. Their research underpins some of the most influential conservation and land management practices used by private landowners, farmers, estates, and gamekeepers. With a heritage rooted in game and habitat management and a rapidly expanding focus on broader wildlife and biodiversity, the Trust is the conservation partner of choice for many rural communities.
Voluntary income accounts for c.40% of GWCTs annual income and the opportunity for growth is significant. The charity is now seeking a visionary and strategic fundraising leader to bring fresh direction, strengthen cross-organisational collaboration, and unlock untapped potential alongside an existing loyal and engaged supporter base.
As Director of Development you will shape and deliver a long-term strategy that links income streams, supporter journeys, and organisational touchpoints into a cohesive, data-driven plan. A significant part of the role is to strengthen the connection between GWCTs advisory work and philanthropy - turning ad-hoc interactions with estates, landowners and managers into strategic cultivation pipelines and long-term relationships.
Working closely with colleagues in Research, Advisory and Communications, you will ensure messaging, donor experience, and business development opportunities are aligned and compelling for new and existing audiences. With the next generation of rural landowners and conservation conscious supporters emerging, this role will also consider how GWCT can attract and inspire their support.
As Director of Development you will bring:
1. Broad fundraising expertise, with a strategic mindset of how to identify opportunities for growth and ensure sustainable income.
2. In depth understanding of major donor fundraising and the motivations of HNWIs, including landowners and international supporters.
3. A collaborative, relationship-driven leadership style, with proven success in bringing teams and functions together behind shared goals.
4. A strategic, commercial mindset, able to spot connections, opportunities and cross-selling potential across an organisation.
5. Experience leading income growth and building modern, data-led fundraising strategies.
6. The confidence and presence to engage influential individuals, senior volunteers, trustees, and high-profile stakeholders - including those from rural and countryside communities.
7. An understanding of, or genuine interest in, countryside issues, land management, and rural pursuits.
Please get in touch as soon as possible to express an initial interest, the deadline for applications (CV and cover letter) is Wednesday 22nd April, with 1st stage interviews commencing on 28th April and 1st May.
Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.