Senior Development Director AKA Hummingbird Pollinator

This is a new role at Canopy, created at a pivotal moment in our growth story. Following a transformational gift from The Audacious Project (TAP), we are expanding our philanthropic ambition and building a long-term strategy to sustain and grow this level of impact.

The Hummingbird Pollinator will be at the center of this evolution — crafting and leading the philanthropic strategy that carries Canopy into its next era of growth. This is a new role, designed for a strategic, creative leader who thrives on building something bold and lasting.

This is a rare opportunity for a strategic builder and relationship weaver who thrives in motion — creating connections, spreading ideas, and catalyzing growth across an ecosystem of funders and partners.

  • Location

    UK or EU preferred (remote)

  • Position Type

    Full-time, Permanent

  • Reports to

    Head of Executive Relations

  • Start Date

    ASAP

  • Compensation

    £90,000 - £120,000 (dependent on experience)

The Role

The Hummingbird Pollinator is a strategic and external-facing leader who combines vision with agility, precision with creativity. They will guide Canopy’s Philanthropic Partnerships team in cultivating high-value relationships, securing transformational funding, and embedding a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

As part of Canopy’s leadership team, the Hummingbird Pollinator will serve as a trusted advisor on fundraising strategy, donor relations, and organizational sustainability — ensuring every partnership fuels our mission and amplifies Canopy’s impact on the world’s forests and climate.

The Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Philanthropic Vision

  • Develop and execute Canopy’s 5-year philanthropic strategy, aligning major gifts, institutional partnerships, and stewardship with Canopy’s bold goals.
  • Set and achieve ambitious revenue targets, ensuring forecasting and pipeline accuracy.
  • Collaborate across teams to integrate storytelling, communications, and immersive engagement into all donor interactions.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead and mentor the Development Director and Donor Engagement Specialist.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture.
  • Partner with Grants, Research, and Analytics colleagues to ensure seamless execution and reporting.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Building

  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-value donor and institutional partnerships.
  • Lead high-impact donor experiences that inspire connection and long-term commitment.
  • Represent Canopy externally as a trusted, strategic ambassador to our philanthropic partners.

Philanthropic Culture & Collaboration

  • Champion a culture of philanthropy across Canopy — helping all teams understand and celebrate the power of donor partnerships.
  • Equip colleagues with the tools and confidence to engage in meaningful donor storytelling.
  • Work cross-functionally to ensure that philanthropic principles are integrated into all strategic planning and communications.

About Canopy

At Canopy, we partner with the world’s largest brands and innovators to protect the world’s forests, species, and climate. We’re a not-for-profit that makes the impossible happen — building market solutions to keep Ancient and Endangered Forests standing and scale Next Gen alternatives that change supply chains forever.

Why Join Canopy

This is a rare moment to join a movement on the rise. With a transformational foundation in place and a clear path toward long-term sustainability, the Hummingbird Pollinator will help shape the next era of Canopy’s philanthropic growth.

You’ll join a globally distributed team of innovators and advocates, united by the belief that bold collaboration can protect the planet’s most vital forests — and transform industries along the way.

About You

You are agile, curious, and creative. You see patterns others miss, forge connections that spark growth, and thrive in dynamic environments. You’re both strategic and relational, bringing energy, empathy, and excellence to every interaction.

You bring:

  1. 10+ years of experience in fundraising, major gifts, or institutional philanthropy, including leadership experience.
  2. A record of securing transformative gifts and managing complex donor portfolios.
  3. Experience leading and mentoring collaborative, high-performing teams.
  4. Strategic thinking paired with operational excellence.
  5. Creativity, curiosity, and a “Yes AND…” mindset.
  6. Excellent communication and relationship skills that inspire confidence.
  7. Resilience, adaptability, and humour.
  8. Passion for environmental impact, conservation, or systems change.
Apply now and take flight as our next Hummingbird Pollinator.
Search