Job Description

Job description
Director of Development - Dundee Heritage Trust


Abeer Macintyre Consultancy is recruiting, on behalf of Dundee Heritage Trust, for a Director of Development.

About Dundee Heritage Trust

Dundee Heritage Trust is a charity dedicated to preserving and sharing Dundee's rich cultural and scientific heritage. It operates two award-winning visitor attractions, Discovery Point, home of the RRS Discovery (the ship that took Scott and Shackleton to the Antarctic), and Verdant Works, an 1833 flax and jute mill that tells the story of the industry which shaped Dundee for almost 200 years.


The Trust generates around 2.2m annually through admissions, cafes, events, venue hire, fundraising and the capital appeal. To sustain and grow this work, Abeer Macintyre Consultancy is seeking, on behalf of the Trust, an exceptional Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy and team.


As Director of Development, you will


Lead the fundraising team and nurture their potential following a period of leadership change. Shape and deliver a multi-channel fundraising strategy, with a focus on major gifts, high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, legacies and international networks. Work closely with the Executive and Commercial Directors to align fundraising with earned income. Draw on the strength of a highly engaged Board, a well-connected Chair, and high-profile Patrons such as Brian Cox, Dan Snow and Lorraine Kelly.
This is a senior leadership role with the freedom to create your own strategy, supported by colleagues who understand what it takes to make fundraising thrive. The potential is significant, from polar exploration enthusiasts and the Scottish diaspora to corporate partnerships and legacy giving, and the platform is already set.


Person specification

Essential experience

Development and management of donor giving for not-for-profits or member-based organisations, or client development for commercial income generation and business development. A track record of achieving revenue targets from campaigns, activities and events.

Essential skills, abilities and attributes

Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial, self-motivated approach. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, evolving organisation. Proven success securing major gifts and or regular subscriptions from individuals, philanthropists, corporates and supporters. Creative thinker with strong written and verbal communication skills, able to craft compelling narratives that influence at the highest level. Experience of developing international networks and gifts. Personable, with excellent collaborative and team skills. Knowledge of the Scottish, UK and international philanthropic landscape and, ideally, a well-connected personal network.
How to apply


Please send a CV and covering letter, both no longer than two pages, by

31 October 2025

.

First-stage interviews:

Thursday

20 November 2025

in Dundee.

Second-stage interviews:

Tuesday morning

25 November 2025

via Zoom for top-placed candidates. Please keep this date free unless you are notified that you have not progressed.
If you have questions not covered in the candidate pack, please email the address above to arrange a convenient time to speak.