Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is a charity that supports the evolution of thriving communities through effective philanthropy. The county’s wealth, success and beauty hide a number of serious and shocking social problems.
In 27 years OCF has stewarded over £20 million in philanthropic gifts; granted £14 million in funding to 1,400 charities and community groups; developed their philanthropic services to support a growing number of named funds; and built an endowment worth over £6.6 million. They distribute between £1 and 2 million in grants annually.
OCF were looking for a new Chief Executive who would lead on donor relationships, raise profile and represent the organisation across a broad range of stakeholders. The CEO would also oversee a collaborative and inclusive culture.
We were looking for a highly effective ambassador with a track record of raising income and of developing fundraising or business development strategies with solid relationship-building, networking and profile-raising skills.
We targeted chief executives and senior fundraising and business development individuals across the charity and private sectors, as well as the city’s two universities. Our search encompassed organisations within Oxford but also those who had previously lived or worked in the city. We worked closely with our Fundraising team colleagues to attract senior fundraisers ready for their first CEO role.
Zoe Srigings was appointed to the role. Zoe bought senior leadership experience in the non-profit sector and previously worked in the UK government. She was most recently Director, Business Planning and Reporting at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (£30 million annual revenue, 300 staff and 100 member cities) where she developed the organisation’s strategy which persuaded funders to double their investment to more than £120 million over four years. With a track record in programme management and securing funds from major donors, Zoe had also undertaken her Masters at University of Oxford. She also brings Trustee and Chair experience.