Job Description

Purpose of the role

Overview of the role:



The Head of Philanthropy is responsible for driving philanthropic income to support ZSL's mission by identifying, cultivating, and securing major gifts of seven and eight figures from High-Net-Worth individuals in the UK and internationally. The post also oversees the successful delivery and growth of ZSL's Patrons and Fellowship programmes, ensuring that all individual supporter groups are engaged, stewarded, and maximised for long-term value and impact.



Interview process: 1st stage virtual and 2nd stage in person with skills based testing.

This is a hybrid role with an expectation of 2 days per week minimum in the office and an additional expectation of donor visits/meetings. Evening and early morning meetings, event attendance etc are expected within the nature of this role.

All applications should be completed through Head of Philanthropy - Prospectus ?Recruitment Agency.

Key responsibilities:
Lead and deliver ZSL's Philanthropy Strategy, developing ambitious annual implementation plans, income targets, and an expenditure budget, alongside a three-year growth plan. Build and manage a robust fundraising pipeline of high-value prospects, creating and implementing bespoke cultivation strategies to secure major philanthropic gifts of 500k+, including transformational seven- and eight-figure donations. Establish and lead high-level Development and Campaign Boards, recruiting members, setting clear objectives, and driving their contribution to major gift cultivation and campaign delivery. Inspire and manage a high-performing team of fundraisers, providing leadership, mentoring and development, and creating a collaborative, inclusive, and ambitious environment Maintain strong internal relationships with conservation and research colleagues to ensure up-to-date knowledge of funded projects, enabling donors to receive timely updates and reporting that reflect the impact of their gifts.

About You

Evidence of success in setting strategy and delivering significant philanthropic income growth. Demonstrable success in identifying and recruiting donors to achieve income and other measurable targets, with a track record of making and securing 6-8 figure asks. Capital appeal fundraising experience. Experience of building credibility and developing productive working relationships with senior volunteers and supporters through Campaign Boards, fundraising volunteer committees. Evidence of building a high performing team.

No DBS check is required. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.



We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:


Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages
NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.

Please ensure you apply for this role through

Head of Philanthropy - Prospectus ?Recruitment Agency