US & International Philanthropy Development

Terms: Project-based consultancy | Fully remote | 12 months

Fee: £30,000–£35,000 / $40,000–$47,000, including taxes and expenses

Application deadline: 26 July

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) is seeking an experienced international philanthropy and development professional to help grow our fundraising in the United States and other international markets. This is a rare opportunity to support an ambitious charity with a unique mission spanning heritage, conservation, the environment, public engagement and the captivating continent of Antarctica.

About the opportunity

UKAHT is at an important point in its development. Over the past five years, our fundraising income has increased by 400%, driven by investments in our team and proactive growth strategies. We have now developed an ambitious, long-term conservation masterplan to protect the fragile historic buildings in our care against the effects of a warming climate. To realise these plans, we need to build significant new philanthropic support.

Working closely with our Head of Development, CEO, Board and small fundraising team, you will shape and pilot a new international fundraising roadmap, with a particular focus on the US funding landscape.

You will:

• Tailor UKAHT’s Conservation Masterplan and wider case for support for US and international audiences
• Identify high-potential major donors, foundations and funding opportunities
• Develop a strong and well-researched prospect pipeline
• Lead proactive approaches, cultivation and relationship development
• Create stewardship and engagement plans for existing international supporters
• Produce a clear strategy and implementation roadmap with the UKAHT team
• Advise on US fundraising compliance

The project is expected to deliver a compelling, market-ready international case for support, a high-quality donor pipeline, active cultivation work, a practical stewardship plan and a clear compliance framework.

About you

We are looking for an ambitious, proactive and highly collaborative philanthropy professional who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will bring:

• Demonstrable experience of the US philanthropy and funding landscape
• A strong track record across major gifts, individual giving and/or foundations
• Excellent prospect research, cultivation and stewardship skills
• The ability to build trusted relationships with prospective donors and partners
• Experience shaping compelling cases for support for high-value audiences
• The confidence to lead a project independently while working closely with a small team
• An understanding of US fundraising compliance, or the expertise to advise UKAHT on an appropriate approach

You should be based either in the United States or in the UK, with recent connections and demonstrable experience in US philanthropy.

About UKAHT

UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is a charity helping more people to discover, value, understand and protect Antarctica. We care for seven Historic Sites and Monuments, including Port Lockroy, the “Penguin Post Office”, Shackleton’s Endurance shipwreck and five early research bases situated along 1,000 miles of remote Antarctic coastline. Alongside our conservation work, we deliver public engagement programmes that bring Antarctica closer to people around the world through virtual reality, podcasts, webinars, schools activities, arts projects and other digital and in-person experiences.

Contract and fee

This is a fully remote, 12-month project. The working pattern is flexible and may be delivered through agreed days each month or more concentrated periods of activity. The total project fee is £30,000–£35,000 / $40,000–$47,000 , including relevant taxes and expenses. The final scope, balance of deliverables, working pattern and payment schedule will be agreed with the successful candidate. A modest additional budget will be available for project delivery.

How to apply

Apply through the UKAHT jobs portal, submitting a proposal of no more than five pages outlining:

• Your suitability for the project, with examples of relevant work and/or your CV
• How you propose to deliver the project
• Your proposed working pattern and fee structure
• Two referees, who will only be contacted with your consent

For an informal discussion, contact Camilla Johns, Head of Development , at camilla.johns@ukaht.org .

Application deadline: 26 July

Exploratory discussions: week commencing 3 August

Start date: as soon as possible