

Marketing & Fundraising Executive
Do you want to change the world for whales?
After years spent performing in tanks, our beluga whales, Little Grey and Little White, now live in our sanctuary, learning how to be whales again. It's an incredible story, and we need someone who can tell it well; to visitors, donors, tourism partners, and everyone who's never heard of us yet. We're looking for a Marketing & Fundraising Executive who cares as much about that mission and wants to share it with the world.
You'll lead local marketing and communications, from social media and the website to email newsletters and PR, working closely with our Global Marketing team to keep the sanctuary's story reaching new audiences. You'll also help grow charitable income through donor communications and fundraising campaigns, build relationships with tourism operators and local partners, and manage visitor bookings and enquiries so every guest's experience starts on the right note.
This is a hands-on, creative role with real reach. You'll have the chance to shape how people around the world learns about Little Grey and Little White.
What you'll bring:
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Experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising
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A strong hand with social media, digital campaigns, and content creation (writing, photo, video)
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Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
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Confidence building relationships with external partners
Nice to have: experience in tourism, conservation, or the charity sector, CRM or email marketing platform experience, and Icelandic language skills.
Marketing & Communications
Support to develop and deliver an annual marketing plan that supports visitor growth, income generation and brand awareness.
Responsibilities include:
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Deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print and tourism channels.
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Manage the Beluga Whale & Puffin Sanctuary website, ensuring content remains accurate, engaging and up to date.
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Create and publish content across social media platforms.
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Produce engaging photography, video and written content to tell the Sanctuary's conservation story.
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Develop email marketing campaigns and supporter newsletters.
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Coordinate local PR opportunities and support the Global Marketing team with national and international media activity.
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Ensure all communications align with the SEA LIFE TRUST brand and tone of voice.
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Monitor campaign performance and recommend improvements based on data and insights.
Fundraising & Supporter Engagement
Support the growth of charitable income through effective fundraising communications and donor engagement.
Responsibilities include:
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Support the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns.
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Develop engaging donor communications and stewardship materials.
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Coordinate supporter updates and conservation impact stories.
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Support legacy and regular giving communications.
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Work with the wider SEA LIFE TRUST fundraising team to maximise opportunities for income generation.
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Identify local sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
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Assist with fundraising events and community initiatives.
Visitor Communications & Bookings
Manage all guest communications before arrival, ensuring an excellent customer experience from the first point of contact.
Responsibilities include:
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Manage visitor enquiries received via telephone, email and social media.
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Coordinate guided tours, VIP experiences, educational visits and group bookings.
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Maintain the Sanctuary booking calendar.
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Provide accurate visitor information and support special requests.
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Work closely with the Operations Supervisor to ensure operational readiness for all bookings and events.
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Process online bookings and refunds in accordance with company procedures.
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Monitor online reviews and visitor feedback, sharing trends and opportunities for improvement with the leadership team.
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Includes one weekend in admissions per month, shared with other office staff.
Tourism & Commercial Partnerships
Develop strong relationships that increase visitation and strengthen the Sanctuary's profile.
Responsibilities include:
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Build and maintain relationships with tourism operators, cruise lines, hotels, destination management organisations and local businesses.
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Develop new reseller and distribution opportunities.
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Represent the Sanctuary at local tourism meetings and promotional events.
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Support educational partnerships with schools, universities and community organisations.
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Identify opportunities for collaborative marketing campaigns.
Brand & Content Development
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Maintain a high-quality library of photography and video assets.
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Coordinate the production of printed marketing materials.
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Ensure interpretation and visitor-facing communications remain current and engaging.
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Support conservation awareness campaigns through compelling storytelling.
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Identify new opportunities to showcase the Sanctuary's conservation work across multiple platforms.
Business Performance
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Support delivery of annual visitor and fundraising targets.
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Monitor campaign performance using analytics and reporting tools.
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Prepare regular marketing and fundraising reports for the General Manager and Global Marketing team.
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Identify opportunities to improve visitor acquisition and supporter engagement.
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Manage local marketing budgets effectively and deliver value for money.
Leadership & Collaboration
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Work collaboratively with the Operations Supervisor to ensure an outstanding visitor experience.
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Support the wider Sanctuary team with marketing materials, events and campaigns.
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Build strong relationships with colleagues across SEA LIFE TRUST and Merlin Entertainments.
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Represent the Sanctuary professionally with partners, media and stakeholders.
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Promote a positive, collaborative and innovative working culture.
Business Impact / Results
Success in this role will be measured by:
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Delivery of annual visitor number targets.
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Growth in fundraising income and supporter engagement.
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Increased brand awareness and positive media coverage.
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Growth in website traffic and social media engagement.
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Successful delivery of marketing campaigns.
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Strong relationships with tourism partners and stakeholders.
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High-quality visitor communications and booking management.
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Delivery of annual marketing KPIs and budgets.
Essential
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Experience in marketing, communications or fundraising.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Experience managing social media platforms and digital marketing campaigns.
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Strong organisational and project management skills.
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Ability to create engaging written, photographic and video content.
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Experience building relationships with external partners.
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Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital marketing platforms.
Desirable
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Experience within tourism, conservation, charity or visitor attractions.
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Experience using CRM or email marketing platforms.
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Knowledge of website content management systems.
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Photography and video editing experience.
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Experience working with tourism trade partners.
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Icelandic language skills.
Key Competencies
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Creativity
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Communication
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Storytelling
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Relationship Building
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Customer Focus
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Commercial Awareness
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Planning & Organisation
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Initiative
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Collaboration
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Adaptability
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Attention to Detail
Health & Safety
The Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator is responsible for complying with all SEA LIFE TRUST and Merlin Entertainments Health & Safety policies and procedures, ensuring that all activities are undertaken safely and that any risks or incidents are reported appropriately.
Alongside working with a supportive, hard-working, and fun team, you’ll also receive:
Merlin Magic Pass: Free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends annually.
Discounted rates at Merlin hotels globally.
Enska
Íslenska










