Nekton Mission
Director of Philanthropy
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Director of Philanthropy
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.
Key initiatives include:
- 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: Matching private vessels with marine research.
- New 5-Year Global Voyage: A major expedition to explore and protect the ocean globally.
The Role: Director of Philanthropy
This is a pivotal, high-impact role responsible for co-defining, executing, and managing Nekton’s global fundraising strategy, with a focus on securing major philanthropic gifts to accelerate our mission.
Key Focus: Secure six-figure and seven-figure multi-year commitments to ensure Nekton can execute its bold scientific and conservation programmes.
Key Responsibilities
I. Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with Nekton’s mission and programme needs, prioritising Ocean Census and the 5-Year Global Voyage.
- Establish and maintain a rigorous funding pipeline with clear revenue targets, tracking progress against annual and campaign goals.
- Collaborate closely with the CEO and Finance team to shape accurate fundraising forecasts and budgets for all programmes.
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II. Donor Relations & Management
- Identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward a global portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and major foundations to secure seven-figure commitments.
- Create bespoke, compelling "cases for support" and proposal documents tailored to donor motivations.
- Deliver world-class stewardship through regular donor engagement, expeditions, and detailed impact reporting.
III. Collaboration & Communication
- Partner with Science and Operations teams to align programme knowledge, budgets, and needs into persuasive outreach materials.
- Prepare the CEO for major fundraising meetings with briefing notes, proposal drafts, and strategic presentations.
- Explore alternative income sources, including corporate partnerships and government/institutional funding.
Personnel Attributes
Essential
- 7+ years of experience in securing six/figure and seven-figure gifts in a high-profile setting.
- Extensive international donor networks, particularly with global philanthropic foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Exceptional written/verbal communication skills to distil complex science into award-winning narratives and grant proposals.
- Strategy-forward mindset, ability to work independently to build a major funding pipeline.
- Deep passion for ocean science and conservation with unwavering commitment to Nekton’s mission.
- Willingness to frequently travel internationally for prospect meetings.
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Desired
- Prior experience in biodiversity/conservation/scientific research fundraising.
- Working history with UK and international donors (e.g., Asia, Europe, North America).
- Exposure to other fundraising streams: Legacies, Direct Appeals, Corporate Partnerships, and Events.
- Skills transferrable from climate, health, arts/culture, or higher education philanthropy.
- Ability to lead and mentor future fundraising teams.
Location
Oxford (hybrid)
Department
Leadership Team
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
£80,000+
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