National SPCA – Director of Development

Role Description:

The Director of Development will lead a dynamic team of fundraising, marketing and commercial professionals in developing and implementing an innovative and ambitious fundraising & income strategy to support the ongoing strategic development and financial sustainability of the National SPCA. The role will be responsible for leading the development of the NSPCA brand, maximising brand awareness and engagement. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing fundraising and commercial income strategies & plans, cultivating new and existing donor relationships, leveraging corporate and major donor relationships to support the strategic plan, and ensuring ethical and compliant fundraising practices. This role requires strategic thinking, deep fundraising expertise, commercial focus, a strong network of relationships, team leadership, and a passion for advancing the mission of the National SPCA.

Duties:

· Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising and commercial income strategies aligned with the organization's overall 5-year growth strategy and goals.

· Provide visionary leadership to the Fundraising, Marketing and Commercial teams, fostering a collaborative & results-driven culture.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government sources.

· Oversee various fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, major gifts, and grant applications and ensure maximum return on investment.

· Drive the development of our Retail propositions including retail shops, online store, dog training and other services to deliver sustainable growth in commercial income.

· Plan and execute key fundraising events to engage supporters, maximise brand exposure and generate substantial donations.

· Lead, mentor, and develop a team of fundraising, marketing and commercial professionals to consistently achieve performance targets.

· Develop a comprehensive set of KPI’s to track and monitor progress on fundraising, commercial income and brand engagement, ensuring corrective action is taken where required and in a timely manner.

· Prepare and present insightful reports on fundraising progress, commercial performance, return on investment, and donor engagement to the CEO, board and leadership.

· Leverage data analysis, insights and CRM tools to maximize the potential in donor relationship management in a structured and programmed way.

· Serve as a key organizational spokesperson and ambassador to increase visibility and build public trust and support for the NSPCA and its mission.

· Foster collaboration between fundraising, commercial, marketing, and other departments across the NSPCA to ensure a unified and integrated approach.

Competencies:

Fundraising and Commercial Skills:

· Proven experience in non-profit fundraising, donor relations, event planning, commercial management and strategic development.

Financial Acumen:

· Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, and data analysis for fundraising and commercial income progress.

Brand, Marketing and Communication:

· Experience in driving high impact brand and marketing campaigns that deliver high impact on income, donor engagement, and brand value.

Leadership:

Proven ability to manage and motivate a team to achieve ambitious goals.

Strategic Capability:

· Ability to develop long-term fundraising plans and identify new funding opportunities.

Relationship Building:

· Excellent communication, networking, and interpersonal skills to connect with diverse stakeholders.

Ethics and Compliance:

· Commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical fundraising and complying with relevant regulations.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in fundraising or commercial development with minimum 5 years in a senior leadership position.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in marketing, branding or communications.
Significant experience in developing and implementing multifaceted, national fundraising campaigns.
Experience in both not for profit and commercial organisations a distinct advantage.

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or related discipline.

Training and Certificates

· Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to the role.

Working Hours:

· Permanent, Full Time Role – 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

Location:

· This role is located in our National Office in Rathfarnham, but travel will be required to our other sites in Wicklow, Longford and Mallow on a regular basis.

Application Process:

Please apply including a CV and cover letter to recruitment@dspca.ie

Ref: National SPCA – Director of Development

Application closing date: 09/12/2025

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature of and the criteria required to perform this function. It will be subject to regular review with the post holder and the CEO.

The NSPCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, disability or membership of the travelling community.

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