Development Manager

Job description

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donors)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)

Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals

Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement

Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience

Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events

Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance

Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:

✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising

✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills

✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals

✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders

✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)

⏰ Full time, 35 hrs/week

25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas

Pension + Employee Assistance Programme

Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:

Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two‑pages) to dswf@davidshepherd.org by midday, Monday 20^th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.

For full details and application pack visit:

https://davidshepherd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Development-Manager-Application-Pack-March-2026.pdf

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Shalford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-04-2026

Profession type

Management

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English