Head of Development

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Trusts and Foundations income stream at Global Canopy, bringing exemplary relationship management and stewardship strategies to continue establishing the programme for long-term impact and nurturing a small but successful team, supporting them to reach in-year and future income targets.

Key Responsibilities

As a confident and energetic member of Global Canopy’s Development team, you will:

• Oversee the delivery of our Trusts and Foundations programme, shaping plans to ensure outstanding donor engagement and stewardship, future income growth and the delivery of our mission for forests, people and nature
• Personally manage a portfolio of prospects and existing funders at the six- and seven-figure level, inspiring them to give for the first time and continue or increase their giving
• Support the Trusts/Foundations fundraising team to develop a continuous pipeline of unrestricted and restricted funding opportunities
• Working alone and in partnership with other team members, develop high-quality tailored communications, including cases for support, bespoke proposals, concept notes and donor reports that demonstrate Global Canopy’s impact
• Engage and build relationships with peer and partner organisations to identify and explore opportunities for partnership funding applications
• Represent the voice of fundraising on strategic internal Boards and Working Groups, ensuring excellent communication flow between them and the Development team
• Collaborate effectively across the organisation at all levels, operating as a supportive and reliable fundraising colleague
• Work with colleagues across programmes, communications, operations and finance to shape annual plans and budgets
• Leverage your understanding of market trends to adapt our approach to fundraising and donor engagement
• Effectively manage a high performing Trusts/Foundations team providing clear objectives, supervision and support to enable them to thrive in their roles
• Ensure your and the team’s work is fully compliant with both our own policies and the latest charity legislation and standards of practice
• Ensure that our CRM (Salesforce) is used effectively, kept up to date and accurately maintained with prospect and donor information
• With the Director of Income and Philanthropy Lead, contribute to the effective management of the Development team as a whole and a strong organisational fundraising culture
• Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Director of Income

Skills and Experience

Successful candidates will:

• Have a proven track record of having identified, cultivated and secured six- and seven-figure funding partnerships with trusts/foundations
• Have proven experience of building relationships of trust, working collaboratively and in close partnership with internal stakeholders to deliver joint outcomes 
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, confident in synthesising complex information for external-facing, donor-friendly communication and talking with funders, prospects and stakeholders
• Be adept in negotiating in complex environments with multiple stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes 
• Be skilled in adapting your style of management to meet individual needs and provide support to team members in achieving their professional and developmental goals 
• Be familiar with the Fundraising Code of Practice and/or other relevant fundraising best practice frameworks
• Have excellent relationship management skills and high emotional intelligence
• Have strong financial literacy, including budgeting and financial reporting
• Be able to work well under pressure and manage multiple priorities and demands
• Have experience in working in the forests, nature and/or climate sectors, preferably in a global context
• Familiarity with the human rights and social dimensions of commodity-driven deforestation and environmental degradation and/or the nexus between human rights and nature-related issues would also be beneficial.

Essential Behavioural Competencies

• Proactive and agile, seeking opportunities to grow income in a dynamic and creative environment
• Passionate about demonstrating how funders can contribute to ending deforestation, an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights 
• Enthusiasm and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalise on new opportunities 
• Effective and positive team-player with a strong preference for collaboration

Salary

£55k-65k full time equivalent

This role sits within Band C on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.

Nature of contract

Full time / Permanent. We are a flexible employer and welcome candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Base

Our office is in Oxford, with flexible home-working arrangements in place.

Holidays

36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension

Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan

Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children. 

Group Life Assurance 

Paying a lump sum of 3 times annual salary

Group Income Protection

Paying 75% of annual salary for up to 2 years (for long term sickness).

Employee Assistance Programme

Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other

Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please follow the instructions and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter.

The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. Please no more than 2 pages.

All candidates are asked to complete an anonymous diversity monitoring form when they apply.

The closing date for applications is 21 July 2025 at 09:00 UK time. Early application encouraged. We may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified.

Screening calls are provisionally planned for w/c 28th July, and will be conducted remotely via a video call.