Jobs

Director of Philanthropy

19/12/2025

The Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton’s global fundraising strategy, with a notable focus on securing major philanthropic gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.

You will be the engine that drives the financial success of our ambitious scientific and conservation programmes, translating Nekton’s vision to explore and protect the ocean into compelling cases for support. This role requires an entrepreneurial, strategic, and hands-on approach, leveraging a proven track record to secure very significant multi-year funding commitments.

About Nekton

Nekton is a pioneering marine science and conservation institute, a charitable foundation committed to rapidly accelerating the scientific exploration and protection of the ocean. Our global programmes combine cutting-edge scientific discovery, inspiring public engagement, and catalysing policy impact. This role is central to driving the financial ambition of our initiatives, including:

  • Ocean Census (Primary Focus): A UN-endorsed, global collaboration to discover ocean life
  • First Descent: Expedition-based deep ocean exploration and conservation
  • Ocean Rising: Connecting culture and the ocean
  • YACHTS for Science: Scientists to sea – matching private vessels with marine research.
  • New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major, sustained expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.
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Location: Hybrid / Oxford/ London, UK – 2 days a week, with international travel

Reports to: Chief Executive

Organisation: Nekton Foundation

Title: Director of Philanthropy

Contract: Full time, Permanent position

Salary Range: £80k+ (subject to experience)

Start: From 6th April

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23rd February 2026, with early applications recommended

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Responsibilities

I. Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and Execute Strategy: Co-define and execute a robust, multi-year fundraising strategy with a primary focus on major gifts and philanthropic foundations, aligning with Nekton’s mission and programme funding needs (e.g., Ocean Census, Global Voyage).
  • Funding Pipeline Management: Establish and manage a rigorous pipeline of prospects, setting clear revenue targets and tracking progress against annual and campaign-specific goals.
  • Budget & Forecasting: Work closely with the CEO and Finance team to develop accurate fundraising forecasts and budgets for all programmes.

II. Donor Relations & Management

  • Major Gift Fundraising: Proactively identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and major foundations capable of making seven-figure and multi-year commitments.
  • Case for Support: Create bespoke, compelling, and scientifically informed cases for support and proposal documents tailored to individual donor interests and programme needs.
  • Stewardship & Reporting: Ensure world-class stewardship, including regular updates, expedition invitations, and detailed impact reporting to maintain long-term donor relationships.

III. Collaboration & Communication

  • Programme Alignment: Work seamlessly with the Science and Operations teams to ensure deep knowledge of programme details, budget requirements, and specific funding needs, turning technical information into engaging donor communications.
  • CEO Support: Prepare the CEO for all major fundraising meetings, including drafting briefing notes, proposals, and presentations.
  • Cross-Sectoral Development: Explore and pursue opportunities in other income streams, including corporate partnerships and government/institutional funding, as appropriate.
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Key Attributes

I. Essential Attributes

  • Experience: Proven track record (7+ years) of securing significant six and seven-figure philanthropic gifts in a high-profile international organisation.
  • Networking: Extensive network and demonstrable success in cultivating relationships with global philanthropic foundations, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.
  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific and conservation initiatives into inspiring donor narratives and stand-out grant applications.
  • Strategy & Drive: Highly strategic, self-motivated, and target-driven, with the entrepreneurial mindset needed to build and manage a major giving pipeline independently.
  • Commitment: Passion for ocean science, exploration, and conservation, and a deep commitment to Nekton’s mission.
  • Travel: Willingness and ability to undertake international travel to meet with prospects and attend events.

2. Desired Attributes

  • Knowledge: Direct experience in fundraising for biodiversity, conservation, or scientific research programmes.
  • UK & Global Focus: Prior experience working with donors across UK and multiple international regions (e.g., notably Asia, Europe, North America).
  • Other Fundraising Experience: Other fundraising experience, such as Legacies, Direct Appeals, Corporate Partnerships and Events.
  • Transferable Skills: A strong network and proven success in philanthropy from adjacent sectors (e.g., climate, health, arts/culture, higher education) with transferable skills and contacts.
  • Leadership: Experience in potentially growing and mentoring a small fundraising team in the future.
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