Since its foundation in 1969, The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse to an international animal welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules worldwide. Today, we have 15 sanctuaries around the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe, and we have delivered veterinary, welfare, and educational programmes in almost 40 countries around the world. We improve the lives of millions of donkeys and mules most in need and through them, the people and communities that rely on them for their own survival.

Our vision is for a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and we are working to achieve this through field projects, research, being a veterinary centre of excellence, education and advocacy, promoting lasting collaborations with communities, partner NGOs, governments, media and the public.

In an exciting time of growth, and as we near the halfway point of our ambitious 2023 – 2027 strategy, we are looking to appoint a new Executive Director of Resources.

Reporting directly to the CEO, Marianne Steele, and working as part of a small senior leadership team, the new Executive Director of Resources will help drive measurable global impact with assurance through the delivery of effective systems, services, finance, and business intelligence. They will have oversight of global Donkey Sanctuary service and resourcing activities, particularly in the development and delivery of a sustainable financial strategy and building operational effectiveness through optimal information systems, data and strong financial/compliance controls. They will line-manage the Director of Finance and the Director of Information Systems and Data Management.

The role cuts across all areas of The Donkey Sanctuary’s UK and worldwide operations. Strong candidates will have significant experience of developing, streamlining, and delivering high-performing services across a complex and ideally global organisation. They will have a track record of engaging and inspiring others in ‘big picture’ thinking, yet also be happy to work in the detail.

Key areas of focus for this role will include embedding innovation and agility for measurable improvement and making the most of our valuable resources by building compliant frameworks around solid organisational design foundations as we aspire to increase our global impact.

The Donkey Sanctuary is looking for data-driven and analytical candidates, with strong people skills – candidates who are experienced in leading change with a proven ability to drive a collective sense of purpose.

Candidates will have compassion, empathy and respect for donkeys and mules, and for those who work with them. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and innovating The Donkey Sanctuary’s operations, systems, and processes to ensure that we have a positive and long-lasting impact.

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday.

The working pattern for this role will combine onsite and home working under our guiding principles for such roles.

The closing date for all applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter and addressed to dirresdonkeysanctuary@minervasearch.com is 7 February 2025.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.