Deputy Head of Philanthropy

Eden Scott is delighted to be working with the National Trust for Scotland, Scotland’s leading conservation and membership charity. They protect and share places, landscapes and collections of national significance so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Fundraising is central to achieving the charity’s ambitions. In 2025/26, the Fundraising & Philanthropy team raised more than £15 million against a target of £11.9 million. The Trust is finalising a new five-year fundraising strategy to accelerate high-value fundraising, strengthen long-term supporter relationships and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

This is an opportunity to join a successful and high-performing team, and to help turn an ambitious fundraising strategy into sustained income and organisational impact. Reporting to the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy, the Deputy Head of Philanthropy will lead an experienced group of fundraising managers, coordinate delivery across a diverse portfolio and connect supporters with some of Scotland’s most significant places, landscapes and collections.

The Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy leads the Trust’s fundraising strategy and sets its strategic direction providing senior operational leadership, translating that strategy into coordinated plans, priorities and measurable results across the fundraising portfolio.

The postholder leads and develops five Fundraising Managers, oversees major campaigns and appeals, and ensures that resources, budgets, data and activity are aligned with the strategy and wider organisational priorities.

Key accountabilities include:

Strategy, performance and organisational leadership

Support the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy to implement the fundraising strategy, translating its direction into coordinated annual plans, priorities, targets and performance measures.

People leadership

Lead, coach and develop five Fundraising Managers, setting clear expectations and holding them

accountable for agreed objectives and results.

Supporter experience and fundraising standards

Lead the development and delivery of a consistent supporter journey that strengthens stewardship, retention and long-term value.

Campaigns and income growth

Under the strategic leadership of the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy, direct the planning, delivery and evaluation of major campaigns and appeals to achieve agreed project and income targets.

Financial, data and operational oversight

Oversee the development and management of income and expenditure budgets, forecasts and recovery plans across the fundraising portfolio.

Stakeholder engagement and representation

Develop trusted relationships with senior leaders, colleagues and internal stakeholders so that

fundraising is integrated into organisational planning and decision-making and represents the National Trust for Scotland at relevant events, conferences and networking opportunities.

Key skills and experience required:

• Senior-level experience of leading multidisciplinary fundraising teams and delivering sustained income growth.
• A strong track record of translating strategy set by senior leadership into costed plans, priorities, targets and measurable results.
• Substantial knowledge of several fundraising disciplines and the ability to lead effectively across a broad portfolio.
• Experience of leading complex, high-value campaigns or appeals involving multiple internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop experienced managers.

This role offers an excellent competitive salary within a range of £58,132–£63,603 with significant company benefits.

Can be based anywhere across the Central belt of Scotland with occasional travel across Scotland for meetings and events.

Eden Scott is dealing exclusively with the Trust on this vacancy so to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV online and for an informal chat or to receive the full role information pack please call Sally on 07776 662506.

Closing date is 5.00pm Monday 9th November 2026 with interviews w/c 16 November 2026